I can't shake the feel of certain indifference and moving through the motions about Evgenia and Vladimir this season. When they hit elements, they are amazing and we appreciate that, but overall I sense no connection whatsoever with the moment, music, each other. It all feels a bit forced and disconnected. They put up an effort, but it just doesn’t seem effortless in the final effect - I wonder why pair so talented, skilled looks lost and confused at places. I really wish they figure out an aesthetic, a signature program to hear the music and think 'Oh yes, this is them, an amazing pair', 'Oh this is their music/THAT program'. I just feel they are somewhere in between this season, in the shadow of French, but also in their own shadow I think - it is not that silver is bad, that their performances were bad; it is more about that indifferent state that is concerning, having tools, but not making the most of them.
I think you are so right NNF. Your post is excellent and I share your observations.:yes:
Hope I'm not too late for this pity-party. But honestly, what I feel is happening with Venya & Vlad is fans for the most part have sort of typecast T/M as classical skaters, when it seems they want desperately to be sleek, modern and fresh and dare I say....viral! Classical skating no matter how you pair it will not crossover into the mainstream the way Vanessa & Morgan's sensual programs have done. T/M are not stupid, they know this and have been trying to find the right programs to be competitive in the sensation created by J/C.
But fans are like...."No, that's unacceptable. You are classical skaters and so shall you remain". This is what I sense is happening and as a result T/M seem to have kind of shut down and appear to be despondent and just going through the motions without heart or feelings. It's rather apparent in Vengya who clearly seemed to enjoy performing their FS last year and the James Brown short program this year, despite our objections. But she seemed to be having fun at least. The tears that flowed following the Olympics podium miss is quite evident in exacerbating this year's lack of projection, expression and joy in their performances with the return to classical programs.
So am I blaming fans for this condition? Well, yes...and no. I mean ultimately it's their career and their choice to skate to their heart's desire. And yes, I believe with the right programs they too can become the superstars in skating if that's what they want.
:confused2: But heck, I'm no mind-reader and I could be totally misreading the signs and symptoms of dissatisfaction and disappointment in achieving one's desires. Only they know their ills and maybe one day they will spill the tea.