Can Sasha headline a tour without a major win?

[GayMenLoveMK]

If Sasha for some reason were to retire next year after missing another Nationals and Worlds title does she have a big enough name to headline a tour like SOI?

I don't know... It's a weird situation because on the one hand you have someone like Sarah hughes, who had the name but IMO not the talent.

And then you have Sasha who has the talent I think but not really the titles to back it up.

Has she built up her repuation enough so that she could possibly star in SOI? or would the public not support her, or know who she is without a major title?

[patsue]

Well, she does have a fan base so most likely she could. Winning a medal at Olys would certainly help. Once she got exposure on SOI she would likely make new fans of her skating. I don't go to SOI--it's the same skaters year after year so it doesn't interest me. Who knows with some veterans (and new blood) retiring from the eligible ranks next season I just might be tempted go!

[kwanette]

I could easily see Sasha headlining SOI...In fact, I have long felt that after this OLY cycle she would join SOI..Sasha is a lovely skater, very dramatic, she's quite attractive to boot..A legitimate exhibition like her R and J would be well received by an SOI audience. I think that she would fit in well in an ensemble piece also...Sarah did not, IMO, fit in at all...As I watched SOI I had the feeling that the producers, choreographers, etc....were asking themselves..."What do we do with her?" Just my opinion, of course...

[mr pru]

What if Sasha was headlining SOI and our girl was headlining COI?

[lavender]

I can see it in the future even if she leaves without a title.

[eventerbess]

I think she will be an incredible addition to one of the shows, if she stays with skating. I am not the biggest fan of hers in competition, but everytime I have seen her with COI she has been phenomenal. Too bad the pro circuit has puttered out. She would have been great in that arena as well.

[iloveskating]

I disagree. While I'm sure SOI would love to pick her up, and would feature her, they seem to graviate towards (no, LURCH towards, HOTLY PURSUE, WORSHIP, PROMOTE :lol ) OGMs. Ros & Paul were OSMs, and Ros a WC, but neither ever got the attention that the OGMs did: Scott, Kristi, G&G, KW, TL, SH, AY, IK. IMO she will not have the headlining power of an OGM. EXCEPTION: they would headline MK in a heartbeat, due to her overall career accomplishments & popularity even without OGM.

[mzheng]

Yes. I think so.

If Sarah can, why can't Sasha?

[TAF2984]

She could definitely be a big part. I doubt headline.

[iceskaterdawn]

I think Sasha's skating style would fit in nicely with the style of SOI's shows provided they learned their lesson with Tara in 2002. Unless she wins the OGM, I doubt they would have her headline the show, but I have no doubt that they would welcome her with open arms to the show. I love SOI and faithfully have attended it for over 11 years now. COI does nothing for me, and I much prefer what SOI has to offer. SOI has had skaters such as Lucinda Ruh and she wasn't known by the general public. I'm still holding out hopes that Angela and Silvia get signed to the show one of these days. I think Angela has a decent shot at it if she decides to continue skating, but Silvia is a long shot.....

[kwanette]

Comparing COI to SOI is comparing apples to oranges. I enjoy both...and, I, too, have been attending both for over 10 years. SOI is totally professional, fewer skaters..with lots of rehearsel time. Clever, edgy..COI is eligible with the oldies but goodies..Viktor, Elvis, Rudy and the "circus acts"...For most of the skaters it is the end of a long eligible season...and it is a chance for the fans to see their favs in a relaxed format...

SOI hit the pits in the 01-02 season....IMO...and as soon as Todd joined after the OLY the show went up a notch class-wise....The 03-04 show was the best since the days of Scott, Paul, Kristie, Kurt, T and D, etc....

[attyfan]

Not being a headliner didn't stop Steve Cousins from having a successful run with SOI. I think that, if Sasha retires from Oly eligible competition, she too could have a successful run with SOI (if her back holds out), but I doubt that they would have her as a headliner.

[GoldenMichelle]

I defintely think its possible, but it would depend on who else was in the show. I think she could defintely headline over alot of others, especially to draw in the younger crowd.

[EigthAv]

I could handle Sasha as SOI headliner. Sounds better to me than the twin OGM pairs couples being the headliners.She is a fine show skater and as has already been mentioned,already has a strong fanbase.

[JaneC]

I can definitely see Sasha headlining SOI; she does have a big enough name to do so even without the gold medals. Besides, SOI needs some new blood (imo) so I can see them headlining Sasha. Now COI is another story.

Jane

[Dragonlady]

SOI has never had a headliner who did have multiple major international titles - Worlds and/or Olympics. Kurt Browning is the only headliner that SOI has ever had who did not have an OGM but he did have 4 World Championships to justify his headliner status. Sasha would have a very good career with SOI but without a World or Olympic title, she would not headline the show, nor would she be paid as much as those skaters who have the hardware.

[taf]

Steven Cousins can be announced as "8 time British Champion". Kurt as "4 time World Champion", Yuka as "94 World Champion". How would they annouce Sasha if she fails to win Nats or medal at the Olympics? 2003 GPF Champion? She doesn't really have much of a resume internationally.

I actually think she is perfect for SOI but I think it is improbable that she would be asked to join without any major title or Oly medal.

[iloveskating]

SOI has never had a headliner who did have multiple major international titlesI think you mean DIDN"T, right?

If Sarah can, why can't Sasha?Because Sarah was OGM. Sasha isn't OGM, WC or Nat Champ.

[mzheng]

Sounds like every one here was talking about COI or SOI. These are not the only Skating Show around. Was Sarah just recently sheduled to headliner a show (Marshall? Cambell?). If she still can headliner that show than I guess Sasha can even without majore titles. OGM or not does not change ones skating skill or style. If anything, OGM diminish one's skating skill faster and sooner, at least the history of last a few of lady's OGMs proved this.

[iloveskating]

OGM or not does not change ones skating skill or style.True, but OGM greatly enhances marketability for most skaters. Especially in the eyes of SOI.

[candygirl559]

Nobody knows if Sasha will retire from eligible skating in 2006 or if she will join SOI in the future. So we'll have to wait and see.

[SkateWorlds1]

Has SOI ever headlined a skater who was not OGM?

[iceskaterdawn]

Kurt has been pretty close to being a headliner in the US tour and he has headlined the Canadian version and he doesn't have an OGM. He doesn't have any Olympic medals.

[GinnySmith]

Skater23--

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I love COI and have attended it faithfully and sometimes more than once each year since 1999, and have never attended an SOI. Oh, well! :\

[Ice So]

Sasha would never headline SOI without having won a major title, but she could definitely be a very important part of the cast even so.

As for how she would be announced, I'm certain she would be called "World medalist". If she wins silver or bronze next year in Turin it would be "Olympic medalist" too.

[Krista]

I think Sasha is popular enough, and a good enough skater, that being a fresh face, she could probably headline.

I prefer the format of SOI, but as far as what skaters are on which tour, I don't have a preference. I like them all. :)

[Ice So]

Sasha could headline without a major title if the rest of the skaters had titles, but nothing very eye-popping. But Alexei has and OGM and 4 world titles. The two pairs have OGM and World titles as well. And even if they don't get the contracts renewed after Turin (which I doubt), they would be replaced by skaters with similar records.

IMO she could have a major role in the show and actually be treated close to the headliner as far as choreography in the show goes, she's very popular and is an American lady. But there is no way she would be the top name ahead of others with such powerful records. SOI has way too much pride in the resume of their skaters. Kurt is well, Kurt LOL, and even with 4 worlds he did not headline the show in 2002, after the pairs and Alexei joined.

[mzheng]

Kurt has been pretty close to being a headliner in the US tour and he has headlined the Canadian version and he doesn't have an OGM. He doesn't have any Olympic medals.

When he headlined the Canadian version, was there any other OGM in the same show?

[Dragonlady]

When he headlined the Canadian version, was there any other OGM in the same show?

Yes - Kristi, Yags, Torville & Dean, Jamie & David. Kurt is ALWAYS the headliner in Canada, regardless of who else is in the show. He may not have an Olympic medal of any colour but there are darn few skaters with 4 World Championships - Kurt, Michelle, Yags, Katt Witt and Scott Hamilton are the only ones among all of the current active pros, and Scotty and Katt are in semi-retirement.

[mzheng]

Yes - Kristi, Yags, Torville & Dean, Jamie & David. Kurt is ALWAYS the headliner in Canada, regardless of who else is in the show. He may not have an Olympic medal of any colour but there are darn few skaters with 4 World Championships - Kurt, Michelle, Yags, Katt Witt and Scott Hamilton are the only ones among all of the current active pros, and Scotty and Katt are in semi-retirement.

Well, then you have to admitt either Americans(US) are more 'democraticall' or with more open mind than Canadian. Since, according to some posters above, there are times that Foreign OGMs overriden the native high achived skaters headlined SOI US toure. Or just Canadian's is more 'patriotics' in FS in general.

[Dragonlady]

It's not a question of democracy, it's a tribute to Kurt's enduring popularity with Canadians. Scott Hamilton continued to headline the US stars on ice long after he was no longer the reigning OGMedalist, really up until Tara Lipinski won her OGM. Remember the big press conference where he said he was "passing the torch". Let's face it, the US hasn't had a male OGMedalist since Boitano, and both Tara and Sarah haven't exactly lit the world on fire with their pro careers.

[TarotX]

Sasha has the skills to headline SOI (Beautiful unique skating without the jumps) but she doesn't have the big win. It's the opposite of Sarah.

:SE

[mkskatingfan]

You don't nessiarly have to have titles to back up your big name. Sasha probably could draw in a big crowd without the titles. But I highly doubt she'll retire until she gets what she wants unless for some reason like an injury she had to.

[lavender]

Sasha would bring in more people than Sarah at this point so if Sarah can headline so can Sasha. They would make more money for sure.

[mzheng]

Sasha would bring in more people than Sarah at this point so if Sarah can headline so can Sasha. They would make more money for sure.

Exactly my reasoning!

[iceskaterdawn]

It's not a question of democracy, it's a tribute to Kurt's enduring popularity with Canadians.

I always attend SOI in the states, but a few years ago was able to attend my first CSOI show. I can't even put into words the difference. The audiences up there are so completely different and so supportive. I wish I could attend more skating shows up there. It has to make Kurt feel wonderful to recieve the warm reception that he does in Canada.

[Dragonlady]

The audiences up there are so completely different and so supportive. I wish I could attend more skating shows up there.

If you think the show audiences are supportive, you should come to a competition in Canada. One of the reasons that Skate Canada always attracts a stellar list of competitors is the warm reception that the skaters receive. Add to that the consistently well-run, audience-friendly event organization from Skate Canada and low, low ticket prices and you can understand why the stands are usually packed at Canadian skating events. An all-event ticket to Canadian Nationals is $175. this year for lower bowl seats. Jr. Worlds last year was $35. for an all-event ticket, and 4CC in Hamilton in 2003 was $99.

Many skating fans from the US are now by-passing US skating events in favour of the more relaxed, cheaper Canadian events.

[iceskaterdawn]

Many skating fans from the US are now by-passing US skating events in favour of the more relaxed, cheaper Canadian events.

A lot of my friends that live closer to the border do go to a lot more Canadian events, including Nationals, than they do US events, because of the price. My only problem is I don't live close enough to drive and can't afford the cost to fly there.

[iloveskating]

The audiences up there are so completely different and so supportive. I wish I could attend more skating shows up there. ITA!! Vancouver Worlds 01 was so awesome! Everything you hear on TV about Canadian fans is 1000% true. They cheer wildly for every good performance, not just Canadians, and not just the top names! The Canadian ladies sitting next to me made me write out the words to US national anthem so they could join in at the ladies medal ceremony...and they asked me to do that BEFORE the LP was skated!

I am within driving distance of Vancouver, but the rest of Canada is a bit out of reach for me. I am keeping 2010 in mind however....

[candygirl559]

I think the US could take some lessons from Canada on how to do TV coverage and pricing on tickets to skating events.

[EigthAv]

If Sasha wins the Olympics she will be too big for SOI. Think Katerina,circa 1988. Or Peggy,circa 1968.

[missmarysgarden]

iloveskating, I absolutely agree about 2001 in Vancouver - it was the best skating event ever. I will be there in 2010 if I'm still alive - even if I can't get tickets for any of the big ladies events. Canada has such good TV coverage, you can watch the entire competition on TV the minute the live coverage is over! the food was great, the people friendly, the transportation convenient - Never had so much fun in my life as that event - in spite of the sprained ankle and the wheelchair - but that's another story. And then there was the woman who had the seat next to mine who brought big brown paper bags of unwashed, right out of the ground, raw turnips, carrots, rutabagas, radishes, cucumbers and squash to the competition every day, and never stopped eating! Must be some weird raw vegetable cult thing. It was very strange.

[GardenKitty]

At Skate Canada last year I was impressed by one person in the audience who had a t-shirt to throw out for just about all of the skaters who didn't get lots of stuffed animals. Then I noticed the t-shirts (which were wrapped in plastic) all said "don't mess with Texas".

I'm sure there is some young Chinese skater who thinks that Texas is a city in Nova Scotia. :lol

[millenniummagicz]

I think Sasha's skating style would fit in nicely with the style of SOI's shows provided they learned their lesson with Tara in 2002.

wut lesson with Tara??

[EigthAv]

The lesson SOI and COI,all of the majour out front powers of the sport need to learn is to stop trying to can the stars.It is not Nashville or Hollywood,it is Figure Skating.Why spend all the money to secure the contracts with the World shakers and then attempt to bottle them once they are in your camp? Let them loose!!! Hamilton has gone to sleep on it since he got married.He once knew how to put on a show.<!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END--><!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END--> bags of unwashed, right out of the ground, raw turnips, carrots, rutabagas, radishes, cucumbers and squash to the competition every day, and never stopped eating! Must be some weird raw vegetable cult thing. It was very strange.<!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END-->Sounds like Heaven to me! :D I love my green and yellow buddies.

[iceskaterdawn]

wut lesson with Tara??

SOI tried to center their show around Tara, especially the 2002 year, and it was a disaster. She just couldn't carry the show. I still have nightmares about the G-O-L-D number and the Rainy Days duet with Kurt.

[GardenKitty]

How was Paul Wylie handled by SOI? He didn't have any championship title, although he did have an Olympic medal. Was he a headliner? Of course in the US ladies skaters tend to be very marketable, so a US woman without a major title would likely have even more appeal to a major tour.

[iceskaterdawn]

I don't think SOI ever considered Paul a headliner, especially given the other skaters in the cast during the years he was touring with them. However, he was given plenty of ice time during the show. He was definitely always one of my faves to watch!

[missmarysgarden]

"Can Sasha headline a tour without a major win?"

In a word, "No." To expand on that statement - "Not successfully." And I wouldn't touch the rest of it with a ten foot pole.

[berthesghost]

Thgi sseems to be a 2 prong question:

1. can she get the job?

AFAIK, neither Yuka nor Nicole ever headlined for SOI, so "major title" is really reduced to OGM. We know from Sarah that it's possible.

2. Can she succeed in said job? Will she be a Kat/Kristi or a Tara/Sarah? To me, Sasha is more like a Lisa-Marie Allen, or a Caryn Kadavy. She'll have a sucessful and busy pro career, but never as a star. Just a hunch. Well, you did ask, so don't get sore if you don't like my answer.