In other words...Liza gets inflated PCS for her jumps...
In other words...Liza gets inflated PCS for her jumps...
Except in this case, it already has. His PCS for the FS at WTT was a new PB internationally for him.
Liza gets high marks because she jumps like a beast and skates with confidence and attack.
I guess what they're trying to say is conforming to the norm doesn't always translate into higher marks. So Youn has had ballet training but she doesn't get higher marks while other skaters who are not balletic (like Liza) get high marks just fine.
I don't think Max needs to balletic but I can understand why he would want to, I'd like to watch him for a season before deciding whether or not it helps him
Hmm. I think there is some YMMV. Not everyone wants to see a program that's too precise, choreographed, planned-out, ect. There can be appeal in something more wild and organic. I see it as a balancing act--how to come across as refined (vs. sloppy), but at the same time, how to appear authentic rather than "my choreographer planned it."So I used this Max article in a paper I'm writing at the moment and sort of discussed this issue. Summing up my argument here (partially to see what people think, and partially because I think I'm right want to contribute to this discussion):
Being balletic to earn high PCS certainly isn't necessary. OTOH, exhibiting intentionality and precision in movement is necessary to receiving high PCS (at least theoretically, but not necessarily in judging practice ). Dance in general is basically all about intentional, precise movements, while ballet is especially known for this. Thus, for skaters like Max who are known for sloppy skating and lacking choreography--whether such a criticism is valid or not, because I'm not here to pass judgement on Max's skating--it's logical to turn to ballet to exhibit more intentionality and precision in their movements.
Based on his WTT scores, it seems to be working so far. I'm looking forward to seeing his programs develop further.
So I used this Max article in a paper I'm writing at the moment and sort of discussed this issue. Summing up my argument here (partially to see what people think, and partially because I think I'm right want to contribute to this discussion):
Being balletic to earn high PCS certainly isn't necessary. OTOH, exhibiting intentionality and precision in movement is necessary to receiving high PCS (at least theoretically, but not necessarily in judging practice ). Dance in general is basically all about intentional, precise movements, while ballet is especially known for this. Thus, for skaters like Max who are known for sloppy skating and lacking choreography--whether such a criticism is valid or not, because I'm not here to pass judgement on Max's skating--it's logical to turn to ballet to exhibit more intentionality and precision in their movements.
Based on his WTT scores, it seems to be working so far. I'm looking forward to seeing his programs develop further.
Hmm. I think there is some YMMV. Not everyone wants to see a program that's too precise, choreographed, planned-out, ect. There can be appeal in something more wild and organic. I see it as a balancing act--how to come across as refined (vs. sloppy), but at the same time, how to appear authentic rather than "my choreographer planned it."
Where exactly we draw the line depends on personal taste. And sometimes it's not a line--for me personally, it's a thick bar that covers a broad range. I can accept precise or wild depending on the choice of music, and how well it's executed (whether the effect is refinement or wild abandon matters less).
(Not debating your thesis with you! I guess I'm just... forming a thesis of my own! )
Everyone's focusing on the balletic nature of things, but ignoring that Phillip Mills is also known for complex choreography and transitions. Just watch at how much fewer crossovers and two foot gliding max has in black swans compared to West side Story or carmen or gladiator, when for half the program he would just skate across the ice gaining speed for his quads.
Now this does make sense to me. I was one who initially shook my head at these choices, having thought Max would do better with "athletic" and "powerful" and "fun". Having seen the programs, I give all credit to Max: he had the right idea. He is working, and working well, on those areas that everyone appears to love to criticize. Some elements need work (those spins?:hopelessness but I think Max can, and will, improve on them.
And what does she have anything to do with this?
You know, I almost wouldn't mind if he kept the old Carmen costume for the Black Swan. As long as it has been thoroughly de-jinxed!
Everyone's focusing on the balletic nature of things, but ignoring that Phillip Mills is also known for complex choreography and transitions. Just watch at how much fewer crossovers and two foot gliding max has in black swans compared to West side Story or carmen or gladiator, when for half the program he would just skate across the ice gaining speed for his quads.
Mills has added much more complex turns and full body movements, and it translates not just in performance/execution and skating skills, but in the transitions mark. It's a huge contrast to previous programs. (for any TSL fans, check out their IJS breakdown video of the transitions mark and listen to how they describe max's programs from two years ago... So different from black Swan.). I see a ton of potential for this program.
I wish there were another word instead of "balletic" in play here. For me, it is hard to think of any figure skater who is balletic. In the men's division, after John Curry the list gets pretty short. Many skaters move gracefully to music, as do ballroom dancers, tap dancers, modern jazz dancers, square dancers, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. In the judging of skating competitions, I believe that the PCSs are pretty much keyed to the Skating Skills component.
Machida was very enamored of the balletic style of skating, and Lambiel too...
Ballet http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...tte,_Kitri_-_Prix_de_Lausanne_2010-7_edit.jpg
(Photo credit: "Chenxin Liu - Don Quichotte, Kitri - Prix de Lausanne 2010-7 edit" by Fanny Schertzer.0
Figure skating http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Sasha_Cohen_Split_Jump.jpg