yogurtslinger
12-04-2004, 11:28 PM
I'm glad to see her on the ice again. While I wouldn't say that I loved her programs, she did look incredibly fit- more so then she has in a loong time. Based on the past few years, I honestly didn't expect to see her in such good shape... the last time she seemed to be in such prime condition was when she was doing the Mariah Carey/Tocatta & Fugue #s (what year was that?). In fact, she looks better than she did pre-Goodwill games when she was seriously training (Cher program) and contemplating returning to amateur competition. It's nice to see... I'm sure Gene has a lot to do with it. (Does anyone know whether they've married? Or whether they're still engaged?)
That said, she looked kind of.. out of practice. I.e. her spins were a little bit shaky, her positions weren't fully extended. And her trademark donut spin wasn't... really a donut spin. It seemed like she hasn't been stretching out.. I mean, sure, part of that might just be age.. but considering the *awesome* physical shape she seems to be in, I want to think that if she were to spend more time practicing, she could still pull off some unbelievable programs. Her jumps are still there.. including an amazing triple lutz! I don't know what happened to the rest of her skating... probably just lack of a serious coach to push her choreographically. Or maybe she's no longer doing as much ballet/dance training.
I mean, I am her biggest fan (she is, and always will be my favorite skater of all time).. but, it seems like her dancing is not as good as it used to be.. and I'm not sure what to make of it. This will never happen... but I'd love to see what Galina could do with her. The coach she's working with now- I get the feeling that he's more of a consultant and she basically just does what she wants. Of course, that's again a function of her age and maturity... but, I think Oksana's the kind of person who would really flourish from having someone to "reign her in". It's been a long time since their "break".. I bet Galina would still be happy to work with her. Actually, my favorite programs from Oksana were all under Galina: The Feeling Begins, Keep it in the Closet, Enigma (she won her only pro competition using this program!), Meditation de Thais, of course The Swan. I mean, they are just classics! If Oksana wants to move on, do fun programs instead of classical ones, of course she should... but where did her posture, timing, & dance skills go?
All that said, I had a fun time watching her programs. Hehe.. actually, I liked the second one better for its entertainment value :halo: She seemed to enjoy doing them and didn't seem to take herself too seriously. I'm so happy for her.
That said, she looked kind of.. out of practice. I.e. her spins were a little bit shaky, her positions weren't fully extended. And her trademark donut spin wasn't... really a donut spin. It seemed like she hasn't been stretching out.. I mean, sure, part of that might just be age.. but considering the *awesome* physical shape she seems to be in, I want to think that if she were to spend more time practicing, she could still pull off some unbelievable programs. Her jumps are still there.. including an amazing triple lutz! I don't know what happened to the rest of her skating... probably just lack of a serious coach to push her choreographically. Or maybe she's no longer doing as much ballet/dance training.
I mean, I am her biggest fan (she is, and always will be my favorite skater of all time).. but, it seems like her dancing is not as good as it used to be.. and I'm not sure what to make of it. This will never happen... but I'd love to see what Galina could do with her. The coach she's working with now- I get the feeling that he's more of a consultant and she basically just does what she wants. Of course, that's again a function of her age and maturity... but, I think Oksana's the kind of person who would really flourish from having someone to "reign her in". It's been a long time since their "break".. I bet Galina would still be happy to work with her. Actually, my favorite programs from Oksana were all under Galina: The Feeling Begins, Keep it in the Closet, Enigma (she won her only pro competition using this program!), Meditation de Thais, of course The Swan. I mean, they are just classics! If Oksana wants to move on, do fun programs instead of classical ones, of course she should... but where did her posture, timing, & dance skills go?
All that said, I had a fun time watching her programs. Hehe.. actually, I liked the second one better for its entertainment value :halo: She seemed to enjoy doing them and didn't seem to take herself too seriously. I'm so happy for her.