- Joined
- Aug 12, 2014
- Country
-
I'm impressed with our American team in this event, and proud of them. They're 3rd: Vincent, 5th: Jason, and 8th: Tomoki. That's all even without Nathan! And in my opinion, they all skated beautifully, in their diverse ways; and all made some significant progress in this event. Vincent wins 4CC bronze at age 18, 2nd year as senior I think ... and he does it with style, heart, musical attention and sensitivity, and lyrical movement. Jason lands his quad salchow, which is a huge step ... now he knows he's done it in competition, and he gets to take that security with him forward to Worlds and next year. Progress is the name of the game in figure skating, and these two are showing it. As for Tomoki ... just pure exuberance, joy, happiness in being here, and a great showing.
Keegan, I love. Always have. This was a wonderful showing for him tonight, particularly satisfying in light of his season. Clean, brilliant skating, progress and joy. I seriously doubt that he's feeling cheated about the result, contrary to some fans. That's just my sense of him, I feel it in my bones. Not very logical! Of course he's a competitor, he has to be at this level, but ultimately it's his connection with the audience and the performance that he's so wonderful with, and he has to feel great about that. I'm also so happy for Nam; his programs weren't as well done as at Canadian nationals, but he has those performances, and he did very well here. I love that he chooses the music he loves. It shows.
Junhwan's performance was terrific, and he's a very talented kid. Also, I'm whimsically pleased that he chose two such programs ... Cinderella (the Prince!) and Romeo and "Juliet!!!!" They're gutsy choices, and he pulls them off with panache. Speaking of musical choices, Brendan Kerry finally won me over completely with Grease tonight. It's as if the vision that he always had for that program finally manifested and mysteriously communicated to me. It was really great to see him so pleased with his score, too. And I have to give a shout out to Andrew Dodds. I love his skating, his style, his passion and expression.
Boyang skated great, came through, and I clearly remember that he peaks at the end of the season. So look out Worlds, here he comes. Now, best for last: Shoma. Oh my Goodness. That was some beautiful skating; and he's a warrior; he took that performance tonight out of his back pocket at exactly the right moment. I find some of the early music cuts jarring, but it really didn't matter, because of his skating. I mean, he was injured, but he kept all that beauty and skill in reserve for when it was really needed. I love the way he skates. I love the way he'll add some little flourish when he steps out of a jump or has a tiny stumble ... as if he makes the error part of the choreography. That is great improvisation, and to me it shows an understanding of what creativity truly is: something to enhance our experience as we go.
Well done, men!
Keegan, I love. Always have. This was a wonderful showing for him tonight, particularly satisfying in light of his season. Clean, brilliant skating, progress and joy. I seriously doubt that he's feeling cheated about the result, contrary to some fans. That's just my sense of him, I feel it in my bones. Not very logical! Of course he's a competitor, he has to be at this level, but ultimately it's his connection with the audience and the performance that he's so wonderful with, and he has to feel great about that. I'm also so happy for Nam; his programs weren't as well done as at Canadian nationals, but he has those performances, and he did very well here. I love that he chooses the music he loves. It shows.
Junhwan's performance was terrific, and he's a very talented kid. Also, I'm whimsically pleased that he chose two such programs ... Cinderella (the Prince!) and Romeo and "Juliet!!!!" They're gutsy choices, and he pulls them off with panache. Speaking of musical choices, Brendan Kerry finally won me over completely with Grease tonight. It's as if the vision that he always had for that program finally manifested and mysteriously communicated to me. It was really great to see him so pleased with his score, too. And I have to give a shout out to Andrew Dodds. I love his skating, his style, his passion and expression.
Boyang skated great, came through, and I clearly remember that he peaks at the end of the season. So look out Worlds, here he comes. Now, best for last: Shoma. Oh my Goodness. That was some beautiful skating; and he's a warrior; he took that performance tonight out of his back pocket at exactly the right moment. I find some of the early music cuts jarring, but it really didn't matter, because of his skating. I mean, he was injured, but he kept all that beauty and skill in reserve for when it was really needed. I love the way he skates. I love the way he'll add some little flourish when he steps out of a jump or has a tiny stumble ... as if he makes the error part of the choreography. That is great improvisation, and to me it shows an understanding of what creativity truly is: something to enhance our experience as we go.
Well done, men!
