Well put!what striked me the most about this partial FD run-through is how musically sensitive the choreography is, how well it incorporates the jazzy/seductive vibe of music, how fluid, rhythmic all moves and elements are. This is really Piper/Paul's signature now for me to have one of the most innovative, musical, original and well put together choreography, if not the most of aforesaid. There is that great play on the theme of the music, program, achieving that 'vintage', original sound of it, but being modern and choreography-conscious about it. Lifts and all choreo elements are insane indeed, but I expected nothing less from masters of originality!
With Gilles/Poirier, the represent a school of performance that is totally different from everything we see in Ice Dance today - and that makes them special and cherished in my eyes, as I am a seeker for any kind of quirk, originality and 'out-there' factor, especially done in such masterful, thoughtful way. And this thoughtfulness is actually an advantage, a virtue for me (being probably in minority) - I think that having such clear concept made and prepared execution-wise allows spectators to focus fully on performance, how it develops, not exactly on sole idea behind it. Moreover - I do believe that analysing their prepared concept of a program is the last thing they want to see from audience; they do their research, find inspiration, prepare concept, the tools to pull it off with such care and thought to come towards people with ready to go program and try to sell it as a performance in action. And I personally buy it completely - not only there is a bold, clear idea behind this SD, but there's that trademark quirk in it, done so tastefully and with 'tongue-in-cheek' vibe I feel. There is a lot of things together that could go very wrong I think (similarly to their Disco SD last season actually): specific music, that vintage feel of it, costume change, this certain way of movement/style they used, expression, but somehow it all work for them. As for way/style of movement - big kudos to choreographers for going bold and really reflecting the musical vibe into movement, transitions. For me, Piper and Paul really stood out with this bouncing action emphasised thorough whole dance, this subtle yet sharp rhythmic accentuation in all elements and knee-bending effort to achieve that flow-y, bouncy vibe of music in 1st part of the dance especially. I really love the flow, easy on eyes quality of that dance, its insane musicality, care about little details, body control. And that little sleeves appearance - very cheeky and right into quirk alley, only adding this 'oomph' to the wholesome, this much-needed spice. Saying all of that - I do understand that for some it could be too weird, too quirky, too conceptual and idea-centric, but myself, I'd rather see more of those with bold idea behind them than a bunch of similar Latin wannabes without identity.
In contrast to WeaPo, Piper and Paul felt more stronger in terms of executing their concept, overall FD felt much more polished, and ready-to-go for me. I think that the clever - and of course cool - thing is that they are totally 'Guardians of innovation' season after season: there is always something new in their choreography, how it reflects the music, which is challenging/daring for both them and audience. Those lifts are INSANITY - the complex factor is still visible in them though, but I believe that the goal is to make them smooth and effortless and to see only their musicality, not their difficulty. The first thing that caught my attention while watching this FD is how strong the concept is behind that dance is, how well they seem to play with emotion, convention, expression thorough the dance while taking care of the execution and having a decent level of control already in that. Aside of working out kinks of that program, making it more polished, sleek and elegant-looking as a whole (I mean - feeling the novelty/originality of the dance, but not in obvious, in-your-face way) I feel that they need to be more 'sound' while performing it, not necessary loud in regards of character. Comparing this FD to last season Tango FD, I feel that this year's one is more based on the originality/quirk of characters and story portrayed, while Tango was more about showing the originality of that particular genre of dance, the identity of it translated onto ice. That said makes in my opinion their new FD more difficult to succeed as a whole package, more difficult to sell to the audiences - there is just more quirk and this intricacy not only into movement, but also in acting/presentation; the concept feels very custom-made and individual, whereas Tango FD felt more like original spin on already existing idea out there, which was them more accessible in my opinion. This time, it looks like they challenged themselves concept-wise a lot more than last year (which was super challenging already...) - and personally, I love that they are not compromising in anything while chasing that full consummation/devotion into program presented, no matter of what is the program. I already love the styling (as usual with them), the whole demeanor of sensual mystery put onto the story and performance and this understated sophistication touch about everything. As I said, there is a way to go in terms of put more definition over being those characters on ice, but I was very intrigued and excited from what I saw already.
You meant to write FD and not SD, right?I like the SD and FD, but I wish they had different music for the SD because I keep thinking of Perry Mason when they skate and that's not really what I want brought to mind when watching that program. I wish they could have had last season's programs be this season's programs instead. That choice of music for the SD I'm not sure flies well in Olympic season. i love them and want them to do well so bad!
Yeah I mean the SD. I'm so sad that they aren't higher in points for the GPF.You meant to write FD and not SD, right?
I'm okay with the FD music (and feel that it's mostly some of the "in-between" choreo that needs more work & further detail) but it seems like quite a few posters both here & on FSU have a problem either with the Perry Mason theme or the quieter, slower non-PM part of the program in the middle. I wouldn't be surprised if P2 do end up doing some changes in the music cut, considering how they went for the big music revamp of their Beatles SD late in the season.
It's good that they decided to change their Free Dance. Their first Free Dance wasn't getting the results from the judges that they needed.
The new James Bond Free Dance has potential and I look forward to seeing it.
But I also think Piper & Paul might want to consider a coaching change at the end of this season if they want to do another Olympic cycle. I think they've probably gone as far as they can with Carol Lane. I think they would benefit from a fresh training environment and a new coaching team.