I'm curious to know what you guys think about this... What's your reaction when a skater performs a program that references winning, losing, and/or gold? Here are some examples I can think of, off the top of my head:
Michelle Kwan's EX to "Fields of Gold" at the 2002 Olympics: The song is about something different, but Kwan chose to emphasize the "gold" element of it by wearing a metallic gold dress. I actually still think this is one of the most beautiful and expressive exhibition skates I have ever watched, but it took me awhile to appreciate it because I was initially so distracted by that constant reminder of the gold medal she had failed to win.
Gracie Gold's EX to "Maybe This Time," from Worlds last season: Oh, Gracie... This EX was painful for me to watch. It worked beautifully at Nationals when she actually did win, but at Worlds the words of that song (and, if I remember correctly, the choreographed fist-pumps!) just further emphasized what she didn't win and twisted the knife for all her fans and sympathizers. I think this was an unfortunate choice for her.
And now this year, Mirai Nagasu's free program will apparently be to "The Winner Takes it All." I think this is a much more nuanced choice than the other two; in some ways, for her, I can see it as a protest song. But I still think it is a risky choice because it could draw the audience's attention back to the fairness or unfairness of the competition, rather than allowing them to become absorbed in her performance.
Does anyone else feel strongly about this, or is it just me?
Michelle Kwan's EX to "Fields of Gold" at the 2002 Olympics: The song is about something different, but Kwan chose to emphasize the "gold" element of it by wearing a metallic gold dress. I actually still think this is one of the most beautiful and expressive exhibition skates I have ever watched, but it took me awhile to appreciate it because I was initially so distracted by that constant reminder of the gold medal she had failed to win.
Gracie Gold's EX to "Maybe This Time," from Worlds last season: Oh, Gracie... This EX was painful for me to watch. It worked beautifully at Nationals when she actually did win, but at Worlds the words of that song (and, if I remember correctly, the choreographed fist-pumps!) just further emphasized what she didn't win and twisted the knife for all her fans and sympathizers. I think this was an unfortunate choice for her.
And now this year, Mirai Nagasu's free program will apparently be to "The Winner Takes it All." I think this is a much more nuanced choice than the other two; in some ways, for her, I can see it as a protest song. But I still think it is a risky choice because it could draw the audience's attention back to the fairness or unfairness of the competition, rather than allowing them to become absorbed in her performance.
Does anyone else feel strongly about this, or is it just me?