- Joined
- Feb 27, 2012
If the ISU wanted to broaden the scope of the gala to include, say, a special non-skating artistic performance from something like Cirque de Soleil (based in Montreal, I believe), In an effort to broaden the appeal of the sport, I would be all for it. ...
BTW, already confirmed to perform is Cirque Éloize, which is a "renowned contemporary circus company" based in Montreal. It was mentioned in the presser, which I now have watched.
(First time I have heard of Cirque Éloize, but probably just my oblivion. Partially because I live in the U.S.??)
The organizers wish to show how figure skating can be combined with non-skating elements of entertainment.
[The link to the presser that worked for me: https://youtu.be/4QfZvfpJD60 (38:26). The link in the OP is to a private video that I could not access.]
... I want to see the skaters skate! ...
This concern is valid. (I think you mean the non-medalist skaters from Worlds, not just the medalists.)
None of the following would alleviate that concern, but some other bits from the presser:
I think I heard that the non-medalist skaters will walk the red carpet.
(And I hope that it would be a novel/memorable experience for them. The Team Challenge Cup skaters seemed to enjoy walking the red carpet there.)
There was something about "specialist skaters" being flown in to perform in the gala. I think it was a reference to non-retired skaters who are not 2020 Worlds competitors. What exactly would make them "specialists," I don't know.
Also something about additional skaters (who are not 2020 Worlds competitors) being invited to perform. Such as Canadian skaters.
(And I hope that it would be a novel/memorable experience for them. The Team Challenge Cup skaters seemed to enjoy walking the red carpet there.)
There was something about "specialist skaters" being flown in to perform in the gala. I think it was a reference to non-retired skaters who are not 2020 Worlds competitors. What exactly would make them "specialists," I don't know.
Also something about additional skaters (who are not 2020 Worlds competitors) being invited to perform. Such as Canadian skaters.
Much of what was discussed in the presser did not seem clear to me.
And there was well-intended stuff in the voting/selection process for the awards that IMO would seem to open the door to confusion. If I heard/recall correctly:
The voting will open on Dec 1, and continue until Feb 20.
But depending on what happens at GPF, Euros, and Four Continents, it is possible that new skaters would be added as voting options. If so, voters would be allowed to change their votes.
Plus depending on what happens at Worlds, it is possible that new skaters would be added to the mix for the jury to consider.
ETA (on Oct 28), correction:
Each voter is allowed only one vote per category.Feb 10 is the end date.
But depending on what happens at GPF, Euros, and Four Continents, it is possible that new skaters would be added as voting options. If so, voters would be allowed to change their votes.
Plus depending on what happens at Worlds, it is possible that new skaters would be added to the mix for the jury to consider.
My general impression is that the whole thing is very much a work in progress.
Curious to see how it all turns out.
(Not that anyone should care, but I do not plan to post in this thread again.
If people dislike what has been announced, of course they are entitled to their opinion.
But I do not like the tone of mean-spirited mockery that is becoming pervasive in the thread. [I am not referring to you, Seven Sisters.])