COI - San Jose 5/30

[jpeach]

Just got home after a delightful evening at the HP Pavillion in San Jose. What a great show. Though the house was far from sold out, the bottom tier was pretty much full.

About 5 minutes before the show started, Peggy Fleming and her husband arrived and sat one section over from us. She is so petite. Also, very gracious as she spent the entire intermission autographing programs and posing for pics.

The show. Well, there is just no comparison to seeing these skaters in person. I'm sorry I cannot spell most of their names so I'll use initials where I need to.

Suprises for me: The silver Wolrld medalists, Tatiana and M(?). They were so lighthearted on the ice. TV doesn't allow her sweetness to come through. She usually looks so severe. This was a nice treat.

Elena Sokolova was beautiful; her number was very ballet-like. Irina was having a dandy time. Lovely moves; she really reached the crowd.

Oksana and Dimetri (pairs gold medalists) also were very well received. Her smile reaches even the highest seats. And they performed some very unusaly moves; and they were simply flying across the ice.

Lang and T were equally exciting, beautiful on the ice and got good audience response.

A pair who didn't really make it for me was Punsulan and Swallow. And I love them on TV but in person they just didn't seem to connect.

Elivis was spot-on although he fell on his jump in the opening number. But is solo just zinged!!. The teenagers behind me were going wild.

As someone mention on the COI Salt Lake City thread, Phillipe brought the crowd to its feet with his "God Bless the USA" number. The woman beside me wiped her eyes afterwards.

Sasha was pure beauty of ice. Every pose was perfect, every jump flowed, twice she did her spiral...and her Charlotte was exquisite. That girl has it all. The crowd loved her.

Plushy did a quad!!! At least I think he did, right towards the end of his program. He opened with a triple, triple, triple combo RIGHT in front of me! His footwork was amazing. Even faster, it seemed, in person that on TV.

Michelle is soooo pretty is person. I can't believe the difference. She did a sensuous, beautiful number - very crowd pleasing. It seemed that many in the audience were at least somewhat skating savvy and applauded for more than just jumps. They went wild, of course, when Michelle performed her signature spiral. For once, I got to see ALLLLL of it without a duncy cameraman shooting up Michelle's nose, lol.

And, oh my gosh, she is so much faster in terms of ice coverage and spins that shown on TV.

The only sour note: Rudy Galinda. The hometown boy was got huge applause from the SJ crowd based, imo, on just the fact that he is "ours" and we are proud of his accomplishments. His number had very little content, some repeated jumps, and a whole lotta shaking. Some groin grabbing, too, which I could have skipped.

Another suprise for me: I loved Michael Weiss. On TV, I just don't appreciate his skating. Here, he was charming, entertaining, GREAT moves on the ice, totally connected with the audience.

That's about all I can remember right now. Was anybody else from this board there?

[Ximena]

Plushy did a quad!!! At least I think he did, right towards the end of his program. He opened with a triple, triple, triple combo RIGHT in front of me! His footwork was amazing. Even faster, it seemed, in person that on TV.
Thanx for the review, I always want to hear any news regarding Evgeni. It seems that his knee injury is over, so hopefully he will remain as healthy as he is now.
thanx again

[junkety]

I was there, too, and thought it was a wonderful show this year! The closing number was one of the best I've seen -- don't know the music, and the program didn't include a list of each performance w/ music this time, but it was very upbeat, and the costumes and props were carnival or Mardi Gras and/or Cirque du Soleil-inspired -- very brilliant, bright day-glo colors, lots of big cloaks and headdresses and harlequin outfits and confetti and such. At the end, hundreds of silver streamers floated down on the audience.

I was sorry not to see Fumie Suguri or Sarah Hughes (guess this might mean I never actually see her skate in person, as she wasn't at last year's Olympic tour in SJ either), but I agree that it was a pleasant surprise to see Elena Sokolova. I liked her so much years ago, and her program suited her -- elegant, dramatic music at beginning and end with a quick, lighthearted middle section that showed off her sparke and that great smile.

Another surprise guest was Beatrisa Liang, who seemed a teeny bit nervous and tight at first but skated a very nice program with just a couple of little stumbles -- it must be her first time on tour, right?

I agree with you, jpeach, about Totmianina & Marinin! That's the first time I ever saw her face express anything, and her smile made such a difference! I wish I could remember the music (it wasn't West Side Story, thank goodness!), but it was looser and more relaxed and suited them. I think they did two throws, as well as several complicated lifts and (I think) a modified headbanger, and the audience was appreciative.

Kazakova & Dmitriev skated to "Unforgettable" and were smooth, powerful, and wonderful as usual (always liked this pair). I loved their puppet program from last year (was it the "Matrix" music??) but this one was beautiful, too, including most of their signature moves. Oksana's smile just lights up her face.

The dancers -- well, I'm of the "if it's not Torvill & Dean, forget it" school, but I thought Lang and T. (won't attempt the spelling!) had a good program -- very dramatic/romantic music (sorry to be so feeble about titles/details), and they seemed to be in very good sync with each other, with some amazingly deep edges in their moves. I've never been keen on Punsalan & Swallow, but was relieved that at least they did a humorous number -- he a cowboy, she a temptress of some sort, kind of cute song about "here she is again, she'll break my heart, oh well might as well . . . "

Elvis had lots of energy and was skating really fast, obviously enjoying himself, connecting with the audience, and pulled off several clean jumps after his fall in the opening, to great cheers. Philippe had people clapping and on their feet (he remained mostly clothed this time, just pulling off one sleeve to display the flag!).

Michael Weiss, well, I'm not really a fan, but I think he'd have a good career as a pro; he has lots of energy and a good connection to the audience, which likes his tricks, including that back-twist thing he does on his new skates. Don't know why he had to open his shirt, when the song was "Centerfold" (about the girlfriend being one), but, well, whatever . . . !! I was pretty disappointed w/ Rudy Galindo's program. It seemed to be more about costuming (lots of purple velvet, soon peeled off), posing, and the old bump-and-grind than about skating, which is a shame, because when he skates full out in a genuine program, I can enjoy watching him. Not this time, though, unfortunately -- but I was in the minority, I'm sure, because the hometown audience cheered like crazy.

I wish I knew what music Tim Goebel skated to, because I was wondering if the medieval-looking cross on the back of his vest was related to it, but anyway, he skated well, lots of energy, did his hydroblade move a couple of times and several triples (no quad, I think, but can't swear to that because I was too far away to be sure on a couple of jumps). Always had a soft spot for him and enjoyed his program very much; he seemed relaxed and was having a good time with it.

Dan Hollander came out initially costumed as a 70-year-old, very funny with tentative moves on the ice, losing bits of costume, and ended up as a very vigorous old gent skating full out in a white tank and red-sequined boxers -- great fun.

Michelle, Sasha, Irina -- all wonderful. Michelle's program was relaxed and flowing, and she had a great smile throughout it, clearly enjoying the music and the audience response. Every time I see her, I marvel at how graceful every move is, how finished, with all that power delivered so smoothly. Sasha skated to (I think!) "A Time For Us" and was just flawless -- very focused, very in tune with the music -- every position and move done just so. She conveys a sense of great composure and control over each movement; the spins and spirals were especially breathtaking in person. Irina had great fun with her program -- it was some sort of folk music, presumably Russian, and she put on a headscarf just after starting the program -- I didn't catch the words of the song (in fact I thought it might have been in Russian!!) but it must have had something to do with the scarf! She was fast and energetic and has a 250-watt smile -- the audience loved her.

I was impressed with Plushenko last year, and even more so this year -- what a combination of focus, sheer power, and enjoyment! He skated his program to the "St. Petersburg" music and, I think, without being able to see every detail up close, he did the original competitive program full out. Like you, jpeach, I really think that was a quad! it was just to the left of our section and sure looked like it to me. And when he fired off that triple-triple-triple . . . WOW!

So, all in all, a fantastic show and an excellent tribute to COI history, starting back in 1969! Hope everyone else enjoys the show in their cities.

[Ximena]

I wish I knew what music Tim Goebel skated to, because I was wondering if the medieval-looking cross on the back of his vest was related to it,
I think Tim is skating to "Arms Wide Open" of Creed

Thanx for your reviews, it's great to read them

[btqkta]

Originally posted by junkety
I wish I knew what music Tim Goebel skated to, because I was wondering if the medieval-looking cross on the back of his vest was related to it, but anyway, he skated well, lots of energy, did his hydroblade move a couple of times and several triples (no quad, I think, but can't swear to that because I was too far away to be sure on a couple of jumps). Always had a soft spot for him and enjoyed his program very much; he seemed relaxed and was having a good time with it.

He skates to "With Arms Wide Open" by Creed. I can find the lyrics if you'd like. Creed is kind of a Christian group....but not exactly. Don't know how to explain it-they are on mainstream-but many of their songs are God-oriented without actually saying God or Lord. I think. Don't quote me on that-I wouldn't really know how to explain them. :)

[SweetiePie]

Originally posted by junkety
I was there, too, and thought it was a wonderful show this year! The closing number was one of the best I've seen -- don't know the music, and the program didn't include a list of each performance w/ music this time, but it was very upbeat, and the costumes and props were carnival or Mardi Gras and/or Cirque du Soleil-inspired -- very brilliant, bright day-glo colors, lots of big cloaks and headdresses and harlequin outfits and confetti and such. At the end, hundreds of silver streamers floated down on the audience.

I agree, this piece was a lot of fun. Personally reminded me more of Mardi Gras with the bright colors. You should've seen them trying to coordinate costume and prop changes at the skater's entrance...that at times was almost more entertaining than the actual program! :D I saw many, many people leaving with those streamers draped over their necks. A souveneir of sorts I suppose.

was sorry not to see Fumie Suguri or Sarah Hughes (guess this might mean I never actually see her skate in person, as she wasn't at last year's Olympic tour in SJ either), but I agree that it was a pleasant surprise to see Elena Sokolova. I liked her so much years ago, and her program suited her -- elegant, dramatic music at beginning and end with a quick, lighthearted middle section that showed off her sparke and that great smile.

Sarah Hughes wasn't on the tour at all. I was just reading that she had signed but then decided to attend Yale University instead of touring. I think Sasha - though already signed - was sort of her "replacement".

Another surprise guest was Beatrisa Liang, who seemed a teeny bit nervous and tight at first but skated a very nice program with just a couple of little stumbles -- it must be her first time on tour, right?

Beatrisa was brought on tour for only the last 3 shows. Sacramento was her first stop. It was a scramble to find her a closing program costume!

[junkety]

Originally posted by btqkta
He skates to "With Arms Wide Open" by Creed. I can find the lyrics if you'd like. Creed is kind of a Christian group....but not exactly. Don't know how to explain it-they are on mainstream-but many of their songs are God-oriented without actually saying God or Lord. I think. Don't quote me on that-I wouldn't really know how to explain them. :)

Thanks, btqkta and Ximena, for the info on Tim's music. I have a friend who plays electric guitar in his church band, and Tim's music seemed really similar to the contemporary Christian rock they play -- lots of energy and a good rock beat yet with lyrics that can be mainstream as well as suitable for a strictly Christian audience. In any case, great program!

I remember now that Totmianina & Marinin skated to Elton John's "Your Song," and I realize I forgot to mention Viktor Petrenko (sorry!), who skated a much appreciated serious/dramatic program this time after two years of more comedic programs complete with puppets. I thought the one with the lady doll puppet was very clever, a couple of years ago -- jumps and all, with the puppet! -- but "Who Let the Dogs Out" struck me as kind of a weak repetition or attenuation of an earlier, popular routine, and one that didn't work nearly as well, like a trick that's been played once too often.

Good for Beatrisa, doing so well at the last minute and only three shows, no chance to get really comfortable with the routine!

Looking forward to next year's show already!

[iskater13]

here in detroit we thought Punsalan & Swallow did not connect either when they always connect. But I found out a few days later that she is pregnant and due in Dec. I give her a lot of credit for still getting out there and touring while being pregnant:0) LOL