Free Dance - 2013 Trophée Eric Bompard

[beabstress]

Papadakis/Cizeron Best performance of the night, if you ask me! Guillaume is an incredible dancer, Gabriella not as well, but I really enjoyed them. Hope they'll do even better nex week!

Guillaume has star quality--there's just something about him that makes you sit up and take notice. I couldn't take my eyes off him during their FD. And for that reason, I think Gabriella is the perfect partner for him. I think that in every dance team, one of the partners will shine more brightly than the other; it's inevitable, and not at all a slam against the partner who is more in the background. It used to be that it was always the woman who was front and center (Torvill and Dean were one of the big exceptions to that rule in their time). Now, we're seeing teams where it's the MAN who draws the attention. Gabriella is lovely and subtle, and she looks marvelous skating with Guillaume. I'm very much looking forward to this team becoming France's #1 when P/B retire!

 

[KKonas]

Giving everyone a break from the Ice Dance wars, to say... I Papadakis/Cizeron's FD(I just got a chance to watch it just now)! I know from a technical/polish standpoint, they still have a lot of work to do, but I just love their rock-and-roll dance style. They have this sort of abandon to their dancing that I adore.

And the music is really awesome, I'm going to have to listen to more of this artist's songs!

They will definitely be French No. 1 when P/B retire. I think they have a bright future ahead.

Yes, I agree. They are fun to watch. I will enjoy watching them develop in the coming years.

 

[KKonas]

I liked the music very much. But I found the program itself didn't seem to gel or have any particular point. The ending was abrupt as if the music suddenly ended and that was all there is.

I find the FD program music quite bland - it doesn't seem to have a real beginning or end. V/M are fine technical skaters but this program doesn't take you anywhere - it just meanders across the ice with typical romantic glances. Their SD is much better.

 

[bramweld]

I find the FD program music quite bland - it doesn't seem to have a real beginning or end. V/M are fine technical skaters but this program doesn't take you anywhere - it just meanders across the ice with typical romantic glances. Their SD is much better.

I have a feeling that they're still working on their technical issues. Finlandia, despite the low score was their best showing of it, IMHO. COP is a killer when trying to manage past injuries. They'll need more time to hit their peak form as usual. Meryl and Charlie albeit hard workers just seem blessed with physical strength and just the ideal difference in body size.

 

[FSGMT]

Just watched P/B: they were terribly underscored in the TES, for me. Their twizzles, for example, were excellent, they deserved to receive the same GOE as I/K, AT LEAST!! And, the step sequences: the total +GOE for I/K was 2.57, for P/B 3, the difference should have been a lot bigger and, overall, I feel that the step sequences GOEs for P/B should have been more or less the same as V/M, their step sequences were really well-executed... This result is really a joke :disapp:

 

[bramweld]

They would have won the silver medal, you know if they only they hadn't made that costly error on the lift and their spin also was not the best. As for twizzles I/K were much faster and perfectly aligned so on the day I had no problem with the score. The real issue is I/K should have been leading from the S/D which I think is superior to P/B or at the very least, on the day I/K performed theirs better. But alas there is no need for Nathalie to be so dramatic, these are early days in the Olympic season. There are many talented and hungry teams vying for medals, does she somehow think she's entitled to it? No need for tears, just roll up your sleeves and get down to work. P/B are going to the GPF, I/K are not. I/K will be the least of their problems. I just feel that W/P are hungry and working like beasts

 

[elif]

Just watched P/B: they were terribly underscored in the TES, for me. Their twizzles, for example, were excellent, they deserved to receive the same GOE as I/K, AT LEAST!! And, the step sequences: the total +GOE for I/K was 2.57, for P/B 3, the difference should have been a lot bigger and, overall, I feel that the step sequences GOEs for P/B should have been more or less the same as V/M, their step sequences were really well-executed... This result is really a joke :disapp:

We are watching different dances then Their twizzles are just slow and even with that they are not synchronized at all. Look at the second set please. They are lucky to get that GOE. One judge even gave them +3

 

[FSGMT]

We are watching different dances then Their twizzles are just slow and even with that they are not synchronized at all. Look at the second set please. They are lucky to get that GOE. One judge even gave them +3

Well, I think that only the second set of twizzles could be described as "slow" and the unison was just a bit off during that second set, the first one was perfect, and I think that, even if I/K had a lot more speed, P/B are a lot closer while executing the twizzles (as the BESP commentator points out): this is something that a lot of people don't care about (most of us just look at how fast the twizzles are executed), when (basing on the ISU handbook for juddges) the "aspects" that the judges should consider when they give the GOE to a set of twizzles are three (and thus equal in importance, I guess):
1) Entry/completion
2) Connecting steps/footwork
3) Spacing between partners
So the "spacing between partners" aspect is as important as the speed/flow/unison, and there was a big difference between P/B and I/K in this aspect

 

[elif]

Well, I think that only the second set of twizzles could be described as "slow" and the unison was just a bit off during that second set, the first one was perfect, and I think that, even if I/K had a lot more speed, P/B are a lot closer while executing the twizzles (as the BESP commentator points out): this is something that a lot of people don't care about (most of us just look at how fast the twizzles are executed), when (basing on the ISU handbook for juddges) the "aspects" that the judges should consider when they give the GOE to a set of twizzles are three (and thus equal in importance, I guess):
1) Entry/completion
2) Connecting steps/footwork
3) Spacing between partners
So the "spacing between partners" aspect is as important as the speed/flow/unison, and there was a big difference between P/B and I/K in this aspect

Judges can increase GOE for Fast rotation of Twizzles (1 grade) and Twizzles executed at great speed (1 grade). So fast twizzles are important. Maybe more than others. Judges also can reduce GOE for Execution not simultaneous and Generally more than two arm length between partners (1 grade). And ''spacing between partners'' should be consistent. You can see from P/B's twizzles, Bourzat coming near to Pechalat, which is a another mistake.

 

[Ice Diva]

Judges can increase GOE for Fast rotation of Twizzles (1 grade) and Twizzles executed at great speed (1 grade). So fast twizzles are important. Maybe more than others. Judges also can reduce GOE for Execution not simultaneous and Generally more than two arm length between partners (1 grade). And ''spacing between partners'' should be consistent. You can see from P/B's twizzles, Bourzat coming near to Pechalat, which is a another mistake.

Exactly, Elif. So admire P/B but their free dance was sloppy & slow in areas. I really felt for them placing 3rd in their home country, but it was fair judging.

 

[sky_fly20]

Just watched P/B: they were terribly underscored in the TES, for me. Their twizzles, for example, were excellent, they deserved to receive the same GOE as I/K, AT LEAST!! And, the step sequences: the total +GOE for I/K was 2.57, for P/B 3, the difference should have been a lot bigger and, overall, I feel that the step sequences GOEs for P/B should have been more or less the same as V/M, their step sequences were really well-executed... This result is really a joke :disapp:

that was a joke right about P/B ? they are old and slow and have now diminished TES

April Fools is a few months back , even Halloween is over

 

[FSGMT]

I'm sorry, but I still disagree: after watching closely the two set of twizzles, I think that they both deserved +2, I/K were very distant from each other during the first set and in the second their twizzles look a bit out of unison, too, you don't get that perfect-match feeling that D/W or V/M give, just as P/B, and that you should have in order to receive +3, so I think that (even if those twizzles were far better than the twizzles that I/K usually perform) both team deserved +2 for that element and that the step sequences should have really made the difference, because P/B's were executed really better

 

[sky_fly20]

I'm sorry, but I still disagree: after watching closely the two set of twizzles, I think that they both deserved +2, I/K were very distant from each other during the first set and in the second their twizzles look a bit out of unison, too, you don't get that perfect-match feeling that D/W or V/M give, just as P/B, and that you should have in order to receive +3, so I think that (even if those twizzles were far better than the twizzles that I/K usually perform) both team deserved +2 for that element and that the step sequences should have really made the difference, because P/B's were executed really better

now way does P/B should get same +GOE even comparable to I/K whos twizzles were fats on in sync especially Nikitas a rare one at that though

P/B are whiners and very disrespectful too,
look at their sour grape faces on the podium, hate this type of athletes like the deplorable and vile Sale/ Pelletier

 

[sisinka]

Few notes…

V/M – find their program boring too, I lookes like 2010 free dance with worse technique, but still they are probably the best dancers in the world field.

P/B – some others free programs from this couple were better in my way of view, I like the idea od Little prince, costumes suites it very well, but I think that there was more soul in choreography in their Chaplin or Circus free program. They are slow, Sphilband looks like bad choice, but still they are one of couples who knows what is dancing about, not just running for levels.

I/K – choregraphy is better than last year’s Ghost which I found like one of the less difficult programs in figure skating history (looking at Euros and Worlds medalist) – with no difficults steps between elements, almost 10 seconds of standing on one foot and watching at each other, few times of one hand move while upper body and legs are doing absolutely nothing…

Lifts are progresing thanks to Nikita who is doing all the job himself (Lena really doesn‘s help in this part). Lifts are not new….remember Dubreil/Lauzon…
http://www.skatecanada.ca/Portals/2/AtC/en/apr12/images/Dubreuil-Lauzon-lg.png
http://www.iceskatingintnl.com/images/four_continents/2007 4C/2007 4c dubreuil&lauzon fd 2899.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3554598605_5d5b8b3ac0_m.jpg

What is suprising for me is that everybody talks about NO MISTAKES in their program…..really?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBDWI0SnbLA ….in this video it is obvious that Nikita is shacky in turns in 2:33 – almost stumble, and Lena stumbles in step sequence in 4:37, which makes me curious why the level was not downgraded…at NHK that step sequence was without that hard-not-to-notice mistake and they got level 2 and +0.57 GOE… here she stumbles and they got level 3 and +1.14 GOE – judges and technical specialist didn’t notice? I regret to accept they would get level 4 without that mistake and +3 from all judges.

I read many times that they have THE SPEED, I agree. I also read somewhere that the reason is that 1) they are extremely talented, 2) they don’t have difficult steps. Watching what is between elements I think second possibility is more true, they have too much two-footed skating, too much cross-overs, simple turns – Lena or Nikita are doing turns not in one moment….the same in step sequences – looks like – Nikita does turns while Lena is waiting, Lena does turns while Nikita is waiting – and the distance between them looks like from pair skating – other teames are pushing themselfs to more difficult steps. Twizzle are great still.

 

[WeakAnkles]

Few notes…

I/K – choregraphy is better than last year’s Ghost which I found like one of the less difficult programs in figure skating history (looking at Euros and Worlds medalist) – with no difficults steps between elements, almost 10 seconds of standing on one foot and watching at each other, few times of one hand move while upper body and legs are doing absolutely nothing…

Lifts are progresing thanks to Nikita who is doing all the job himself (Lena really doesn‘s help in this part). Lifts are not new….remember Dubreil/Lauzon…
http://www.skatecanada.ca/Portals/2/AtC/en/apr12/images/Dubreuil-Lauzon-lg.png
http://www.iceskatingintnl.com/images/four_continents/2007 4C/2007 4c dubreuil&lauzon fd 2899.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3554598605_5d5b8b3ac0_m.jpg

What is suprising for me is that everybody talks about NO MISTAKES in their program…..really?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBDWI0SnbLA ….in this video it is obvious that Nikita is shacky in turns in 2:33 – almost stumble, and Lena stumbles in step sequence in 4:37, which makes me curious why the level was not downgraded…at NHK that step sequence was without that hard-not-to-notice mistake and they got level 2 and +0.57 GOE… here she stumbles and they got level 3 and +1.14 GOE – judges and technical specialist didn’t notice? I regret to accept they would get level 4 without that mistake and +3 from all judges.

I read many times that they have THE SPEED, I agree. I also read somewhere that the reason is that 1) they are extremely talented, 2) they don’t have difficult steps. Watching what is between elements I think second possibility is more true, they have too much two-footed skating, too much cross-overs, simple turns – Lena or Nikita are doing turns not in one moment….the same in step sequences – looks like – Nikita does turns while Lena is waiting, Lena does turns while Nikita is waiting – and the distance between them looks like from pair skating – other teames are pushing themselfs to more difficult steps. Twizzle are great still.

I was away for the weekend, so I didn't get a chance to see this live, but I'll stand by what I said after NHK: this is a 6.0 program masquerading as an IJS program. It has all the Speed! and Acting! and Uber! Drama! of memorable 6.0 programs, but for all that there is, as sisinka noted above, a big reliance on two-footed skating, cross-overs, simple turns. To me it was glaringly obvious in both step sequences--I doubt if 50% of them are done in hold in unison.

Did I enjoy it? Well of course. She's got that It Factor in multiples, they have lovely expression, that first lift and their twizzles are Speee-tac-u-lar, but again, it's a 6.0 program in an IJS world. I wonder what will happen if nerves get to them in the Olympic pressure cooker --I wouldn't count on them maintaining their levelst. It wouldn't be the first time with these two... And levels really are the new Name of the Game for ice dancing in the IJS world.

Just my two cents. YMMV, of course.

 

[FSGMT]

I was away for the weekend, so I didn't get a chance to see this live, but I'll stand by what I said after NHK: this is a 6.0 program masquerading as an IJS program. It has all the Speed! and Acting! and Uber! Drama! of memorable 6.0 programs, but for all that there is, as sisinka noted above, a big reliance on two-footed skating, cross-overs, simple turns. To me it was glaringly obvious in both step sequences--I doubt if 50% of them are done in hold in unison.

Did I enjoy it? Well of course. She's got that It Factor in multiples, they have lovely expression, that first lift and their twizzles are Speee-tac-u-lar, but again, it's a 6.0 program in an IJS world. I wonder what will happen if nerves get to them in the Olympic pressure cooker --I wouldn't count on them maintaining their levelst. It wouldn't be the first time with these two... And levels really are the new Name of the Game for ice dancing in the IJS world.

Just my two cents. YMMV, of course.

Agree! :yes:

 

[FSGMT]

And, can anyone explain me the story of Z/G FD? Because I really like their theatricality and I enjoy this program a lot, especially the last section, but I don't undersand it

 

[bramweld]

^^I really hope they keep it together and continue to grow. It is just in poor taste to wish ill on anyone. They are progressing quite nicely from year to year. They are doing the best that THEY can do at this point in THEIR career,and they present it with panache. They have my favourite short dance of the season. A dance doesn't have to be the most difficult in EVERY aspect to impress. Remember how relatively empty transitions wise D/W's Phantom was in comparison to their more recent F/D's. However, they won silver and each year they developed in the areas where persons said they were lacking :yay: I choose to assume that a number of their deficiencies will be addressed in time.

As for P/B I found their behaviour in Paris lacking. The dramatics straight through the medal ceremony,why? This is the first half of the season! They also skated in the second half of the exhibition while I/K were relegated to the first half. It was presumed that it was all in the bag for them. Nathalie and the French Fed need to understand that many teams are in the running for medals and it's going to be a dog fight to the end. I just have a feeling that if they don't adjust their attitude, any hope of the bronze for them is lost.

Also big picture, they are going to the GPF, I/K will not. They are a mature enough couple to appreciate that.

 

[dcnative]

P/B were not disrespectful, nor did they whine. They greeted I/K very warmly, just as they did V/M.

P/B are being jerked around by the judges. So I completely understand why Nathalie was emotional. Consider that at earlier GPs teams were given unbelievable scores and they were not technically correct in the SD or the FD. So P/B take the ice at NHK and it turns out that they get scored "harshly" and "to the letter" for the Finnstep and other items. So what is a team supposed to do? You go back to the drawing board, and focus on showing precision, which is going to slow you down, especially if your next outing is two weeks away. Their PCS scores should have been higher, especially for choreography and performance. V/M received 10s for some of their PCS scores.

There is room for improvement with their programs (P/B); and I believe that they will do it. But the inconsistent judging has to be recognized.

I/K had a great performance; that I enjoyed; they are always fast and their lifts were great.

 

[Matt K]

P/B were not disrespectful, nor did they whine. They greeted I/K very warmly, just as they did V/M.

P/B are being jerked around by the judges. So I completely understand why Nathalie was emotional. Consider that at earlier GPs teams were given unbelievable scores and they were not technically correct in the SD or the FD. So P/B take the ice at NHK and it turns out that they get scored "harshly" and "to the letter" for the Finnstep and other items. So what is a team supposed to do? You go back to the drawing board, and focus on showing precision, which is going to slow you down, especially if your next outing is two weeks away. Their PCS scores should have been higher, especially for choreography and performance. V/M received 10s for some of their PCS scores.

There is room for improvement with their programs (P/B); and I believe that they will do it. But the inconsistent judging has to be regonized.

What event are you watching? P/B got level 4s for their Finnstep at TEB (and the only team to do so). Earlier, at their 1st GP in China they got a level 1 (a competition that they won).