What TT has to say about MK, Johnny, Shizuka and more...

[berthesghost]

www.spotlightonskating.co...ating_news (http://www.spotlightonskating.com/index.php?p=skating_news)

“Working with Michelle was for me like a gift from God. She is an amazing person and an amazing skater. She works like crazy and she skates like a goddess. She is very easy to work with,” said Tarasova, who declined to mention Kwan’s new music.

[Eeyora]

She hit it right on the nail.

[GinnySmith]

Wow, I really have always respected TT and it is wonderful to hear her comments regarding Michelle's work ethic and talent.

Thanks for the link BG.

:SE

[briconklin]

Great article, thanks for the link!

I do have to say I'm disappointed that TT couldn't confirm MK's music for this season....especially when Johnny's and Skizuka's were mentioned. However I will say that despite my minor dissapointment it is very classy of TT to not disclose this information before Michelle has the chance to announce her programs her self.

Anyways the article had tons of useful information and help clears up some questions that have been floating around the board in recent weeks.

THANKS BerthesGhostOnIce you :RP

[olympic]

Quote: This summer, Tarasova left Simsbury for several weeks to choreograph new short and free programs for nine-time U.S. champion Michelle Kwan at Kwan’s new rink in Artesia, California

I wondered how "in-depth" this consultation was, but that kinda answers my question.

Also, Shiz doing 2 3/3/2s:eek and Johnny doing the Quad "every day" :D Should be a great season

[honey827]

Nice tidbits from TT. Hopefully Johnny will be able to land the quads in comp and it seems that Shizuka is doing better than last year. Too bad she didn't give more info on Michelle's new programs but like she said hopefully people will be able to appreciate them.

[Krista]

hehe apparently a thread over in MKChat as well :)

Im excited to see her programs now. I really like Tarasova, and its great to hear her talk of Michelle so well :)

Glad to hear about Shizuka and Johnny as well :D

Paganini Rhapsody is a good moving piece for the olympic year. Good choice by Shizuka's team.

[ceap]

Excellent article! Thanks!

Another snippet about Michelle...

TT says:

"I hope people appreciate these new programs, because she is the most unbelievable person in figure skating, to win the U.S. championships nine times. It is not easy to do that in the U.S. because the judges are democratic here.”

Agreed! She is unbelievable!



TT says about Shizuka

"Shizuka is doing much better this year. She has two new programs, Paganini Rhapsody for the short and a Chopin Piano Concerto for the free. She seems happier now; last year, she had had a big success (winning 2004 Worlds) and after that, she was thinking, “How can I hold on to it?” Her head was broken and she was not working. But now she is working like crazy. We work for all Level 4 elements in her programs.”


Seemed like that's the truth. Shizuka just didn't seem happy last year and skated like she had a 500 lb weight on her shoulders. So glad she's doing better.

[olympic]

Here's a link from FSUniverse with a more in-depth interview with TT

www.sport-express.ru/art.shtml?108080 (http://www.sport-express.ru/art.shtml?108080)

I just realized that the English translation is posted as a thread on FSUniverse for your reading pleasure, as this one is in Russian
Interesting tidbits: TT mentions she was happy to be choreographing MK's last performances:eek I wonder if this was a slip of the tongue.
Also, she was amazed what MK was capable of. That comment hand-in-hand with reports of her practicing a 3/3/2 makes me real excited for this season to start:D

[olympic]

Here is a link to the thread itself in English

www.fsuniverse.net/forum/...post597447 (http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/showthread.php?p=597447#post597447)

[Krista]

TT mentions she was happy to be choreographing MK's last performances I wonder if this was a slip of the tongue.

could be. or it could just mean that she knows Michelle is probably planning on retiring from eligible competition in the near future(couple of years at most probalby)

[TAF2984]

TT's remarks are amazing and true. I can't wait for next season!

Re: Arakawa's 2 3/3/2. The last time I checked you can only do one in a program if she landed two she would not get credit for the second.

[skatingfan5]

Re: Arakawa's 2 3/3/2. The last time I checked you can only do one in a program if she landed two she would not get credit for the second. Yes, the rules still only allow one three jump combination. I am assuming that she is practicing two so that she will be better prepared to land at least one of them -- i.e. if she doesn't hit the first two jumps of the first combination well enough to attempt the third jump, then she would go for the 3S/3T/2L. If she is practicing both in the program, then she is building her muscle memory and her confidence with both of them to increase her options during actual competition performances.

And it was great to hear TT's praise of Michelle's skating -- and work ethic, contrary to some who are continually carping on various fs message boards about MK's supposed "laziness" and lack of serious dedication to training. Whose reports would we put more faith in -- some anonymous posters or TT?

[kwanluv]

ITA skatingfan5 :)

Wow...all I can say is WOW. A new SP and LP?!?!? :D (hehe)


Curious about one thing though, the article doesn't mention that Shizuka will be going to Russia with TT, does anyone know if she will? I'm VERY pleased to hear Shizuka is doing better this season. :)


This season is going to be memorable and magical, regardless of the Olympic outcome. I feel so lucky to watch it all unfold! :)

[skatingfan5]

Curious about one thing though, the article doesn't mention that Shizuka will be going to Russia with TT, does anyone know if she will? I'm VERY pleased to hear Shizuka is doing better this season. In the translated Russian interview with TT, she says that she will be going to Japan.
It’s more convenient for me to fly from Moscow both to competitions and to Japan to Shizuka Arakawa.Earlier she notes that most of her students have competitions in Europe this coming season.

[MKGrace]

Interesting!! TT is a true figure skating diva. This is my favorite part:Though Kwan is Kwan. One can’t say no to her.:lol Michelle does rule the figure skating world. 8) I am bummed we won't get to see Spartacus again but I respect Michelle for going in with new programs.

[kwanluv]

MKGrace, I liked that quote as well. :)

[GMAN]

My first reaction of Tatiana leaving the U.S. was that she was going to become the president of P.E.T.A in the UK, but I guess not. :b


Ahh Tatiana we love you!! But gosh darnit, tell us her music!!! Anywho, I'm glad Tatiana will be able to go back and see her family again, but it's sad that she's leaving the U.S. She's an amazing coach.

[Deetlebug]

TT mentions she was happy to be choreographing MK's last performances I wonder if this was a slip of the tongue.


Perhaps what she means is MK's latest programs?

After all, even if she does compete until the next Olympics in 2010, this year's programs as of the moment are the last ones she's done....so far. ;-)

deetles
~ who thinks this season's surprises are only just beginning.

[aaronts]

i get a kick out of Johnny. i wonder what he's going to do? i'm actually more interested in his "Swan" than Michelle's whatever at this point.

great read. i can't wait to see what Michelle has up her sleeve......less dress~

[TarotX]

I'm looking forward to seeing this season. TT/Michelle programs have the protential to be historical programs. TT brings what Michelle has only had sparatically since leaving Lori. Art.

:TOS

[Vinluvskwan]

Was I dreaming, or has Tarasova just notched up higher on my "figure skating personalities I admire the most" list"? When I took ballet back in jr. high & high school, I wish my instructor had TT's professionalism and unwavering trust in her students.

Back on topic, I admire Tarasova's kind remarks and all, but they did NOT really shed light on MK's technological progress...what about her level of spins and choreography? How consistent are her skills? Regarding Shiz., TT was more open and revealing, and it seems Shiz. is back big time - two 3/3 jump combos and ALL level 4 elements (although it's too early and we have not been privy to her consistency).

As for Johnny, he's always been consistent and artistically/classically captivating, but the difference is, he now has the quad toe to add to his repertoire.

Go team USA!!!

[Vinluvskwan]

Weren't Shiz's 3/3 often downgraded to 3/2 last season? Wasn't this even pointed out by ESPN host Peter Carruthers when she did the 3sal/3toe in her Worlds QR grp? I think she should just go for one 3/3, it's a safer strategy? Her 3z/3t are more more fully rotated, although she opted to do a 3z/2r at Worlds?

[magicpixie]

I'm so excited to hear that Shiz is doing well. I was really bummed for her (and MK) after Worlds and hoped that both would come back strong this upcoming season. If both Shiz and MK come out fighting, then it will definitely be an interesting season! I can't wait to see Shiz's LP, I love Chopin!

Vinluvskwan, I do believe all of Shiz's 3/3 attempts last season were downgraded. IMO she should just go for both every time, that way she has a higher chance of getting them fully rotated for the Olympics.

[patsue]

TT is not Michelle's coach--she might have given more info about Shizuka because TT coaches her. Perhaps TT feels it is not her place to give more details about Michelle's programs?

[nymkfan51]

You're exactly right patsue. :)

[MKGrace]

I admire Tarasova's kind remarks and all, but they did NOT really shed light on MK's technological progress...what about her level of spins and choreography? How consistent are her skills? Regarding Shiz., TT was more open and revealing, and it seems Shiz. is back big time - two 3/3 jump combos and ALL level 4 elements (although it's too early and we have not been privy to her consistency). TT's quotes make perfect sense to me because she's not Michelle's coach. It would be inappropriate for her to comment on Michelle's technical elements, whereas she coaches Shizuka so she can say what she wants there. TT put two programs together for Michelle and that's it.

[kwanluv]

That was my thought patsue, it would be inappropriate for her to discuss those things as a choreographer.

[patsue]

Just a few thoughts--After 2002 Olys I really feel Michelle was questioning staying in competition four more years (only she really knows how much she has given up to the sport she so obviously loves). With the possibility of staying until 2006 she decided to cut back competing--staying in for the big two events--Worlds and Nationals--just as she stated time and time again. When she finally decided to try for the Olys (and I firmly believe she didn't decide until the New York announcement) she began working very hard. She had HER plan in place.

To read TT's remark about being shocked at how much Michelle can do just cements my feelings. No one really knows how her training, day after day, has gone--but I feel Dick Button was so disappointed last season because he saw her doing harder elements at the practices he saw her in and I really feel he wanted her to get that 6th Worlds title.

Michelle marches to the tune of her own drummer! She has been honest in her statements over the last few years. Her naysayers have jumped all over her programs, costumes, what she should/must do, etc. But she's still here, she's doing all she can to have a stupendous season, and she's still competing! For that I am forever grateful.

I love how people (coaches, choreogrphers, costumers and peers) speak so highly of her. They know true quality when they see it?

If she doesn't make the podium it sure won't be for lack of trying!

[TAF2984]

skatingfan5, I pretty much assumed that regarding Shizuka's 2 3/3/2, I just felt like clarifying since olympic's remarks were kind of unclear.

Well MK and her team probably advised TT regarding her remarks to the press, but TT may very well have given advice as to what elements to do regarding difficulty.

[scheherazade]

but they did NOT really shed light on MK's technological progress
Technological progress, ey? Wow, so she really is finally getting that bionic spine -- good for her!
Sorry, just couldn't resist! :b :rollin

[WorldsGreatestMK]

TT didn't want to relieve Michelle's programs are beacause it's their secret to make the crowd go wild when they first hear it at Campbell's.

[moskva]

well, as the original article is in russian, maybe some here will benefit from my translation of the choiciest morsels (michelle-wise) from the tarasova interview. especially considering that i couldn't go to the fsu site, the page simply wouldn't open. so here it is.


- (Q) When Nikolai Morozov, working with you and Sasha Cohen, choreographed a free program for Kwan, you didn’t mince words in expressing your disaproval. Yet, it seems that mingling of this sort is the name of the game now: You are choreographing for Arakawa and Kwan, Weir and Gable. Morozov is working with both Plushenko and Joubert. Don’t skaters ever get jealous?

- (A) I give my all to everyone who comes to me for help. I don’t believe any skater could ever say that I worked with them less than with others. But I can’t devote all my life to just any one skater, the way I did for Yugudin. Not one of them is Alexiy Yagudin. Although, Kwan is of course Kwan. She's not someone you’d say NO to.

- (Q) What do you mean?

- (A) It’s not just that Michelle is a 9 time national and 5 time world champion. Working with her was truly an eye-opener. What she can do is simply impressive. When such an exceptional, unique athlete comes to you for help, for pointers in defining a new way, especially for what could well be her last season, - you simply cannot put a price on something like that.

- (Q) Is it iron-clad then that this is to be Kwan’s last competitive season?

- (A) She’s so unpredictable that I, for one, would not be too surprised if she were to continue eligible skating past the Turin Olympics gearing for her 4th Olympiad. But whatever the case might be, you cannot overstate the importance of this season for Kwan. And I just couldn’t find it in me to refuse her..

[rubyred]

Thank you so much, Moskva, for providing your own translation!

[nymkfan51]

Thanks moskva :)

[Krista]

Thanks moskva :)

[mzheng]

Thanks, moskva. The words here you use is much more percise. Your translation is much more appreciated.

So, TT was not 'shocked' by what Kwan can do, instead she was very 'impressed'. And she will not be 'too supprised' if Kwan continue to gear for 4th Olympics, but still will be some supprised....

[millenniummagicz]

i have a question, in general, and in the past, what did TT do more? coachin/technician or choregrapher?? Back when she was with Yagudin, did she do both? and with Sasha and Shizuka too???

[Ice So]

I don't know if it has always been this was (she started coaching at 18 or so), but when she coaches a skater, she also does the choreo. She also does choreo all the time for skaters she doesn't train. And she will also work part-time or advice skaters, even if they're not her students or are not using her choreo. I hope it's making sense LOL She definitely isn't a technical coach (like Mishin) though.

As for singles skaters, I think Ilia Kulik was her first student, she had only worked with pairs and dancers until then. Then it came Alexei and then Sasha. They're the only three that were full-time students. Although Andrei Griazev and Shizuka are her students too, I don't put them quite in the same category because Andrei has spent some time working with a friend of Tatiana and Shizuka still has her Japanese coach and I believe only works with Tatiana part of the season.

[dramaqueenjc]

:SE Thanks Moskova - wow that's so cool.:SP

[skatesindreams]

Thank you, moskva! When Tarasova says that Michelle's capabilities are impressive - that means something. I continue to believe that we are about to see something VERY special this season.

[gratefulmkfan]

:FL :FL :FL

Thanks so much Moskva. I'm starting to lurve TT. I always apppreciated her choreography, and what she did for Alexei especially, but my feelings for/about her are growing. She sounds like one of us - she couldn't say "No" to Michelle. I love it. I love it. I can't wait to see the results of this collaboration. I'm beginning to feel this "season of joy" coming together, and it's a great feeling!

:) :) :)