Honest Constructive Critique: MK's R&J at Keri...

[mano]

Hey guys, love reading all the comments on MK's performance at Keri. Here's something new though that will make people do a double take. Okay, okay, we love MK and her new program, but let's do a breakdown on the positives, and stuff she can still improve upon. One thing I love about MK is that she always wants to improve. Nothing helps better than hi-lighting strengths and weaknesses in her new program. Input your likes, dislikes whether costume, music, hair, technique, spins, speed, body positions, choreography etc. BTW, this is not a place to bash. It's for real honest constructive critique on MK's first program of the year. I'll start. I really enjoyed R&J program 'cause it's something new and I was starved for anything new about MK. Speed: I feel that she was faster than her usual, definitely faster than OMT, but she paced this program real well. She wasn't rushed in places or overtly slow in others. It had a balanced pace. Spins: Absolutely loved the layback, can't wait to see her SP/LP versions of it. I do want to see variations on the arms. Her camel/martini glass combo could be faster, but it's something different from her. Footwork: Balanced all around. Simple, not fussy or forced. Just flowed. Do want her to integrate even more difficult moves and be associated with the likes of Yuka Sato and Scott Hamilton maybe. Jumps: What can you say? Controlled all around. I wish ABC gave us a better angle on her double axle 'cause that's one jump I really want her to get back. Wish she held the edge on the end of that. I don't know if she'll ever achieve the height in her jumps like Irina or Bobek, but her jumps are secure like Kristi Yamaguchi...now if only she can squeeze in 3z/3t, 3axle, etc for her SP/LP's. I'm too demanding, but the competition is tough out there. Spirals: She did her inside/outside edge spiral right? Though again, the angles ABC provided didn't hi-light those. Charlotte spiral was beautiful, you guys are right in that it could be more difficult 'cause she didn't use her hand on her skate to pull her body and leg to 180 degrees. Her exit was beautiful and difficult. However, she's getting competition there 'cause Sarah Hughes and Sasha seem to be getting better extension. It won't be long when they develop the edging and control MK's is known for. Edging: Love MK's deep edges in all her programs, but this program doesn't hi-light it as well or was I just to busy focusing on other things. Dante's prayer had a lot of deep edge choreography. Choreography: I've been reading that some find the program generic. I don't in particular 'cause I find it very free and light as opposed to the OMT with all the focus on spirals, and EOE was just skating at its best. Her arms are loose and giving in this program, not bound by too many moves. She let the skating do the talking. Any other input? Intangibles: Someone mentioned joyous passion. I totally agree 'cause her expression said it all. Sorry detractors, didn't see any pained expressions in this one, just pure colgate white smile. Wonder, who'da thunk I would be right on this one. She was skating on Cloud "9" it seems and that was fine with me, you all know that. She felt this music, she was Michelle. Miscellaneous: The hair is growing out, but not defined style yet, I like it that it flows better and the disheveled look on her somewhat fits the programs "free light feel." The costume is not the best color on her, but I like it better than the Ariane one. I like the wrap look, actually, I always liked her black warm-up version of that. Things I would like to see: I love her split falling leaf jumps. I'd squeeze it in there if I could, but I'm not her choreographer. I also love grand moves like Ina Bauers and spread eagles. It's no wonder EOE was one of my faves. Here's to hoping her sp/lp programs have these in there. Also, a little bit more extension on her spirals, 'cause I know she's had better ones in other programs. Her flexibility is still there, but I think that's the last thing she's focusing on right now since she's got school and all that. Also, in her martini glass spin, her leg can be held higher, but I think she gets more of an extension from her left leg in that move. Summary: Did I miss anything? I love the overall program and I've watched it over 20 times now, methinks. I can't wait to see her lp/sp. As for the music, forgot that detail, I happen to like it better than OMT, cause I'd take classic soul feel over Celine Dionesque any time...plus it's my voice range (alto) heehee. Okay all for now folks.

[kjesse]

Hi Mano. You've said it all. I agree with everything you've written. I too felt that Michelle was really into this program. She looked like she was skating "free", like she wasn't thinking about any of the jumps, etc.. She looked very natural to me. I liked this program and I'm one of those who loved the costume. Thank goodness the season is upon us.

[wonder]

LOL!!! Here is some cc: her footwork looked a bit slower, I am not sure it was the music or her speed. If the music has a slow-down effect, she may have to faster her footwork. The ending could improve. This one is too soft --- I noticed that it took audience 1 to 2 secs to realize she was done. I like her smile! Mano, she does listen to you, doesn't she? Concerns: Her technical marks were not that great. I saw some 5.7 and 5.8s for a flawless program. OTOH, Maria also got a 5.7 with one big splat and one obvious step-out. The judges were very generous on Maria --- I really don't know who would win the judges had they both skated clean. I actually like Maria's ending.

[Googoo]

I watched it for the second time yesterday. I agree- she looked really happy and care free while skating. It was nice to see. I LOVED the arm movements at the beginning of the program. Then she extended to bending on her knee-- really beautiful. But again the camera angles didn't let you see as much. She did the Kwan spiral but it was hard to tell from the mediocre camera work! I agree I would love to see a falling leaf (or 2) in it. Mano! You didn't mention that gorgeous 3 salchow landing-- it's just so lovely! I liked the footwork section a lot. I thought it could be a little faster though. Funny people thought it was generic, eh? I'm curious to know what their ideal skating is?? I think there is no one like Michelle in terms of choreography and just the WAY she skates (that whole ooze thing). It's just a quality she has!

[Karin]

Oooooooze!!! That's all I have to say...

[Rene]

The jumps were effortless and beautiful! 3sal was FAB! exit to Charlotte- Love it. Layback was great but I would like to see a variation in arms. I've ofter wondered if there was a reason she didn't change the arms. The footwork seemed slower than usual to me also, but maybe it was the camera or something. Michelle looked so carefree. She just floated. I loved her hair and make-up, but I love her hair black, it shows off her luminous eyes! I thought the costume looked cute on her and the color wasn't my favorite but was better than Ariane. I loved the scratch spin at the end, it was really well centered and fast. I don't like the song at all. I'm getting a little nervous because it seems with each program I like the music less and less (exception being RV) but this is the only song I really dislike though. It wasn't my favorite program and that's just fine with me. It still gave me the feeling that she is going to be AWESOME this season and she continues to improve which is inspiring and I'll still probobly watch it another 100 times because it makes me feel calm, joyful and happy!

[yingshan]

Cloud 9 indeed. snicker.... :-)

[mano]

Now if she only listened to the other things we talk about, sigh. Googoo, ITA on the 3 salchow, that was quite lovely especially the landing, now that reminded me of her old double axle ending. So smooth and effortless. Yup the ending lacked the oomph, but it was a soft ending song, don't know how else she could embellish that. Maybe pretending to be engulfed in an embrace and meeting that special someone for an imaginary kiss...uh, nevermind, should be in BFFF, I think.

[Joshua]

Okay, I won't say anything about the what I liked about the program because I already stated it in the other thread. The following comments reflect only how I feel personally: more variation in the combo spin and in hand position in the layback, a more complex and noticably different footwork sequence, increase intricacy of choreography (long held out, simplistic balletic type moves and use of deep edge are fine, just balance it out with more complex footwork and meatier choreography, push towards eliminating the 3toe or salchow or both and adding the 3flip or 3loop or both......okay, see now I feel guilty. If I'm asking too much all at once, please forgive me. Oh yeah, I forgot to add that I agree about the ending.

[Emmy]

I agree with most of what's been said, especially the ending. People didn't know it was over for a second or two. Maybe she could raise her hands slowly with palms down and then at the last second sort of turn them palm up suddenly. It would give more of an "end" to the pose. Although I didn't dislike the costume, she has such expressive arms that it's almost a shame to cover them up when she's skating. I love to watch Michelle's face when she's skating. I don't think she looked "pained" at all. Also loved the layback and I have a feeling she's saving some new arm movements for it for her other new programs (she's obviously been working on the leg position so why not the arms?). Lastly, this is the kind of program that would really benefit from spotlighting and a darkened arena. That scenario would make the whole program much more intimate, I think, so it'll be interesting to watch it under those conditions.

[gymnskate]

What can I say about such a good skate? I like everything but one: the music. It took away from the fun of watching her. But all the rest, she seems like it's not possible to be better, and then she gets better again! The plateau has not been reached. Michelle climbs, and all the skate world follows her up. But if the music gets any worse, I will have to turn off the sound, and miss @#%$ Button's comments. Hummmm... Might be good idea! I am very unhappy and angry about one thing: I wrote Mr Button's name, and the System changed it to "dirty-word" symbols! It is his name! Moderator, please! Some words you should not allow, I see too many of them in some places. But this is a man's name!!!!

[skatingfan]

I agree with all of the above. Nothing much to add abotu R&J. It is just an exhibit program, and I am glad she is choosing the music for herself on this one. MUsic But I have to say, R&J just replaced reflections as the song I like the least among all the pieces MK has skated to. I even love Peter pan. Spins: 1. I am exceedingly glad her layback improved so much. Of course there is always room for improvement. But I think if she lets the layback remain the way it is, her current layback spin will meet all the requirement of the sp and lp. Even BUTTon liked it. 2. Glad to see she tries a forward scratch, I think her scratch spin speed has improved, I watch Hamil's Romance from the Gadfly program this pm, and Dorothy has a blinding blurry forward scratch, I think she must spins 2X the rev of Michelle. So there is room for improvement on MK's scratch spin. MK's Y spin and sit spins are her most lovely spins. Don't change. I know Sasha can do a variation of the Y whatever you call it where at the end she pulls her leg so close to her body that it looks like a perfect split, but it does not look any prettier than Michelle's. 3. Spirals I think if Michelle continues to enjoy doing and improving on her charlotte it will be wonderful, who cares what sasha and NNN are doing. I hope Michelle will change edge one more time for her Kwan spiral, i.e. from inside to outside to inside again, if that is possible. 4. In between moves She has the best falling leaf, keep it. I want to see MK do a huge INa Bauer in some programs in the future. Footwork, people always say skaters who has gone through all the levels of figures are much better at footwork. If that is true MK has completed more figures than most skaters who are her age, and definitely the ones who are younger than her. She has the talent to do it. Yes I hope someday her footwork will be Sato calibre. Same goes with speed. 5. Jumps I hope if she has no time to work on any of the above she must increase the level of difficulty of her jumps a more difficult 3/3 and hopefully a 3a. For 2002, she will need that. 6. Hair and costumes Just hair and costume for now. I hope she will grow her hair long in time for 2002, I think longer hair allows more flexibility for her programs. I say this b/c I love her.

[Stagebabe]

Again this piece left me with a list of those little moves or combinations of moves that just take my breath away! I loved the holding the leg in front and then, without putting it down, going into a ice touching spiral and then a slow spin! Her footwork had the flavor of the old sequences but it had some new moves in it also! But my favoirte was the Ina Bauer into some steps. I think that Michelle has so much naunce in her prorams that folks miss them. They talk about the big stuff becuase so few skaters out there do the little stuff well or even at all (Sarah's chorography was just short of nonexistant and compared with the Grand Slam program very much alike!) and they miss the little turn outs and hand movements. If they weren't there would be a hole, undefinable but obvious, but often their existence can be so subtle as to be incorporated into the whole without observation. I thought OMT was chorographically much more fussy and overload but then that fit the music. The simplicty of this number was wonderful matched for the soulfull feel of the music. This won't be way up there on my list of favs (maybe third from the bottom) but it isn't my least favorite! On a side note, I am so sick of hearing about her using the same style! Someone actually said that she never does anything but classical music! I am sure Des'ree would love to know she is now a classical musician LOL! However Maria's consant attemtps to be sex and wiggle never raise the "in a rut" objection and folks seem to have no problem with her using Carmen (unlike the endless posts about Michelle's use of it!). I think Michelle should do what makes her soul want to skate. If others would rather see her role on the ice and waggle her fanny then I suggest she turn a deaf ear and do what moves her, because when she is happy we all get to share in it!

[Polo1882]

Well, I've been thinking about my previous comment that Michelle's program was generic...am I allowed to make retractions? Because last night, I turned on my Keri Lotion tape and rewatched the program...now, I definitely feel that Michelle's skating was nothing short of beautiful...it's just the music that turned me off. I liked her emphasis on edges and executing flowing moves, it was sort of "Dante's Prayer" in its emotion. Well, I'm not sure what to add because everything's been said already...

[LYRA1]

Personally, I loved everything about Michelle's skate. Honestly, I think everybody is being to critical of an exhibition program. Come on, MK can't do everything. I mean she is such a superior skater to everyone else and all I hear is nitpicking about her hair , music and costume. It was all beautiful and Michelle doesn't skate for approval, she skates for her herself and from her heart. This is what she loves doing. So whatever she chooses to do in the future will be fine with me. IMHO, variation in arm movements and faster footwork is inconsequential (even though I don't agree with any one of these complaints). So everybody please get off of your high horse and appreciate Michelle for the wonderful things that she does.

[Karin]

I kinda wanted MK to slowly blow a kiss with 2 hands...and reach out...4 the ending... oh well!!!...

[Icare]

Michelle is an artist, so she should choose the music she feels she is connected to. I don't think we experience her world, her emotion, her pains, her growth, and we can't feed her our feeling. So leave her alone on that one. Personally, I think the music is unusual, and a person needs to know the lyrics to get into the emotion of the song. The music is ok with me, since I did all the study in advance, thanks to this board. However in figure skating, live audience can't do that in advance, so this is the disadvantage of choosing a less popular song. Although she should listen to what audiences like, that shoudn't become the sole direction. I do agree since her program is a always a performance, she should make it more dramatic, even for this music, she can make some improvements. About the color, I like it! I think it really matched color of the ice very well from TV audience point of view. Someone in the rink may give a more accurate opinion.

[Jenny]

gymnskate -- The profanity filter is provided by EZ Board, and I have no way of deciding which words are on the "bad" list. I can turn the filter off entirely, but then a lot of other words would become active that I do not want to see in this forum. I'm not sure why this makes you so unhappy and angry (I find it quite amusing myself!), but as I said in the other topic about Michelle's layback, you can get around the profanity filter in this instance by writing D!ck with an exclamation point instead of the "i" or by simply writing D. Button instead of spelling out his first name. Sorry, there is nothing else I can do about it....

[jahowes]

I just have a question about her program. I distinctly recall D. Button commenting on some "flutzes" in other people's programs (Irina's I think). But he said nothing but nice things about Michelle's lutz (which I thought was just beautiful). I also thought I had read elsewhere that Michelle is NOT one of the ladies performing a "flutz". However, I saw a comment on FSW that said Michelle "flutzed" at Keri. I know there have been threads on this board about how "anti-Michelle" FSW seems to be. Is this just another example, or is it true? I'm not enough of an expert to be able to recognize a lutz from a loop, never mind a lutz from a flutz. Anyone???

[Teddy99]

Leave it to FSW to make such comments, esp since most of them see nothing wrong w/ Maria's petty comments and found it "quite refreshing". MICHELLE DOES NOT FLUTZ! Sarah H. or Nicole is good example of a flutz. Teddy99 - Keeper of the #1 Skater of the Decade

[mano]

As skatefan said, we do this 'cause we love Michelle. Thing is, in the past, many visitors ar anti-MK posters who happen to post here have been very critical of us fans 'cause all we do is gush, gush, gush, and think everything she does is perfect (well can you blame us?) Truth is, they don't sort through our post enough or read it carefully enough to find that we are probably the most critical of MK (with love) and yet they keep putting us down. So I said, hey, why don't we beat them to the buzzer and provide a thread in the forum solely for honest constructive critique of every MK program. Notice all the posts have been positive in nature; and each of us can take note of what we missed in Michelle's program (and re-watch it again, yey). 'Sides, Michelle is loved best 'cause she knows her imperfections and try to improve upon them every year. Remember all the outcry on her layback? Well MK changed it for the better this year. Sometimes, constructive criticism is good for one. You know the weird thing? The first to call Michelle "perfect, goddess, etc." usually are the MK detractors. We love her 'cause she's human prone to mistakes like us...and for some reason, the detractors don't get that about us. Oh well, C'est la vie.

[sw10025a]

I don't have an opinion about Michelle's music one way or the other, because I always prefer her competitive programs to her exhibitions, for whatever reason. Probably because I'm a big opera and classical music aficionado, so I like that kind of music better. To the poster who said we are all picking her apart to death and not appreciating her, this is simply not the case. Michelle is my favorite skater in the world, period, but even she and Frank acknowledge that there is always room for improvement, and they continue to refine her programs as the season progresses, making choreographic changes, substituting and changing elements, etc., so why can't her fans have an opinion on what refinements they'd like to see? What I'd Like to See/Not See: Jumps:    I loved her holding the edge on the 3sal, it was very pretty and effective. I'd like to see her do this in competition once or twice per program, doesn't have to be the 2 axel, just whatever jump or jumps she lands really well and the choreography allows her to hold the landing edge for a second or two. Footwork:        I thought her footwork was a little slow to this music, and I would like to see it pick up a little to emphasize that musical section, but her footwork usually gets faster over the course of a season, so it may pick up naturally. Charlotte:        I absolutely loved the new variation on the Charlotte, especially when she pulls herself up into that beautiful backward spiral position (don't know the exact name), but I would like to see her hold it just a second or so longer before she goes into the next element. I don't think the Orlando rink is Olympic size, so perhaps she would not have had room to do this at Keri, but I'd love to see it in future. Layback spin:    I really like the new position on her layback spin, however, I did not like the second position when she dropped her foot and held her leg parallel to the other and her foot just above the ice. This would be choreographically effective for a program like Fate of Carmen portraying death, suffering, despair, whatever, but didn't seem to fit this one. I went back and looked at tapes of her old spins, and I'd prefer it if she came up with a better exit to her layback, say, the way she kicked the ice and went into her footwork in Taj Mahal, or came up with a prettier exit like she did for her Y spin, where she went from simply dropping her leg to using her hand to fold it down. I'd also like to see her bring back her Ina Bauer into her competitive programs. I liked it very much and I miss it.

[LYRA1]

Maybe I didn't state my point clear enough. There is nothing wrong about saying what you liked or disliked about a program. However, IMHO I think it is irrelevant to say you disliked her hair or costume. Call me crazy, but I feel that these are comments that would come from a non-MK Fan. I just think we should use more discretion about what we say here. What is Michelle reads that we thought her hair was messy and unkept. I don't think this would make her feel appreciated for what she does on and off the ice. So my point has been made, I hope I didn't offend anyone.

[littleone4eva]

Anyway... someone said something that Michelle got a 5.7 for tech mark... but Maria also got a 5.7, right? That is just ridiculous. Maria was definitly overmarked... but is there a reason Michelle would have got a 5.7? Did she not have that many jumps as usual or anything like that?? The commentators didn't mention her technique, and I'm not a fs excert, so I don't know about that. Maybe it was just the judge... I wonder if Michelle's 5.7 was from the same judge as Maria's 5.7... Oh, well :)

[skatingfan]

Littleone, the judge who gave MK 5.7 gave MB a lower mark. Lyra1 I think I understand your frustration. But I have been posting here long enough that I think every who criticque Michelle is her genuine fan not a non MK fan. We can look at it two ways. It is true that MK forum should provide a place where we can gush and gush and gush. But since this is MK's forum, this should be a safe place for fans to post their constructive criticism. For myself, if MK turns pro it is perfectly ok with me, b/c everytime she goes to a comp, even a proam, I am nervous for her. There was a thread earlier about how we must know the result of a comp before we even watch it. About being seemingly picky, speaking for myself, I wrote that with the vision of MK winning olympics 2002. I have this vision, b/c Michelle said many times she wants to go to 2002, she wants to develop her full poetential. Like I said, hair and costume is just hair and costume for now. AS her fan she can shave all her hair, and I will still love her. But IMHO, judges do not love her in that way. I speculate, and feel free to disagree, I think longer hair allows a skater, not just MK more flexibility to match their programs. Costumes, speaking generally for competition, do count, believe me even Kat Witt in her best at one time was in danger of getting deduction b/c of her costume. Of course Michelle has some of the best costumes period. Her comp costumes have always been tastefully appropriate. Music: speaking for competition again, do count. Judges not only take deduction b/c of music, they take deduction for bad editing of music. IMHO an example would be MB's ontonal last year, judges should have taken some deduction for the poor quality of the editing. Of ocurse Mk has Lori in that department, MK is ahead of everyone in that. About her exhibition music, I am bias, b/c I LOVE classical music. I did recognize that MK has the unique ability to elevate uninpsired songs into high art. Footwork : counts a lot, again in olys style competition. There is nothing wrong for me to wish someday MK will excel Sato in that, b/c I believe in MK. Speed: IS not inconsequential. I firmly believe that b/c of MK's speed in Nagano, the judges got the excuse or reason or whatever to place her second. And folks please leave it at this, do not even go to who outskated who in 98. Is speed really that important? who knows. Sato had the best speed and footwork in her lp, IMHO in olys 94, and she was placed very low, even she was 5th after the sp. But I think it is important for Mk to win convincingly, and dare the judges not give it to her in 2002. Spins: I repeatedly said in the past few days, folks may prefer MK to have a different foot variation or arm position, but speaking just for comp, MK's current layback meets the requirement of a good layback. To tell you the truth I am so happy about this. I had been wishing MK to have a good layback since she was 13. BTW Frank Carroll talked about Michelle's layback not being the most mature or whatever in one of the fluff piece they did on MK when she was 13. I have got my foot in my mouth more than once here or maybe elsewhere b/c non MK fans attack her layback, and I just would not let go defending her layback. Michelle, if you read this, I love you. You have said many times before how you handle criticisms. "I will try to listen, if it makes sense I will make the changes, if it doesn't I will let it go right out of my ears." I can't wait to watch you in SA.

[Joshua]

Skatingfan, I'm glad that you put that quote down. BTW, when did she say that? Anyway, I like it because it kinda goes hand in hand with what I was trying to express. I love Michelle, but that doesn't mean I can't be critical. I mean isn't it possible not to like someone's choice of clothing or lifestyle(example only) but still love that person or like that person despite? My aunt smokes, and I hate that she smokes, but I love her nonetheless. I'm critical because I try to point out to Michelle where she can improve and also maybe recommend stuff that I base on my own personal tastes. She doesn't have to take my advice or recommendations, and I won't get upset because of it. I just want to get it out there in hopes that she might, though I'm perfectly okay with her not. I love her skating nonetheless.

[sw10025a]

Lyra1, I understand your point, and sometimes people do go a little overboard in their criticisms of unimportant little details, but I think that what people forget is that every part of a skater's appearance while skating is part of the overall package. In an ideal world these things shouldn't matter, but in the real world, attention to detail counts. The judges know it, the coaches know it, and the skaters know it, or they wouldn't devote so much time and attention to it. For example, before she cut her hair, MK always practiced at her rink in a ponytail, no makeup, and sometimes even in sweatpants, but she never showed up at competition practices (which judges attend) like that. She was always fully made up, dressed in appropriate skating dresses, with her hair up in the bun. Why? Because impressions, particularly subconscious ones, can have an affect, She wanted to look mature and elegant, well presented, each and every time a judge saw her perform. Attention to grooming and appearance are part of that, whether we like it or not. I remember reading that at a competition years and years ago, Frank was furious with Michelle for showing up to either a practice or the competition itself in scuffed up skating boots, that he had to borrow some polish and polish them up quickly before she competed. Why? Because little details count. As for Michelle's costume, I thought it looked great for that program and that competition, particularly in comparison with the dreadful outfit Maria was wearing. MK's costume was subtle, understated, elegant and feminine, thereby adding something intangible to her presentation. Maria's costume, by contrast, had the illusion fabric plunging a few inches too low on the bodice, the neckline on the black section of the dress was unflattering to her body type, the gathers on her waist made her look stockier and less curvaceous, the skirt was an awkward length, and those yellow ruffles along the hem looked more comical than sirenish. In short, her outfit detracted from her presentation and didn't present her at her best. As for Michelle's hair, I have to admit I thought it was lovely long, and I thought her bun style was very simple and elegant, and I was sorry when she cut it. I thought the new hairstyle was too short and severe, that the cut would have been more appropriate for someone with fine, thin hair, than someone with a thick, luxuriant head of hair, and that as a result it looked a little boyish on her. I think that continuing to grow it out longer, growing bangs, and perhaps sweeping it back with a little styling mousse would be a good idea for her. What's wrong with that? Just because I think her hairstylist could give her a better look doesn't mean I'm attacking her. It simply means that IMHO a slightly different style would help accentuate her femininity and her pretty face. . .

[LYRA1]

I agree, mayble I am being a little too sensitive where MK is concerened. Actually, I like her hair alot better than last season. It seems to just fly around playfully when she skates, IMHO I think she looks quite beautiful. But, I do understand that everyone has their own opinions and I do respect that.

[susan ba]

well, there's hardly anything left to say, good or bad. i aggreed with most of it. i have nit picky little things but my biggest critcisms are that her footwork is too slow and it reminds me of rach. plus she's not 100% polished. don't get me wrong, from my other posts you'll see that i think she skates with a new smoothness and gracefullness that is even beyond what she's done before (if that's possible) but she had the tiniest little bobbles here and there...which i know will all disappear by the time she uses it (this program) again in a major competetion.

[LaiNe]

Skatingfan, Yuka Sato was seventh after the Sp in Norway therefore skating before the final group. Had she skated in the last group chances are she should have won the freeskate.

[taf2]

FWI, Yuka had a really bad draw for the sp in Norway, if she had skated later, I believe she would have been higher than 7th. However, I don't think she would have won the fs w/o a lutz or 3/3-I don't think she even had a flip, but not sure. I loved her program though. Back on topic, I loved everything about Michelle's Keri performance except the music & the footwork. I don't think I'll ever like this song or that voice but I thought Michelle was very polished for this early in the season & with all that's been going on with her this summer. I didn't like MB's outfit or program, although I liked it better than "Fever", but I would be VERY surprised if she wins even one comp this year, unless it's some GP event that doesn't have any real contenders in it. She not only doesn't seem to have the confidence of a world champ, she doesn't even seem to have the confidence she had before she won. I think the fact that her win has not been taken as seriously as other world champs has taken its toll. That's too bad, but IMO, she brought a lot of that attitude down on herself by her ungracious behavior after years of inconsistancy. She needs to get out there & PROVE she was not a fluke, and I just don't think that's going to happen. Maybe she'll surprise me.

[Googoo]

I watched R and J again and I love it. But did anyone else expect to see the Kwan spiral at some point in the beginning of the program?? There was just this part of the music where I really expected it! I really would like to see it there in the beginning (a la DOD). I like it better when the Kwan spiral comes at a high note of the music to puncutate it you know? (Like in Rach, FOC)

[sw10025]

Googoo, just a little bit of info I picked up over the years, which I thought you might find interesting. You will never see the Kwan spiral before all the jumps are finished, or at least not since the 1996-97 season. I read somewhere (can't remember what or when) that said that Team Kwan made a conscious decision to put the spiral at the end of the programs because before it was stretching out her free leg so much and she didn't have enough time to recover afterward and it was interfering with her jumps. . .

[Googoo]

DUH! I read that too! Woopsies. Forgot!