About Programs for Next Season

[AxelAnnie22]

When do the skaters start to work on their programs? Especially those (like Michelle) who are on the COI tour.

I would assume that skaters have selected music, and have some ideas, but I would think the actual training time would be rather limited.

When will we start to hear what music is selected? Didn't that word start to trickle out about now last year?

[olivia]

Good questions. We may have started hearing information about skaters programs earlier last season because the season started so early with the Goodwill Games and because it was the all important Olympic season. Just a thought.

I know Sarah Hughes and Robin Wagner commented that they would begin working on Sarah's programs in June. Makes sense since Sarah is not continuing on with the COI tour. Maybe we'll hear from Sarah's camp shortly (but didn't she keep her program a secret last season until just b/f her first competition? I seem to remember that because Sarah chose not to compete at the GWG).

Irina usually announces her music on her official website. I recall her doing so rather early last year. It seems the guys tend to select and announce their music before most of the ladies do.

You're probably right that most skaters have ideas about music and program themes. For those skaters on tour, I can't imagine when they'll be preparing their programs. August/September? I guess we'll just have to be patient and wait until they decide to share.

O-

[Pupiczech]

The new team of Hinzmann and Hartsell have finished their new short program with Marina Zoueva and are working on their new long program now with her. I can't tell you the music yet, but it will be soon.

[Emanfan]

Speaking of Irina, does anyone know if she will compete this year?

[olivia]

Emanfan: I read on Irina's official website that she has decided to compete next season. The below link (see March) mentions that Irina will compete in 2 GP events, so I'd imagine we'll also see her at Russian Nationals, Euros, and Worlds.

http://www1.odn.ne.jp/~cam04900/irinalatest.htm

O-

[Emanfan]

Thanks for that information Olivia. I am really pleased to hear that. Somehow, I can't imagine Ladies' FS without that charming smile.

[Scott]

I think that it is very important for skaters to complete thier competition programs very early in the year. I hate it when I hear that they are still putting them together going into the summer or later. This is not good because I think a late preparation shows in the presentation. A skater should have a strong familiarity with the program so that when they skate it they are not thinking about the choreography. By competition time it should just come natuarally and flow. Unfortunately most don't do this and I think it shows. And not in a good way, either!