Angela Nikodinov Coaching Change

[IceDanceSk8er]

I heard that Angela Nikodinov has left Frank Carroll. Anyone know who's coaching her?

[2skatersmom]

I have seen her working with Oksana Grishuk for the past month now.

[candace]

why would she do something like that? Maybe, Oksana is doing some choreography for her. If anyone hears let me know.

[IceDanceSk8er]

Originally posted by 2skatersmom
I have seen her working with Oksana Grishuk for the past month now.

Where have you seen Pasha and Angela? Which rink?

[2skatersmom]

At Disney Ice in Anaheim. Angela told me that Oksana is getting her back into shape. She looks good!

[Chris_E]

2skatermom - Any more information would greatly be appreciated. How are her jumps coming along? Any news on programs?

Chris

[Tony Wheeler]

Please don't reveal Angela's music. She was hoping to keep it a secret for a while as she's still working hard on it and doesn't want it revealed yet. Please respect her wishes on this matter. Thanks! :)

[NorthernLite]

Originally posted by 2skatersmom
At Disney Ice in Anaheim. Angela told me that Oksana is getting her back into shape.

Erm, yeah - 'cos everyone knows old Frank isn't any good at getting skaters in shape for competition.

I don't quite understand this thing about keeping music secret. Remember the Xtreme Kwanatics who created a fake message board to throw people off track. They saw themselves as the Keepers of the Official Music Sekrets, I guess. (And it's not like Schez even turned out to be worth keeping secret. :P )

[CanAmSk8ter]

I don't see any real benefit to keeping the music secret either, but I do think that when to reveal music should be the skater's decision. I personally won't spill the beans about music choices of the skaters I train with unless it's already in the media or I've been specifically told it's ok to do so. I don't think it's anyone else's place to tell.

Edited to add, I'll be interested in seeing the results of this collaboration. Has Oksana been doing any other coaching?

[Trillian]

Originally posted by NorthernLite
Erm, yeah - 'cos everyone knows old Frank isn't any good at getting skaters in shape for competition.

Believe me, I see your point and grinned at this post. :) Otoh, it's worth remembering that what a coach can do with one skater isn't necessarily indicative of what they're going to be able to do with everyone. If the chemistry isn't there between coach and skater, it doesn't matter how effective the coach's methods might be with someone else. At this point I'm still skeptical of what we might see from Angela this season (if she ends up competing at all), but who knows--it's up to her to find a situation that works for her, and maybe this is it. Everyone is motivated in different ways, and by different things. I'm taking a "wait and see" approach, but I don't think it's fair to label something a step down before seeing the results.

[A.H.Black]

I agree with Trillian and to expand a little - Remember Angela has been with many coaches that have trained championship skaters yet Angela had her best results with a coach that most would consider an unusual choice. Perhaps Gritshuk is a good choice for her. In the past Angela's greatest need has been someone who can give her confidence and who can devote themselves to her needs.

[Mayra]

Originally posted by Trillian
I'm taking a "wait and see" approach, but I don't think it's fair to label something a step down before seeing the results.

Agreed. Case in point, Michelle Kwan and Scott Williams. How many people didn't think that was a step down?

Right now Angela is at a disadvantge in comparison to the rest of the U.S ladies IMO, because simply put, they have shown they have something Angela doesn't, fire in their eyes and the determination to win. I hope her new coaching situation works out for her though. Nationals should be interesting. :P

[NorthernLite]

Trillian, I agree - we all work better with certain teachers/bosses. And yes, I empathize with the fact she lost one coach who really meant a lot to her personally, and has also had some injuries.

But she's one of those skaters (like Volchkova and Weir) who make you wonder if they have the desire and competitive mindset, the inner fire, to reach the very top. (Nothing wrong with that - I'd be a basket case in front of judges, an arena-full of people, and ABC's cameras.)

Is she well off financially? Because I feel if she had to scramble to stay in skating, she probably wouldn't even still be trying. Meanwhile, every year she's passed by hungrier skaters, most of whom *have* that mental toughness.

OK Angela, prove me wrong. (Just not at the expense of one of my favorite young toughies, Jenny K. :D )

[iceskater2]

I really do not think this can be compared, but I had a chance to work with Pasha. I am an adult skater with no natural talent at all. She was able to teach me things I never believed I could do. She was great to work with and gave me so much confidence. She did it for free. They were the most precious times I ever spent on the ice. I am not an Angela fan but look forward to seeing the choreography Pasha does for her. I know it will be amazing. She really excels in this area.

Karen

[AxelAnnie22]

Originally posted by Trillian
Believe me, I see your point and grinned at this post. :) Otoh, it's worth remembering that what a coach can do with one skater isn't necessarily indicative of what they're going to be able to do with everyone. If the chemistry isn't there between coach and skater, it doesn't matter how effective the coach's methods might be with someone else. At this point I'm still skeptical of what we might see from Angela this season (if she ends up competing at all), but who knows--it's up to her to find a situation that works for her, and maybe this is it. Everyone is motivated in different ways, and by different things. I'm taking a "wait and see" approach, but I don't think it's fair to label something a step down before seeing the results. Couldn't agree more. And, it could well be that the strength of Oksana's dance and Russian background may be very similar to what her other coach was able to contribute to Angela. It could be absolutely gorgeous!

[Dreamer]

This rumoured and potentially promising match could be just what Angela needs. I know that if this works out for her, I won't be skeptical about her leaving Frank Carroll. I think that Frank would just want what's best for her skating, as well.

[Mel On Ice]

That would be very interesting to see, as both Oksana and Angela have a beautifully mesemerizing style on the ice.

Reading the last issue of IFS, it was heartening to see she and Platov have put past differences behind them.

[Lucy25]

If this is true, wouldn't Angela have to get a jump coach as well? I wouldn't think that Oksana (I read that she wants to be called this again, not Pasha) would be able to help much in that area.

[Alexeiskate]

Angela's last sucessful coach was a former ballerina whose name I cannot remember right now. At this stage of Angela's career, she knows how to do the triples. Most people will say that Angela's skating problem is all in her head. It's depend on whether she believes she can do the jumps under the stress of competition that matters. It might do Angela some good just to hire a sport psychologist as a "coach".