Friday, March 24, 2017

Icy Trails Favorite Performances of the 2016/2017 Season- Part 2: Ladies

We are on to the second part of this post. I planned to just do one but there were way too many programs. Better to break it into smaller pieces, no?

Ladies skating this season was an interesting ride, as always. Evgenia Medveva continued to dominate everything, but there were some other beautiful skaters as well. One highlight of the season to me was Carolina Kostner's return. I have always loved her style of skating. There were a lot of cool exhibitions for the ladies this year as well. 

We'll start with some notable short programs:

Evgenia Medveva (RUS)- "River Flows in You"


I will admit, when I first heard about Evgenia, I thought she would be just another Russian skater with good jumps. Luckily, that is not the case. She is the complete package, technically, artistically, and emotionally. She's got the potential to dominate for a long time, like a modern day Michelle Kwan. The costume is great, and I like the gloves with it. Why be cold on the ice? This video also shows her getting the Victuri figurines at the end, which is adorable. 

Karen Chen (USA)- "On Golden Pond"


This one, for the element of surprise alone, had to make the list. Here's a quick summary of the thoughts at Nats: "What the what?" Who's leading after the short? Not Ashley? Not Gracie? Ooo! Karen Chen! Wow, she was really good!" Way to make a comeback! This is your moment. Congrats on your win!

A side note: I CANNOT with this commentary. Where are the British dudes when you need them? Johnny and Terry are quite insightful but there is too much chatter, OMG! Be warned, this will not be my last ranting on this!

Carolina Kostner (ITA)- "God of Thunder/Bonzo's Montreux"


This is some really interesting music, and a departure from Carolina's usual choices. She is back in top form and I am so happy! Her skating has a different type of refinement from everyone out there. Also, the still for this video is hilarious. Carolina is all happy and making heart motions, and Alexei Mishin is not amused. 

On to the free skates!

Satoko Miyahara (JPN)- "The Planets"


This is Satoko's performance from the Grand Prix Final. Unfortunately, some time after this, she got injured and missed Four Continents and also will not be at Worlds 🙁. The costume is gorgeous, and her skating has such beautiful flow. She lands her jumps quietly too. Her position on the layback spin is so beautiful, and transitions so nicely to the haircutter and Biellman spins. She also has a lovely spiral, which you don't see as often these days, and I really enjoy that. Her expressions and skating really did fill the arena, as Johnny mentioned. That is always a good goal to strive for, regardless of skating level, but one that is often overlooked.

She also started skating in Houston (representing H-town!), and guess what? I did too! Can the Houston area claim her? She would be a nice contrast to the commentator and former skater who can't stop talking...I have suffered in silence long enough.

Ok, ranting is over, who's next?

Carolina Kostner (ITA)- "Les Autres Existent"


I'll say it again: I'm so happy Carolina's back! Such beautiful posture and elegance. This free skate has a lot more jumps, especially in the second half, than I have seen her to before. She looks like she never took a break. There are many skaters that should take note.

Another side note: Do you guys remember in the 90s when the fans had cowbells at Europeans? What happened with that? That was one thing I really enjoyed about the European skaters and fans.


Thank you Christopher Walken. You understand.

The ladies also brought out some impressive exhibitions this season too. Here's some of my faves:

Ashley Wagner (USA)- "Dangerous Woman"


I wish I had this confidence on the ice...or in life. She is on fire here! She looks fabulous, as usual, and I love how she appears to look the audience in the eye. The commentators actually had a point here about how this program needs to be performed by someone with Ashley's womanly charisma. It would appear a bit off with many other skaters.

Karen Chen (USA)- "House of Flying Daggers"


This was really cool and unique. Also, skating with those sleeves and avoiding a catastrophe is a rare and commendable skill. This is a program only Karen can do. Those sleeves make everything really beautiful and dramatic.

I'm sure most of you have seen Evgenia's "Vogue" exhibition, and have varying opinions on it. I may feature that program in a later post, but there is another Russian lady who had a great exhibition program this season:

Elena Radionova (RUS)- "Worth It"


This was fun and sassy! Most of what I have seen her skate so far have been more on the serious side. She looks like she's having fun and being silly here. You point at that audience and flip your ponytail, Elena!

I got caught up watching a lot of programs from the All That Skate, and this show looked like a blast!

I found another awesome exhibition of hers I was going to feature, but it was from last season. Drat! I'll find a way to post it somewhere!

That's it for the ladies! Stay tuned for the men's post, coming soon. There will be a lot of ground to cover in that one!


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