The most artistic men - current eligible skaters

[Aussie Willy]

Interested to know who you think are the most artistic men in eligible competition and why. I will start with:

Stephane Lambiel - this skater has wonderful musical interpretation, great spins, plus a really nice smile.
Stannick Jeanette - his selection of music is never boring, different costumes and moves his body all over the place. He really tries challenging material.
Emanuel Sandhu - what can you say about this guy - just amazing - I just wish he could get it together at the big one
Ilia Klimkin - a really interesting skater with moves that not many other skaters try. I do question his music choices sometimes but there is something about him that really fascinates me
Brian Joubert - very young and very talented. I sometimes get the feeling he is a bit of Yagudin clone with some of him footwork, but he does have the talent to one day get a medal at worlds

[essence_of_soy]

I was really impressed with this year's bronze medallist at the U.S. Nationals, Ryan Janke. Has a very mature look, and great attack.

Pity he couldn't carry the momentum of a great qualifying round at worlds through the competition.

Nick

[Calgary88]

You forgot Tim Goebel. :lol: :lol:

Seriously, I would agree with the choice of Emmanuel Sandhu. His elegance is a rarity in men's skating today. I love to watch him skate.

[Josef]

In addition to most of those named above, I would say that Jeffrey Buttle is definitely right up there. His programs are always musical with creative and interesting choreography. David Wilson does a great job working with Jeff, although it should be said that it's one thing to have great choreo. and entirely another to be able to pull it off.

[Alexeiskate]

Originally posted by Aussie Willy
Brian Joubert - very young and very talented. I sometimes get the feeling he is a bit of Yagudin clone with some of him footwork, but he does have the talent to one day get a medal at worlds

Joubert's choreographer is Nicolei Marosov (sp?), Yagudin's choreographer. Nicolei also did the programs for Van Der Perren this year, and I would say Nicolei gave all three of them similar footwork sequence. When you compare all three together you can really see that Yagudin is way ahead of the other two in term of making the footwork sequence his own.

[PAskate]

I would add Sasha Abt to this list. He has a classical style with flair.

My personal favorite would have to be Emmanuel Sandhu. His musicality is terrific, and I love the lines and positions that he gets. I am also a huge ballet fan, so I think that's why I like skaters with a sense of musicality and line more than power and strength.

[Orable]

IMO, and I havent' seen a few of the skaters already mentioned...

Agree with:

Emmanuel Sandhu
Alexander Abt
Stannick Jeannette
Ilia Klimkin
Ryan Jahnke

Would add:

Yevgeny Plushenko
Johnny Weir
Takeshi Honda
Matt Savoie
Vakhtang Murvanidze


wow, I guess there are more artistically inclined eligible male skaters than I'd thought! :D great topic!

[Gaela]

I'm not yet convinced of Joubert's artistry, I've not yet seen that SP of last year, which was supposed to be so remarkable.

I agree with Klimkin, Sandhu, and Buttle.

[Lynn226]

I have to agree with the choice of Emanuel Sandhu. I just love watching this guy. No part of his program is ever boring. And Jeffrey Buttle has a certain dramatic flair that I enjoy. I hope that both of them eventually win World medals. :D

[luckiest1]

Jeff Buttle, without a doubt. He is mesmerizing....I hope this year he will have both the jumps AND the amazing artistry, because once he does, there will be no stopping him. :D

[Skatingsarah]

My favorite is JEFF BUTTLE I absolutly love this kid! E-man isn't to far behind but Jeff is soo amazing I think I've grown partial to his smile there is so much in his program musical wise and I never want him to stop!;) E-man definetly has the lines and intensity and Jeff has that playful and interpretive style of skating.
-Sarah

[hebequeen]

My choice of today's most artistic male skaters are Emauel Sandhu and Stephane Lambiel, whose true brilliance I just discovered recently. They both have such rare musicality and dancing ability. No one can dance like Sandhu, period. And I have yet to see any skater move to the music like Lambiel does- his expression is a combination of a boy and a man, so much elegance yet so much charm.

[skater247]

i like Andrei Gruazev he is very artistic and connects all of his moves together he is a very exciting interesting skater to watch he wasnt in the U.S nationalist because he just moved here from russia i love watching him all the time

[BittyBug]

Depends on how you define artistic. For creativity, I like Klimkin and Stanick Jeannette. For line and flow with the music, I like Weir, Sandhu, Sergei Davidov, Derrick Delmore. For musicality, Buttle and Lambiel. For drama, Plushy. Not sure where Honda fits in, but I do find him quite expressive.

I don't get Abt, and I don't get any Jahnke or Savoie.

[Orable]

Originally posted by skater247
i like Andrei Gruazev he is very artistic and connects all of his moves together he is a very exciting interesting skater to watch he wasnt in the U.S nationalist because he just moved here from russia i love watching him all the time

?? will Griazev be skating for America or for Russia??

[loveskating]

I'd say Alexander Abt and Takeshi Honda are the most artistic amongst a lot of artistic skaters these days.

Besides skating at a very high technical level (not just jumps), they each have their very own style, and their interpretations of their music always seems to illuminate it for me. I'll probably never hear Abt's Rach again without thinking of him in motion, nor Don Quixote without Honda's movement (and certainly not Rhapsody in Blue without Kulik's skating or Gladiator without thinking of Yagudin!). They are also very, very musical skaters, and for me, that is the most important component of being "artistic".


Mat Savoie is knocking on that door, but he is still a bit too self conscious, still not free enough, not able to abandon himself to the skating, the crowd enough.

I think Tim may surprise us all...I think he has come so far...I'm really looking forward to the day he blows the roof off the rink and I believe he can do it...partly, its a matter of just maturity, of growing up a bit, and he will have to assert his own vision.

[AxelAnnie22]

Artistry is so subjective. Very much in the eye of the beholder.

I might break it down into several categories:

PASSION: Plushenko, Honda, Yags.

INNOVATION: Klimkin,

GRACE AND LINE: Abt, Weir

MUSICAL INTERPRETATION AND EXPRESSION: Savoie (although I agree with Loveskating - surprise - that Matt isn't quite free yet, but if he ever gets there, he will be amazing to watch.....he floats on the ice.

And then, there is Goebel. I think (again) that Loveskating may have a point. He just may surprise us. He is so comfortable with the technical end, he may be able to really let loose expressively.

[Trillian]

Originally posted by Orable
?? will Griazev be skating for America or for Russia??

AFAIK Griazev has NO plans to compete for the U.S.--he just trains with coaches in the U.S. right now. He represented Russia internationally last season and qualified for the Junior Grand Prix Final. He didn't go to junior worlds because Russia only had two spots and he didn't place well enough at nationals to earn one of them. However, I'd guess his odds of making the junior world team, and very possibly contending for a medal, will be significantly better next season.

[Orable]

that's what I thought Trillian, thanks. I got confused by Skater247's post

[loveskating]

Jobert reminds me of Yags as to his basics...his stroking and edging, the basic way he moves on the ice...his carriage -- he is kind of a Yagudin in the raw, not the Yagudin as a Diamond, all polished.
Maybe Jobert should try for Tarasova too?

[jpksk8]

Joubert has to be one of the least "artistic" skaters I've ever seen. His skating is all drawn from cliches and the styles of others, nor is his presentation remarkable. I can understand why some may find him appealing (I personally find "his" style to be one of the worst of those in the top level), but to contend that he is artistic is ludicrous IMHO.
Tim, OTOH, may not have the best posture or line, but I think he is actually trying artistically interesting things. His 1st long program from this year, in particular, and I really respect his attempts to do something unconventional and extremely sophisticated. Though Nichol's more eclectic fare may not be the best vehicle for the competitive track, I hope he does not give up the way in which he has been expanding his milieu. And her more accessible programs (R&J, American In Paris) have been great for him.
My personal favorite is Lambiel. I have so much respect for him, and I hope he continues to be rewarded for his efforts. I think all men should be trying to emulate him, rather than Yagudin. Not only is his choreography more sophisticated from a technical standpoint, but Lambiel has also taken the initiative to be a versatile skater who cares for the program as a vehicle for both marks, not just as packaging for his technical abilities (as is the case w/ Yagudin and most others, as I see it).
Again, I think its worthwhile for people to make clear when they mean "is artistic" and when they mean "has great presentation". The difference is key.

[cygnus]

[My personal favorite is Lambiel. I have so much respect for him, and I hope he continues to be rewarded for his efforts. I think all men should be trying to emulate him, rather than Yagudin. Not only is his choreography more sophisticated from a technical standpoint, but Lambiel has also taken the initiative to be a versatile skater who cares for the program as a vehicle for both marks, not just as packaging for his technical abilities (as is the case w/ Yagudin and most others, as I see it).

I'm sure they will, when he too has a few world medals and an olympic gold to go along with them. (and I hope he does someday). For now, though, Yagudin (and Plushenko) are the standard. And their "technical packaging" is just your opinion- I see plenty of artistry, as well as presentation in both of them (well, all three, really, athough I like Yagudin's and Lambiel's artistry, and not so much Plushenko's). It will be interesting to see how things change over the next few years with the COP system.


Again, I think its worthwhile for people to make clear when they mean "is artistic" and when they mean "has great presentation". The difference is key. [/B][/QUOTE]

[hebequeen]

Originally posted by jpksk8
Joubert has to be one of the least "artistic" skaters I've ever seen. His skating is all drawn from cliches and the styles of others, nor is his presentation remarkable. I can understand why some may find him appealing (I personally find "his" style to be one of the worst of those in the top level), but to contend that he is artistic is ludicrous IMHO.
My personal favorite is Lambiel. I have so much respect for him, and I hope he continues to be rewarded for his efforts. I think all men should be trying to emulate him, rather than Yagudin. Not only is his choreography more sophisticated from a technical standpoint, but Lambiel has also taken the initiative to be a versatile skater who cares for the program as a vehicle for both marks, not just as packaging for his technical abilities (as is the case w/ Yagudin and most others, as I see it).
Again, I think its worthwhile for people to make clear when they mean "is artistic" and when they mean "has great presentation". The difference is key.
I might not find him the "least artistic" of all, but thank you for your post! I've never understood all the fuzz about him being the next great one. He is a good skater with clean lines and clean technique and has talent, but I don't see the extra something that makes him special artistically. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if most of the hype from internet fans is based more on his looks than anything. Among the up and comers, he's not one of the most interesting to watch for me. And style wise, I find his countryman Stanick Jeanette much more interesting and unique.
And yes, Lambiel is one of the most musical- if not THE most musical- skaters I've seen. I just luuuuuuuuurv watching this guy move...to anyhing!

[Orable]

ITA. if Joubert looked like a normal 18 year old kid, I don't think we'd see this much fuss and hype. It was, however, incredible how he came to win Skate America :) in any case, I agree that he has nice line, good basic skating, but generic morozov choreo. and i agree a hundred and ten percent that Jeanette is the more interesting Frenchman. that's jmo. also...remember in the mid-90s all the hype over Candeloro? I always liked Millot better...

jmo...Orable

Originally posted by hebequeen
Sometimes I can't help but wonder if most of the hype from internet fans is based more on his looks than anything. Among the up and comers, he's not one of the most interesting to watch for me. And style wise, I find his countryman Stanick Jeanette much more interesting and unique.

[icedancer2]

Originally posted by hebequeen
.
And yes, Lambiel is one of the most musical- if not THE most musical- skaters I've seen. I just luuuuuuuuurv watching this guy move...to anyhing!

Lambriel is definitely the one to watch. I also like Jeffrey Buttle and Stannick Jeanneatte. I thought the "middle-group" at Worlds this year was much more interesting than the top 5 or so.

[Smiley0084]

I'd have to say Emanuel Sandhu. He has gorgeous lines and excellent positions, if only he's be consistent, he would be world champ, hands down. I also really enjoy, Lambiel, Klimkin, and Van der Perren.

[KDSk8BU06]

- Agreed that although Joubert is enjoyable to watch, his artistry isn't anything phenomenal. Don't get me wrong, he does have a nice line and carriage, but nothing extraordinary yet. Hope he continues to mature and stretch himself, he has a lot of potential.
- I personally don't care for Weir's style, but have to hand it to him, he is a very lyrical skater and seems to really "feel" the music. Savoie is another skater who has that same musical quality, but is terribly introverted. If he could come out of his shell more, he would really be incredible.
- ADORE Jahnke's skating. The triple axel has never been there, but I could watch him SKATE all day. His line, speed, and edge quality are IMHO, unparalled. He also skates TO the music, not just WITH the music. Like his more eclectic music choices as well.
- Count me in as another who enjoys Plushenko's style. I've never been able to put a finger on exactly what it is that I like about his skating, maybe it's just the speed, energy, and charisma. I was on ice with him one day, and this man absolutely FLIES.
- Some of the lower-ranked US men, including the juniors, are fun to watch, and should be included on this thread. Lysacek and Pennington have both made big strides in improving their style, and Lysacek is very musical. Anyone here familiar with Daniel Lee? I always enjoy his programs. I remember liking Brauninger's "fly" short program last season (maybe not the most mature, but certainly creative) and anything Campbell puts together.

Great topic!

[loveskating]

I think good carriage is an important part of the presentation mark, and thus has something do do with artistry! Jobert, Johnney Wier and others people have mentioned are very musical skaters, and unfortunately, that is not always the case. What they lack is not so much detailed, full programs but that confidence that so commands the rink when the skater knows how good they are and knows what to do to execute.

I love Plushenko too...and boy, if there ever was someone who commands that ice when he steps on it, its Plushenko! But I don't usually adore his programs or his choreography...they show incredible mastry of skating, but I'm just waiting to see something more soulful from him -- although at heart, I think he is a comic type of person, and probably very, very smart.

I don't think Yagudin's programs have been built around the jumps, other than the usual rests where possible...he is an all around skater, with all the elements, including a very good front catch spin, and his programs have been very moving to me, as he has been at times. I will never forget him at Skate Canada with Gladiator as long as I live. If that isn't great artistry, I don't know what is.

I often wonder what people's underlying criteria are...

[icedancer2]

Originally posted by loveskating
I think good carriage is an important part of the presentation mark, and thus has something do do with artistry! Jobert, Johnney Wier and others people have mentioned are very musical skaters, and unfortunately, that is not always the case. What they lack is not so much detailed, full programs but that confidence that so commands the rink when the skater knows how good they are and knows what to do to execute.

I love Plushenko too...and boy, if there ever was someone who commands that ice when he steps on it, its Plushenko! But I don't usually adore his programs or his choreography...they show incredible mastry of skating, but I'm just waiting to see something more soulful from him -- although at heart, I think he is a comic type of person, and probably very, very smart.

I don't think Yagudin's programs have been built around the jumps, other than the usual rests where possible...he is an all around skater, with all the elements, including a very good front catch spin, and his programs have been very moving to me, as he has been at times. I will never forget him at Skate Canada with Gladiator as long as I live. If that isn't great artistry, I don't know what is.

I often wonder what people's underlying criteria are...

Wow -- I think you nailed it for me -- it's that skater that can really take command of the ice and his performance -- I have seen Plushenko live many times and have enjoyed his programs, although have not been "in love" with the program per se -- then this spring I saw him at COI, and sitting in the 4th row, I could completely feel his command of the ice and the strength of his skating and had that "wow"-experience that you described when you saw Yagudin at Skate Canada (and what many of us experienced even watching on TV!).

I have always enjoyed the men's competition (we had some National and International Men's champions at our rink when I was growing up so I really got to appreciate the strength of male skaters) but often all you see are nerves and botched jump attemps, which really takes away from the full impact of the performance. And then every once in a while someone does something unforgettable and you become transformed back to absolutely loving the men...

Anyway, thanks for the insight!:D

[AxelAnnie22]

Originally posted by loveskating
I think good carriage is an important part of the presentation mark, and thus has something do do with artistry! Jobert, Johnney Wier and others people have mentioned are very musical skaters, and unfortunately, that is not always the case. What they lack is not so much detailed, full programs but that confidence that so commands the rink when the skater knows how good they are and knows what to do to execute.

I love Plushenko too...and boy, if there ever was someone who commands that ice when he steps on it, its Plushenko! But I don't usually adore his programs or his choreography...they show incredible mastry of skating, but I'm just waiting to see something more soulful from him -- although at heart, I think he is a comic type of person, and probably very, very smart.

I don't think Yagudin's programs have been built around the jumps, other than the usual rests where possible...he is an all around skater, with all the elements, including a very good front catch spin, and his programs have been very moving to me, as he has been at times. I will never forget him at Skate Canada with Gladiator as long as I live. If that isn't great artistry, I don't know what is.

I often wonder what people's underlying criteria are... I agree - you nailed things!

I would like to expand a bit on the "command of the ice" point.
Although I think it can be learned to some extent, and, of course, it can grow with time, I really think it is something you are born with, or not.

It is that "it" quality......and has very little to do with how well they skate. Think Nicole Bobek. When she took the ice....people stopped what they were doing to watch. And, it didn't really matter what jumps she landed. NNN - same thing. They have a presence on the ice to which you are just drawn.....like a magnet to metal.

Yags has it, Plushy has it. I hate to say this, Michael Weiss has it (although I personally, don't care for his skating at all, at all.)

Goebel, Weir, Savoie - sadly don't have that "command" part yet. And, it doesn't come from confidence (although that helps) or technique (that helps too) or mastery of the skills (another plus). When Yagudin or Plushenko take the ice, you know something special is going to happen. You will be transported somewhere with them.....you know this even before they begin.....even as they take off their skate guards. With Goebel, for example, you know you are going to see some great moments....but.....

That "command" part means that no matter what they do, or how the program goes they are still a force out there on the ice.