Friends on Ice 2012: August 24, 25, 26

Genki, thank you for those video links!

let`s talk, thank you for sharing!

Interesting observations reg Daisuke's costume, 3A in the second half of the SP, his doughnut spin, and the overall impression from his new short.

Thank you let's talk for your review. In the small video clip that I viewed of Dai's SP he did look like he was having a lot of fun but from what I saw I agree that it did look more Mambo than Garden of Souls. I am sure the SP will be tweaked because Dai is a perfectionist.

I saw Kulik live for the first time a few years ago in SOI in the States and I was so star struck and awed by his performances. I am glad you enjoyed yourself!

let's talk thank you soo much for the report :-)) I'm happy you could enjoy the show and that you are going to enjoy two more :-)))

Last time it was the same with the programme, wasn't it? It takes time to fill the programme with elements and I remember that I thought last season: "Hm, that's not it yet, is it?" I was waiting for the final programme to appear *lol. So I know we have to be patient until the full flow will be there :-)

I hope his costume will not distract people from Dai-chans performance :-)

Cheers
Gudrun.

Thanks a lot for an excellent review as usual, let's talk.

Quote :

here are some empty spaces between elements,

This hit me so strange, because Dai said in the interview that he is particularly focusing on creating the program with out empty spaces ??? Maybe it means that he is aware that there are empty spaces in the program and he is trying to fill the gaps??? Anyway, I am sure program will be much nicer, as the season progresses.

Quote :

Weather this new SP becomes the same level masterpiece like Eye or Garden of Souls, we'll see. Right now it looks more like Mambo-level, with showy tricks and light mind.

Wow, you exactly feel like how I feel. Amazing. I liked " Mambo" of course, it is a fun program. But deep in my mind I was thinking that "Mambo" is rather a Kiss ass program with gimmicks for audience rather than a program which truly show cases Dai's geneous. whereas, "Eye" and "Garden of Souls."are masterpieces which fit the caliber of Dai's skating. True geneous does not need tricks to excel, doesn't he? Well , sorry for " Mambo" fans, just the opinions of me and let's talk.

Do not take it seriously.

I will be waiting your next reports, Let's talk.
Thanks again.

Enaufomay and let's talk thank you for your reports!
So when we will see it? I saw FOI broadcasting dates, I'm not sure, I don't know Japanese (someday I'll learn) but it seems like there is going to be "Friends+α2012 episode-ZERO" shown on 08/26. Is this right? And is there any possibility that we will see Dai's program there?

I am afraid that the first portion of the show will be broadcasted on 9/29.
This seems to be so so far away. Let me know If I am wrong.

BTW, This is my idea of Dai's costume. Leather is too heavy and too cumbersome to move, but the designer can convey the atmosphere of Rockabilly era, creating something like this using light stretchy fabric.

https://youtu.be/OXjfOyy0WtM

I want Dai to wear low cut bright white T shirts under the jacket and a simple silver pendent like he used to wear. He will look as sexy as Elvis that way, I swear

What do you guys think?

Genki wrote:

He will look as sexy as Elvis that way, I swear

What do you guys think?

Genki, I think Elvis is a great source of inspiration!


And another two that come to mind are:

- John Travolta in Grease (a movie about 1958)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXlnMveRt-Y

and

- Johnny Depp in Cry-Baby (a movie about 1954)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB1bLlguZVY

hsuhs wrote:

Genki wrote:

He will look as sexy as Elvis that way, I swear

What do you guys think?

Genki, I think Elvis is a great source of inspiration!

Talking about Elvis... Dai skating to Heartbreak Hotel?

Now, that would have been something outta this world, me thinks!

Hi all! Thank you for the report, Enaufomay and let's talk!

I went to see the last two show yesterday (28th). It was so much fun!!! FOI is an amazing show!
Thank you for crating FOI, Shizuka!! That's why people desperate to get its tickets!!

First of all, I like Dai-chan's new SP pretty much! It's a nice program. I think so really! Believe me.

It had a different atmosphere from Pasquare's or Kenji's choreos. Of course it's different from the Mambo. I can't find the nice way to tell you the difference with my poor English. Probably I can say the stroll is sharper and crisper and as Dai-chan said so before by himself, dryer to the music. More than anything, he looked like having a lot of fun! No one can skate like Dai-chan who can combines the difficulty of figure skating and ... you know what (something more than just artistry...)!
(However to express such enjoyment in competition would be very difficult though...)

I think the content of the program is 4T,FSSp, CCSp, 3Lz, 3A, CCoSp, Slst. I didn't time the program actually but perhaps the second half started with 3Lz, I guess. (If not, why on earth he did two spins in a row first??? ) I think that's why let's talk felt there were some empty spaces because the elements were packed in the second. All of the spins are basically the same as the last season's. The Slst is to just die for as always!! Both kinds of edge works, quick and long edges, were included. I really liked the choreo of it. Probably the Slst uses different music, not "the stroll". It sounded more exuberant and joyful than the stroll. Does anyone know what the music is?

As for his jumps, 4T< two footed, 3Lz beauty, 3A SO in the afternoon show and 4T!! , 3Lz perfect, 3A good (a little bit shaky on the landing, a little bit) in the last show. In swan collaboration, IIRC 3A SO and 3A SO. I'm sorry if I'm wrong.

To my eyes, it seemed Dai-chan's SS has improved again. Sooo smooth and deep with great speed.

I will tell you the other parts of the show later. But I want to tell you one more thing this time. Kenji is genius! Kenji choreographed the finale of the show and it was just brilliant!! I think it's the best finale among what I've seen so far. Dai-chan performed sooo well during the finale, too. It was like as if Dai-chan understood perfectly what Kenji intended to do. Ask Kenji a program for Sochi, Dai-chan!!

The finale music are

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t098f27SZ-8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI9q4Pgsx7s

Imagine Dai-chan and all the casts skated to those music!! Isn't it exciting?!

And the last show's finale was something more special!!

Genki wrote:

I am afraid that the first portion of the show will be broadcasted on 9/29.
This seems to be so so far away. Let me know If I am wrong.

Not that far. The first broadcast will be on Sep 8, Sat, on 日テレ, 10:30-11:25. It's short time but Dai will surely be there.

Yesterday there was a line near the ticket office from early morning, with some kind of camping equipment, like blanket to sit on, folding chairs, obentos, etc. People were wating for 5-4 hours in +35 sunny weather just to get a ticket for the last show, usually the most popular one. Nothing was like that even a couple of years ago. Now it's just crazy. And all this is because of Dai.

Dai's spins are fast and gorgeous, especially in that Swam costume it's so noticable. In the morning at Swan Trio he two footed 3A and stepped out. In his SP the quad was underrotated, two-footed and step out. 3L was good, he lost balance a little at the camel spin, 3A with step out and touched the ice with the hand. In the evening show at Swan Trio he landed 3A well but sat too deep. In SP the quad was rotated and landed, but I think he touched the ice with the second foot's toe a little. Very perfect 3L and wonderful 3A, a tiny shake. In a finale he again landed 3A, with a step out, then did Swan footsteps and Mambo steps with Bourne (she couldn't remember the steps for a while). In general he was definitely enjoyng himself. Probably catching the last fun before the serious work for a new season starts. Not sure how he feels physically, considering his technical mistakes and no-holiday summer. But emotionalyy he looked very happy .

Btw, his mother was in the arena, she was in a turquoise color kimono. Very elegant lady. There was some backstage talk that after FOI Dai will go to Canada to make his new FS with Bourne, then- to Russian to Morozov.

Videos/photos as usual were not allowed. I could make only ikebanas vids/photos in the lobby.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm-7Zdpxq1A
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMdZKw7ptKI
https://s1259.photobucket.com/albums/00LT

Genki wrote:

I am afraid that the first portion of the show will be broadcasted on 9/29.
This seems to be so so far away. Let me know If I am wrong.

Thank you for the info, Genki! Yah, how we can wait such a long time.....
But today's evening news (NTV's 'every') plans to air a short news corner about Dai-chan. So, the longer video of his SP could be included in the news.

let's talk wrote:

The first broadcast will be on Sep 8, Sat, on 日テレ, 10:30-11:25. It's short time but Dai will surely be there.

THANK YOU!!
And thank you for your report, as well.
WOWWW, did you get the Dai-chan's glove and Jian Ton's hat??? Lucky you!!
Do you know, Ilia used to be my idol. He is still so good. (Ilia Kulik is OGM in Nagano 1998. Many Japanese girls fell in love with him at that time.)

let's talk wrote:

And all this is because of Dai.

I was also very amazed to see the arena was covered with Dai-chan's banner towels almost perfectly when he skated SP and Swan! It was incredible even for me.

let's talk wrote:

In a finale he again landed 3A, with a step out, then did Swan footsteps

I'm afrad it was 4T (two footed and step out).

Miyu and let`s talk thank you for your reports!
Miyu, you just made me very happy because if you like Dai's new SP it must be good!
I heard Dai's steps are to Bill Haley's "Rudy's Rock".

miyu wrote:

WOWWW, did you get the Dai-chan's glove and Jean Ton's hat??? Lucky you!!
Do you know, Ilia used to be my idol. He is still so good. (Ilia Kulik is OGM in Nagano 1998. Many girls fell in love with him at that time.)

Ilya told me he might be in St-Petersburg at Plush 30-jubilee show, but it's not set yet. He put his hat on the girl in the first row, she almost fainted!

Dai's glove? Oh no, I am not THAT lucky . I usually don't "catch" things. That's scary (one girl actually seemed injuried and needed staff assistance, I don't know the end, we had to leave the arena). The lady two chairs from me got lucky, I just made a picture of the glove there in the arena. But Tong's hat is now sitting right next to my computer. My friend caught it and gave it to me. The people next to us were with Chinese flags (they had a bag full of various flags, Russian including). So Jian threw his hat in our area and my friend got lucky.

Quote :

the first broadcast will be on Sep 8, Sat, on 日テレ, 10:30-11:25. It's short time but Dai will surely be there.

Thanks a lot, Let's talk. I thought it should be earlier than 29th
This is some type of documentary, right? I hope they show Dai's program entirely

miyu, let`s talk, thank you for your reports, guys!

I understand it's possible the Lz combo as well as 3A are moved to after the 1/2 mark. Sounds like a good plan. Though I expect other top 5-8 guys to have an exact same sp layout.

I hope Daisuke sorts out his 3A troubles right in time for competition.

miyu wrote:

To my eyes, it seemed Dai-chan's SS has improved again. Sooo smooth and deep with great speed.

Great to hear that

Here's a hope they'll show Daisuke's sp in Sept the 8th broadcast.

let`s talk wrote:

That's scary (one girl actually seemed injuried and needed staff assistance, I don't know the end, we had to leave the arena).

Sweet Jesus

ostile17 wrote:

Talking about Elvis... Dai skating to Heartbreak Hotel?

As an ex number? Could become another masterpiece, imo.

ilica wrote:

Miyu, you just made me very happy because if you like Dai's new SP it must be good!

Thanks, but just IMO though...
I'm not sure if the peopel who want to see a more serious and aunthentic program from Dai-chan like it or not... But you know if his FP is a serious one, it's nice to have a lighter atomosphere in SP in the contrast with FP.
It also seems people worrys The Stroll is another Mambo. (Mambo is that bad????) But it rather reminded me of Jeremy's swing SP, especially the Slst part. I think most of all of you like it!

Anyway, you have to see it! Please broadcast it on 8th! C'mon NTV!

ilica wrote:

I heard Dai's steps are to Bill Haley's "Rudy's Rock".

Oh yes, this is the music! Thank you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9BHAIAhj0E

let's talk wrote:

He put his hat on the girl in the first row, she almost fainted!

I can totally see how she felt! Ilia's EX was so good, so exciting. The audience clapped to it crazily. He also looked very happy with the audience's reaction.

let's talk wrote:

That's scary (one girl actually seemed injuried and needed staff assistance, I don't know the end, we had to leave the arena).

Really? That's too bad. I hope she is OK now.
In the end of finale, all of the audience were so excited, weren't they? Probably too excited....

Thanks to miyu and let's talk for your reports and thoughts!

Many thanks to all for your very your interesting reports. I can't wait to see his new SP.

Quote :

Oh yes, this is the music! Thank you! Very Happy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9BHAIAhj0E

Thanks a lot, Miyu. BTW, I just took a dance lesson from Benzi Shwimmer, ( Choreographer of Jeremy's swing.)This music reminds me of him, somehow. Just so great for Dai's step !!

Genki wrote:

I just took a dance lesson from Benzi Shwimmer, ( Choreographer of Jeremy's swing.)

Wow! Really!? Did you enjoy the lesson? Great! I'm happy to have a dancer like you here.

Genki wrote:

This music reminds me of him, somehow. Just so great for Dai's step !!

I'm looking forward to reading your impression on Dai-chan's new SP, especially the step sequence. 1.5 week is pretty long, don't you think so?

Wow! Really!? Did you enjoy the lesson? Great! I'm happy to have a dancer like you here.

He is super. He is not only a great dancer, but also so much fun to learn with. He is like a comedian, making me laugh all the time.
He said he is helping Jeremy this year too with his long.


I'm looking forward to reading your impression on Dai-chan's new SP, especially the step sequence. 1.5 week is pretty long, don't you think so? [/quote]

I know time almost stops when I am waiting for Dai's new program. But I am going to see the second best Latin dance couple in the world over this weekend, so it may distract me a bit.

A small article about the show:
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/topics/AJ201208290042

Thank you for the link let's talk. It was interesting that Miki would not talk to reporters or reveal who her new coach will be. I have a feeling that she may not do the GP series. In the articles I have read where she announced her participation in the GP series she did not sound like her heart was into competition and that she signed some papers saying she would compete so she would compete. I heard that she went to Stephane L. for her programs not sure if it was SP or FS, but she did not debut a new program at FOI.

I heard Miki will skate her new program at Faol on this weekend.

At least She will compete at GPS but Nobody knows -maybe even herself-what comes next.

Anyway,
It seems to me Miki would be the key factor at Japanese Nationals if she compete.