fireballs and princesses....whom do you prefer?

[essence_of_soy]

Aussie Willy and their Midori Ito thread got me thinking.

Do you prefer ladies with powerful jumps, fast spins, blinding speed and killer footwork. (I think you know my preference already.)

Or

Wispy ballerina types who skate to GFB with a lot of posing and tortured facial expressions.

My favourite fireballs, in no particular order are:

Midori Ito (well okay, she is my favourite)
Elizabeth Manley
Tonya Harding (1991 season...if anyone has a copy of her free skate at Skate America that year, she gave one of the most awesome performances ever....wow!)
Kristina Czako
Joanne Carter
Julia Sebastyen
Angela Derochie
Yuka Sato
Sydne Vogel
Nicole Bobek

[loveskating]

Well, considering that the prime "wispy ballerina" type, Oksana Baiul, had in her prime HUGE jumps, a true lutz, and a magnificent delayed 2 axel, an incredible catch spiral the full length of the rink on more lean than I've ever seen for that spiral (not to mention a lovely entrance and exit for it), and fast spins, its hard to comprehend your comparison.

Today's prime "ballerina" has a number of elements which are clearly either the best or among the best ever, namely Sasha Cohen...a fireball if ever there was one.

But when it comes to huge jumps, no one comes close to Ito and Harding...not even Volchkova.

[texasdancer]

I prefer ballerinas. I like skating that is beautiful, flowing, and artistic.

[Snowflake3939]

I'm waiting for a female skater that can show me fire and be a ballerina at the same time.

[Ellyn]

Originally posted by Snowflake3939
I'm waiting for a female skater that can show me fire and be a ballerina at the same time.

Sounds like a job for Sasha Cohen.


Personally, my favorites tend to be those that sidestep the traditional categories altogether, or as much as possible.

[Snowflake3939]

You're right, Ellyn! I've been watching her with great interest over the last couple of years. Being a dancer I was quite emotional when I first saw her extension and turn out. But I haven't seen her live yet and I've been told that her ice coverage is minimal. Maybe that has changed since she switched coaches and choreographers. I'm also waiting for consistency and more versatility from her before I declare her my favourite female skater. I really thought Oksana B. was going to be the one but she fizzled. I've been bored with ladies skating for quite some time.

[danibellerika]

I saw Sasha at Worlds this year. Her ice coverage looked fine to me.

[jpksk8]

I want a skater that's versatile, that can't be pigeonholed in the way that this thread tries to do so. The ultimate skater should be able to do big and brash, graceful and demure, and quite a bit in between. All skaters should have big jumps, blazingly fast spins, and killer footwork--that should have nothing to do with the "character" of the program. Who in their right mind would say that they like underrotated jumps, missed hooks, and footwork that is composed of nothing more crossovers and double threes?

[Debbie]

I agree with Snowflake. I, too want someone who can be a ballerina with fire.

[supersk8er]

Originally posted by essence_of_soy

My favourite fireballs, in no particular order are:
...
Kristina Czako
....

What ever happened to this girl? I remember seeing her in one of my older figure skating books, and it said something about her already having gone to something like, four world championships at a really young age, but I've never even seen her on the international scene...:?? I'm assuming she's retired now...But what was her highest placement at Worlds? Or Olympics...If she attended?

[Ellyn]

Originally posted by supersk8er
What ever happened to this girl?


http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3461&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

Krisztina herself answers beginning on page 2 of that thread.

I'm assuming she's retired now...But what was her highest placement at Worlds? Or Olympics...If she attended?

Highest placements were 7th at 1997 Worlds (and silver medal at Europeans that year); 12th at 1994 Olympics.

[AxelAnnie22]

Originally posted by Debbie
I agree with Snowflake. I, too want someone who can be a ballerina with fire. Did you forget to look at Sasha? You don't get much more "ballerina" than Sasha, and fire? Ask Mr. Nicks! Sasha has enormous fire and intensity. Sasha skates with passion and flair. :D

[wvgal57]

and the princess! I think she is the essence of both combined. Total package. I think she's amazing and can't wait to see what she brings to the ice next season.

[GreekGoddess85]

hi Emma :)
I agree with and love your siggy ;)
Sasha is as good as it gets :)

[RobinA]

>>Wispy ballerina types who skate to GFB with a lot of posing and tortured facial expressions.<<

I'll take a wispy ballerina type without the GFB and the tortured facial expressions.

[yogurtslinger]

All the "true" ballerinas have fire, passion, and charisma anyway. Yes, Oksana (circa '94) is a good example. But, alternatively, go to any ballet-- "wispy ballerina type" merely describes a physical appearance, not lack of energy or athleticism.

[texasdancer]

yogurtslinger- I totally agree. True ballerinas are incredibely strong, along with being flexible and beautiful to watch.