In an attempt to escape from the craziness, I watched the Ladies FS video last night and had some thoughts.
The competitors were Evgenia, Satoko, Elena R, Ashley, Gracie and Mao. Those who are still competing have all changed coaches.
Evgenia: At 16, the obvious winner here when she was unstoppable. I do vastly prefer her post Eteri skating and uncluttered programs. She and Eteri seemed to have a really warm relationship here.
Ashley: Moulin Rouge 2.0, prior to her World Silver medal. I would argue that she was better technically here than at Worlds but it didn't have the same energy as at Worlds. I think she could've gotten the bronze here over Elena R. but her SP had her at a deficit. Ashley was at her peak this season, IMO.
Gracie: The choreo in this Firebird doesn't match the music signatures and not her best skate, having issues with 3 of her jumping passes. She and Frank were not warm and fuzzy. She has been through a lot in the last 4+ years and has come through.
Mao: Her Madame Butterfly - gorgeous costume and skating. She also had a few jumping issues, perhaps her age and injuries catching up. Not surprised she retired not too long after this.
Elena R: Oh that tacky Titanic program with the voiceovers. Jack! Jack! Still she loved skating to it and you can't fault her for that.
Satoko: Loved the "Un Sospiro" program and that vivid pink dress. One of her best choreographed programs and a well deserved silver. I'm glad Tiny Queen is still competing.
The Ladies SP and the Short Dance were also posted, but I haven't watched yet.
Curious to see what others think?
The competitors were Evgenia, Satoko, Elena R, Ashley, Gracie and Mao. Those who are still competing have all changed coaches.
Evgenia: At 16, the obvious winner here when she was unstoppable. I do vastly prefer her post Eteri skating and uncluttered programs. She and Eteri seemed to have a really warm relationship here.
Ashley: Moulin Rouge 2.0, prior to her World Silver medal. I would argue that she was better technically here than at Worlds but it didn't have the same energy as at Worlds. I think she could've gotten the bronze here over Elena R. but her SP had her at a deficit. Ashley was at her peak this season, IMO.
Gracie: The choreo in this Firebird doesn't match the music signatures and not her best skate, having issues with 3 of her jumping passes. She and Frank were not warm and fuzzy. She has been through a lot in the last 4+ years and has come through.
Mao: Her Madame Butterfly - gorgeous costume and skating. She also had a few jumping issues, perhaps her age and injuries catching up. Not surprised she retired not too long after this.
Elena R: Oh that tacky Titanic program with the voiceovers. Jack! Jack! Still she loved skating to it and you can't fault her for that.
Satoko: Loved the "Un Sospiro" program and that vivid pink dress. One of her best choreographed programs and a well deserved silver. I'm glad Tiny Queen is still competing.
The Ladies SP and the Short Dance were also posted, but I haven't watched yet.
Curious to see what others think?