Kwan to use "The Feeling Begins" SP in Atlanta

[SkatingFanofMK]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/skating/0104/04kwan.html

[icenut84]

Thanks for posting, that was an interesting article. Much as I like The Feeling Begins (and I do), I was looking forward to a new SP from her, particularly after reading rumours that she would be using Roxanne from the Mouin Rouge soundtrack. Ah well. (Or maybe that's for her exhibition? Would be interesting.)

[nyskatefan]

Actually, I think this is a smart idea. I would much rather see her spend time on perfecting Tosca. And considering last year and this, she has had a reduced schedule ... this makes sense.

I was excited to hear she has been landing a 3/3 in practice ... maybe we'll see it at Nats. :D

[Sheila]

The latest is that her hip is still giving her trouble when she does the 3/3 in practice. Don't look for major changes in her programs this year. I also doubt she will be at the next Olys with Ando doing Quads- yes fully rotated and ratified.

[Debbie S]

Originally posted by Sheila
I also doubt she will be at the next Olys with Ando doing Quads- yes fully rotated and ratified.

Well, Michelle sounds like she'll be at the next Olys. Unless Sasha and 2 other Am. skaters start doing fully rotated and ratified quads, with 7 or so other triples and superior presentation, I think we'll see MK there. As for who will win and medal, let's wait a year or two before we make that prediction. Remember, there's more to skating than landing quads and 3 axels - just ask Tim Goebel and Ludmila Nelidina.

I remember in 2000 (same pt. in Oly cycle where we are now) that several articles were written after Nats predicting that MK might not make the U.S team in 2002. The writers were hyping Sasha, Sarah, NNN, and Jenny. Well, we know what happened to NNN (although I hope she can make it back to Nats next year) and I haven't seen Jenny beat Michelle lately. Notice I said "lately." I would never tempt the skategods the week of Nats. ;)

[smallsilly]

I also doubt she will be at the next Olys with Ando doing Quads- yes fully rotated and ratified.

So one skater has a quad and Michelle is toast? What about Sasha? will she not be at the Olympics because she does not have a fully rotated and ratified quad? I guess the US will at this point will not be sending anyone because of the lack of the quad. :lol:

Anyway, I like TFB, I am glad we will see it again this year.

[Skatingsarah]

I'm not a HUGE MK fan but I do really appreciate her and I do love her "The Feeling Begins" Short program. It really puts an impact on the audience and I always felt speechless any time after she has completed that program. I'm glad that she is bringing it out again.
As her sticking around with the threat of Ando's technical abilities. In many competitions Michelle has gotten by simple without the triple triple combos that sum of the competition was completing. This the new system that I'm assuming will be into action by the Olympics the MK factor will be even stronger. She may not get the high points on landing a quad but her edge quality and other components that are just as important will count on her behalf. Michelle has never really shyed away when a challenge presented itself I wouldn't count her out juuust yet.

[Sheila]

True, if all the skaters fell like the horror story that was the cheese fest, MK could win in '06. But that isn't going to happen and the other Japanese ladies are doing great also. As for Sasha, I don't know but keep a good thought for her. When she is "on" she is so graceful and her laybacks are fantastic. I guess the next Olys could be another cheese fest but I seriously doubt it.

[SkatingFanofMK]

This isn't a thread about whether MK will be at the 2006 Olympics, it was just to let those who were wondering what SP she would be using in Atlanta this week. I've been following MK's career since the very beginning (along with a lot of other skatingforum fans) and I'm constantly amazed at the "expert" opinions expressed about what MK will do if another skater does something, what she is thinking, whether she is happy (or not), why she did this or that, why she didn't attend her sister's wedding, why she broke up with her boyfriend, why she has a new coach, yadda, yadda, yadda. Let's just enjoy her beauty and grace while she's skating in the present rather than spend so much time predicting what will happen at the next OG. It's clear from MK's own comments during interviews (televised or in the press) that she loves to compete, so I understand why people like to compare her to SC, the Japanese ladies, the Russian ladies, etc., etc., etc. I just want to see her skate her best wherever, whenever and for however long she wants to skate.

[Tapper]

Originally posted by Sheila
Don't look for major changes in her programs this year.

Oooooh, ok. :roll:

What makes you think that I, or anyone else who might be reading this thread about MK repeating last year's SP, is looking for "major" changes in a program that she won the National title with last year? Hmmm?

I just watched Nationals SP 2003 again last night (ESPN2) and I think that if it was good enough then then it's good enough now. If she decides to make any changes I imagine that they will be enough to tweak it into another winning performance... nothing "major."

Furthermore, as a side note, I not only totally disagree with your assessment of the future, but I also do not like being given unasked for advise or orders. :evil:

I'll decide for myself what to and what not to look for, without any help from you. What I'll be looking for is a repeat performance of a wonderful SP from MK.

Go Michelle! :D

[PaulWyliefan]

I watched it again last night too, and it occurred to me that it's a very unique program -- beautiful, exciting choreography (and beautifully skated) to excruciatingly dull music. How often does that happen? :-) Maybe I'm in the minority, but that kind of music bores me to tears.

[lilwish]

I love Michelle but this is one of my very least favorite of her programs. I would have liked to see something different. But i am sure she will skate it gloriously, as she usually does.

[Tapper]

Originally posted by PaulWyliefan
I watched it again last night too, and it occurred to me that it's a very unique program -- beautiful, exciting choreography (and beautifully skated) to excruciatingly dull music. How often does that happen? :-) Maybe I'm in the minority, but that kind of music bores me to tears.

PaulWyliefan,
When Peter Gabriel's "Passion" (the background score for film The Last Temptation of Christ) was first released back in the late 80s I was totally enamoured of it because it was so different from anything else I'd ever heard and so exotic and mysterious... and not many people were familiar with it. It was especially great when played really really loud! :lol: I think of all the "new age" music of the time, it was the best IMHO... and it did win a grammy (after I discovered it! ;) ).

I found that the music was pretty powerful(unusually so) when used as background music to help create a mood (think creative dramatics!)... but I don't think I have ever enjoyed it as music that could simply stand on its own. Maybe MK has had a similar experience of feeling the unusual power of the music... and that it moved her to create a program that you can appreciate despite the music!

That said, though I don't think I find it as painfully boring as you say you do, my feelings may be similar... I haven't listened to the score in over 15 years, and have no plans to do so in either the immediate or distant future... been there, loved it, done that, otta there...

[sachelle]

is wonderful music. It helps her move faster, and it gives her more excitement than her actual skate. It builds which is the reason Eldredge chose his great music choices. I liked it very much but was not impressed with vera's costume. I think if Michelle does it well, she'll get 1st or second if Sasha does great, with no falls or bobbles, she'll get second.

Actually given the fact that Kwan's not a full-time competitor, I am disappointed we are not seeing something new, since we will see it only twice. She has had time to perfect two good skates.

IMHO, I liked Jenny K's beautiful lines and Yebin Mok's SP better last year -or actualy the way they skate is lovely and very finished.

The people who fill the stands want Michelle and I doubt the USFSA has the $$ to deny them. Still, Michelle does not have the speed nor the perfection of line (look at her arms throughout) that Cohen has, and though AP, Cohen, Kirk, do, I don't expect a big change this year except Sasha goes back to Silver and bronze for the firs time in several years will be a new skater. Bebe's not a beauty but she is an exciting to watch skater with great elements. Last year they all skated well. I just want to see everyone do their personal best.

I would like to see a new Chanpion, I think a lot of people (in the closet!) would, though I'm an MK fan as well. I'd like to see her with SOI so she can really develop more.

[Mokah]

Originally posted by sachelle


IMHO, I liked Jenny K's beautiful lines and Yebin Mok's SP better last year -or actualy the way they skate is lovely and very finished.


Yes! Love Michelle but Ye Bin Mok's SP was so lovely last year. I hope we do see more of her in the future. Also love her lutz...like Fumie and Vika's---she seems to soar into the air on it.
About Michelle and the Olympics---way too premature and actually far too early for me to care at this point. But I do like her sp...glad to hear she is using it again.