This and That: Japan Open, Carnival on Ice (Alysa Liu, Wakaba Higuchi, Nathan Chen)

[@qiwi2980]

Timestamps US 8:30 Alysa Liu 20:00 Nathan Chen 20:41 Mariah Bell 23:56 events this season 25:26 no international judging panels 30:11 Montreal ice dance teams this season Japan 33:11 Wakaba Higuchi 33:34 About Alysa Liu and Gracie Gold 35:19 Back to Wakaba Higuchi 37:55 Cultivating young skaters 38:40 Yuhana Yokoi 39:08 Marin Honda and sympathy pain 42:58 Tomoe Kawabata 45:00 Mai Mihara 45:53 Sera Honda 47:23 Back to Marin Honda 48:08 Yuma Kagiyama 49:16 Kazuki Tomono Russia 51:00 Arseny Fedotov 55:25 new baby 56:31 Veronica Zhilina 57:35 what attracts fans, Eteri and boys, more about Arseny Fedotov 59:20 Moments of the week 59:45 Grand prix assignments France 1:01:53 Kevin Aymoz China 1:02:59 Ting 1:03:58 Back to Mariah Bell 1:04:30 Vincent Zhou 1:04:39 Amber Glenn 1:05:17 Ashley Wagner 1:08:17 grand prix events 1:11:58 Polina Edmunds (?) 1:16:32 About Alysa Liu and skating dads 1:25:26 Gracie Gold

[@porkchop1329]

Some people are up in arms about others talking about Alysa Liu's physical growth. She ain't the first skater to hit puberty. But homegirl did grow alot & obviously affected her jumps. We'll have to wait to see if she gets them back. That's the problem when people touted her Olympic Champion 2 fkn years ago. Never eeeeeever pre-crown someone cuz it just jacks shit up.

[@porkchop1329]

@BennetGirl I was talking about her triple axle & quad lutz.

[@nondescriptnyc]

BennetGirl ...it wasn’t like normal at all, in my opinion. Every jump seemed visibly under rotated (most triples were clear “

[@fashionmwah]

I know! Haven’t people learned their lesson to never overhype?! It’ll do better for these girls’ careers!

[@skatingfan6068]

same goes with valieva, kostornaia, medvedeva, chen, gogolev and many others. predetermining someone’s future, especially a teen/kids’ never plays out in their favor and always comes back to bite them in the butt. and with the pandemic and questionable technique of some of these skater’s jumps even if minor for some and major for some, it won’t go well. sasha trusova and dasha usacheva actually seems like they’re some of strongest right now of the junior and senior ladies, but i’m definitely not going to pre-crown them.

[@porkchop1329]

@@skatingfan6068 So true, so true.

[@CutiePie-qd6xi]

To the haters: It’s so toxic to hate on a skater because she is going through puberty... progress is not linear in life, nor is it in skating. Let’s just cheer for Alysa and stop being harsh on her for not being perfect all the time ❤️ please be nice instead of toxic

[@cmh1324]

I didn't view the comments as an attack on Alysa but rather a critique of how she is being developed as skater.

[@biscuitcase83]

There are lots of disgusting people on the Internet calling her all kinds of things. It's disturbing

[@skatingfan6068]

@EB18 but some people are actually body shaming her though

[@papillon5839]

@@skatingfan6068 saying it how it is is not "body shaming". It's called reality 🤷‍♀️

[@skatingfan6068]

@@papillon5839 did i say all were body shaming her .. no. i am only talking about those who did body shame her because they’re there especially on twitter and the russia fan who posted the video of the isp performances on youtube. not everyone is constructive or “means well,” even though i can admit there are people who are. and tbh the same could speak for the russians like anna she grew so much in weight and height and her jumps have worsened just as much as alysa’s so you should speak for all not just liu or any specific skater. i haven’t seen many body shame anna but i have seen a good number of people body shame alysa although some are constructive some aren’t. i mean it’s not our place to judge or assume things about a 15 year old going through a lot like puberty, a pandemic, coaching changes, lack of a jumping coach due to covid and more. and that doesn’t mean shame the russians/anna it just means treat alysa the same as everyone else even. you can admit she’s struggling, doesn’t have the beet jumping technique, and is having growing issues with her body and skating without trying to say gross things about her, attacking her, shaming her or using gross words about her body, recomend she goes on diets like the eteri girls or making assumptions about her life and body and any other skater really mostly younger ones who are still considered children. i think a lot of people missed it sone because they’ll do anything to be awful to alysa but some even mostly because twitter is toxic and most people are the same over there and if you don’t understand russian you’ll obviously miss it even if translations are available. i could go on with those list but i won’t.

[@RocketCandyColored]

Mariah Bell and Adam Rippon seem to exist comfortably in more fun trashy programs as well as lyrical, heavily artistic programs, which is both a little weird and still an accomplishment

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We are all multifaceted people!

[@mrjoelesteves]

I do agree with Jonathan, this could be Mariah's year. She seems to be the most consistent so far. If she can get the music right (please get rid of that ABBA program) seems like she will finally get to the top spot at nationals.

[@marycoyne1889]

She needs to loose the ABBA program now. That program can never win at nationals.

[@ntahoegirl]

I love Mariah and her passion!

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

I was always annoyed at the Alysa Liu narrative being shoved down our throat by USFS when it was clear she wasn't going to maintain those jumps as she grew. I feel like last year's US champion should have been Mariah Bell. 100% agree about cutting Brady's and Mariah's momentum.

[@6StarProductionz]

Rachel if it was an international competition, Mariah would have won. 💕

[@rop888]

Yeep. Mariah being National Champion going into the Worlds (that didn't happen, but still) would have been perfect for getting the judges to give the two a little extra love since US ladies had a great chance of getting three spots last year since Japanese ladies weren't their best at the time. Not sure that's happening now that Kaori seemed revived again and Rika is on track and Bradie is a mess and Mariah has a bad FS (though could improve).

[@6StarProductionz]

Melissa completely agree!! And she deserved it. I think the US ladies had a great chance of 3 spots. With Bradie’s form this year it isn’t as certain, but anything is possible. I’m certainly rooting for them!!

[@biscuitcase83]

So much hate for Alysa

[@skatingfan6068]

why do you hate her so much?

[@drea09a]

Dave you doing the sign of the cross 3x really prepared me for the rest of the show lol

[@TheSkatingLesson]

drea09a ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@megancattel]

“Danny Kwan walked so Arthur Liu could run.” Oooof

[@skatingfan6068]

another dad ruining his daughter and her career and wants to live throughout them. they are the same and would be bffs danny and arthur.

[@skatingfan6068]

danny was a bad dadager ((dad manager)) and i mean in the sense of the struggles she went through in order to become as decorated as she was like changing coaches and being coachless herself for a bit he’s the one who made it happen and forced it on michelle. he made sure she lost ties and cut any connection she had with previous coaches for the new ones and she did struggle from being coachless at least a bit. i hope i didn’t confused you sorry. if you have something different plz share.

[@skatingfan6068]

i understand and agree. don’t be sorry because michelle deserves to be where she’s at now and a lot of people don’t know the whole story and before they want to form opinions and assumptions ((this goes for any situation where people don’t know or are personally apart of it)) they should at least try and make efforts to do their research because then they look ignorant. i know some of the things danny did and how he did and handled them weren’t the best but i do get he was struggling at first and wanted what was best for his daughter and i’m glad it all payed off and that she is as successful as she is deservingly so. and alysa and her situation seems to be in the exact same boat right down to her father’s immigration to the usa and struggling early on for a better life so hopefully alysa can find the same success as michelle did even through all the struggles she has and is seeming to he facing. she deserves it as much as michelle and knowing she looks up to michelle as a person and skater should be a sign ((without trying to predetermined her future) that she will be successful, have a good career ((and future)), and will come out of all this strong as a person and skater in the end.

[@skatingfan6068]

be*

[@renzy79]

@Parris ofTroy Respectfully, Michelle Kwan is not the most decorated skater (male or female) in history or even in the United States.

[@fazdoll]

I look at it this way: *It's a VERY good year to have a bad year.* Better for everything to fail at the same time, so that a year from now everything will be fabulous!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It takes a LONG time to fix jump technique and skating skills. Many feel changing jump technique can be nearly impossible for some skatings.

[@msmo2060]

Mariah Bells ABBA music program is not good.... the music cuts are really bad. I do enjoy her skating though . The music just makes it so hard to watch. Her long last year was just soooo good.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I agree

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

I was very surprised to see it's Shae-Lynn Bourne's program. I really thought Adam was behind it, didn't expect Shae to make such a bad thing

[@JosedeJezeus]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 I always knew Shea-Lynn Bourne was an overhyped choreographer. He choreo looks good on Men not women. And part of her appeal is that she creates new ways of movement... But a lot of time's it's just ugly. That's why it looks better on the men.

[@Llk327]

Dave, you warned everyone this would happen with Alysa and you were right. Honestly this shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. You offered constructive criticism and your honest opinion and got a lot of hate for it. But you have been absolutely correct. I love your honesty and insight! USFS should hire you and bring you on as some kind of consultant since clearly they are not the best at planning and making smart decisions. Thank you both for the video!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

The jump technique and skating skills were never there for me.

[@Llk327]

TheSkatingLesson agreed. My daughter and I watched her SP live at Nationals and while I already knew she wasn’t at senior level (no speed, tiny pre rotated jumps, list goes on...) , my 12 year old noticed her lack of speed compared to the other skaters. I just don’t understand why she was even allowed at senior nationals the last two years when clearly she should have stayed junior and tried to work on her technique and skating skills more. I explained to my daughter it’s like with her Gymnastics, you need to learn the basics correctly from the beginning or it’s going to be a struggle trying to relearn and fix things 🤦🏻‍♀️ and it’s not that people are being mean or hateful, it’s just the truth. And such a shame because she clearly has talent.

[@benbailey159bb]

I'm sorry but I never understood why people raved about Alyssa - poor jump technique, not great spins, poor skating skills, not great performance skills. I just didn't get it at all

[@davidz9601]

@@benbailey159bb Maybe they were hoping for another Tara Lipinski. Child prodigy always get people for some reason.

[@treelo11]

There's a lot of opinions about Alysa but some of it is legitimate criticism. Fans need to learn to accept the truth and not dismiss everything as hate, especially when those comments are technique related.

[@いぬ-f9f4r]

we had to pay around 50 dollars to watch Japan Open online and it was after aired on tv so it had copyright issues. Japan's geoblocks and copyright issues are often discussed among young japanese. Due to the strict restrictions, entertainment is starting to lag behind korea and content from overseas is often charged only to Japanese people so it's difficult to spread inside Japan. old media still has strong power in Japan...

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

2:15 I've cut a "replacement" ABBA edit, starting with Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie (if it's good enough for Madonna, it's good enough for Mariah) at the opening, to get the audience hooked, Winner (cover as she has used), and ending with Waterloo, because when you're watching the Tech with Tech panel, you need ABBA's most iconic piece of music in your head as your most recent memory. It's still about 7 seconds too long, and the transitions, volume, compression etc need doing, but even in this very rough stage, it is by far, a massive improvement.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@caprisun4883]

Love it but Waterloo as their most iconic?

[@andreagoldstein4070]

I think the ABBA program needs a new edit, and like the suggestions but Sarah Dawn Finer's version of Winner is too whiny, IMO. I think the original should be used. I wish they would also use Take a Chance. If they really wanted to use fun covers of ABBA, Erasure has a whole album.

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

My sugestion would be the more edgy Abba songs: "The Visitors" & "Voulez Vouz" & "Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie"

[@vicserra2485]

"Gentlemen-Just keep being you" agree with this comment, personally sometimes i dont like your opinion but i really like your way and your videos, just be you Jonathan and Dave

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

Same, I don't always agree with them but it doesn't ruin my life ppl need to grow up.

[@kristenjunker1632]

Agreed. Life is not all unicorns, rainbows, and participation medals unless you are Ted.

[@TheSaintbx]

Yes!!

[@JosedeJezeus]

@@TheSkatingLesson keep being the narcissist that you are, Dave. We love you for it. (How's therapy going? Any new breakthroughs?) besos!

[@fluttershy912]

i love it how the usfsa/isu has historically had the mentality that the young skaters need to wait their turn. then when tara and alyssa come on the scene its forget about all that. kristi had to "wait her turn". Great insight as always guys!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Kristi did have to! Figures :)

[@hantingchen5497]

I will marry whoever comments the timestamps LOL

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@miriam3848]

The timestamps. I'm THAT desperate 🤣

[@shastakansakar5739]

i'll come back to this video in a few days after a cool person posts the timestamps

[@joanmartinez8215]

Jonathan: ”You’re more interested in the Hip Hip, Chin Chin qualities” 🥳🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSkatingLesson]

100%

[@kak7440]

Jonathan agreed about JGP format - it's really great.

[@itsmylife9421]

I'm anxious about Alysa, but I don't think conclusions can be said about her entire future yet. I'm very interested to see what Chock/Bates, Hubbell/Donohue and Hawayek/Baker do about Skate America- I'm guessing they have some sort of plan to get back to Canada, I suppose they could stay in the States until nationals, but they'd lose a lot of in-person coaching and it doesn't seem like a great idea. I'm quite worried about C/B in general to be honest- it's been all but officially confirmed that they won't be in the 2nd ISP Challenge, while H/D and H/B have been filmed for it this week. They're definitely back on the ice, but will they be ready for skam in 3 weeks? It's difficult to say because they are so quiet and private about everything, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if they withdrew.

[@evashougouki]

I’m glad y’all said something about Mai. I’ve had anorexia and was in treatment for it and I’m sorry but that girl has it. It was driving me insane no one said anything. I know it’s a sensitive topic but why do we harp on the eating habits of Russian girls but not say anything about Mai?? I really hope the best for her and hope she gets the care she needs. She’s an absolutely lovely skater but I’m not sure she should be skating right now...

[@SamKreinberg]

It’s well known that she has an arthritis. She’s probably still not able to gain more weight after treatment.

[@evashougouki]

Malvina R maybe, but I’m not convinced. Weight loss is fairly rare in the arthritis she has. And if it is because of the arthritis, she would likely have osteoporosis and skating wouldnt be a good idea then either

[@Plaspos]

Just because she has arthritis doesn’t mean she has eating problems in fact we know nothing about her eating habits but we do know her coach helped Kaori manage her weight in a healthy way. Like Satoko it is probably very hard for Mai to put on weight between arthritis and her body type. I don’t think her coach would give her permission to skate and I doubt she would be able to land a 3Lz if she was anorexic. That being said yes I hope she continues to get healthier and restores the strength she had in 18-19 season

[@SeabassFishbrains]

@@Plaspos I have a similar type of arthritis and I'm an ED survivor, it's definitely easy for me to gain weight (it makes my arthritis worse to have more weight on my joints but my arthritis definitely does not make it hard to gain weight) and the peak of my ED was also the peak of my ballet days...

[@treelo11]

Mai doesn't have an ED. She wants to go back to her previous condition before the break.

[@a9029k]

Actually Mariah didn’t want to skate to Britney, it wasn’t her idea and Adam wanted her to do it to push her out of her comfort zone. She talked about it in an interview where she said she was embarrassed to do run-throughs in the beginning with her music playing.

[@iris7484]

yeah it seemed painfully clear that she wasn't comfortable with it. I mean I probably agree with Dave's assessment that she's a Brittney girl, but Jonathan has the better read on what kind of Brittney girl she probably is.

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

Alysa needs time to adjust and get rid of the "it" girl label people put on her. Mitch Moyer has to go ASAP.

[@freyaou]

I’ve loved Mariah so much these past two years and seeing that abba program just makes me go like ughhhh why why why? She’s been so close to the top and is consistently improving! I was so looking forward to worlds last year for Mariah to have another nationals moment. Hopefully there’s a program change.

[@herm712]

I hear ya'll but I didn't think Alysa looked THAT bad. 🤔 The way people were talking I thought she came out kersplatted all over the place. I mean she's grown taller and heavier yes, but she didn't look labored per se. I don't see huge differences in her skating skills either way to be honest. Her jumps weren't that terrible though I do think a few of them were under. No she didn't go for a 3A but it was an exhibition so why would she? I think her FS looks promising but the SP is too cutesy still. Yes, she's still young but if she's going to attempt to compete with the Russians then she needs to mature-up her style more like the FS. Obviously she's hit her puberty/growth spurt stage so things are as easy as they were last year but I think it's still a bit premature to be bringing out the forks. She may struggle this year (a lot of people will) but her goal is to start making moves this time next year to get to Beijing. Let's wait and see how the ISP challenge skates go first...

[@ileana823100]

@theskatinglesson, can youtell us how long it will take to get the videos together about zhenya going to eteri and sasha not talking to rozanov. 2 weeks ago you said in your this and that episode that you would do extra videos off those topics. I just would like to know if that is still goibg to happen, and if you could tell us a timeline when the videos could be ready? Or are you waiting for this u til next week aftet the 2 russian cup stages

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I am working on it. I don't have a precise time, but I think I have developed my hook for it. This video has just taken me a long time because I have a lot going on at the moment.

[@ileana823100]

@@TheSkatingLesson ok and thank you for the information,

[@biscuitcase83]

@@TheSkatingLesson Why bother. It's baseless rumour anyway

[@Eeyora1]

My opinion for what it’s worth; Since the beginning I’ve thought Alyssa Liu could take two roads: The meteoric Tara Lipinski/ Eteri rise in which she keeps her jump technique and wins everything in site her first senior season and then fizzles out due to growth spurt and/or injury or have a longer Michelle Kwan/ Carolina Kostner /Ashley Wagner route. I think COVID-19, the coaching change and her growth spurt have ruled out the first option. I wish she could go to RAF even if he has Mariah Bell. I think they could push each other. I don’t want her to be a flash in the pan and I hope she gets the right advice and uses it. That being said the Telecoaching/Skyping isn’t doing anyone any favors. While it’s better than nothing and the only option in many cases, I think we will see a definite regression in many skaters technique.

[@skatingfan6068]

agreed well said

[@JEMTenor]

Oh my god! Love that Jonathan appreciates Yuhana Yokoi as much as I do - the TASTE!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Right?!

[@ColonelGreen]

Yuhana has been frustrating me since the juniors, because at all but one competition I've ever seen her at she's done the exact same thing; tanked the short program and then skated a clean (or clean-ish) free to rise up the standings but end up behind where she _should_ be with her talent level.

[@JEMTenor]

Colonel Green I kinda agree tbh! But it’s part of why I love her because in a way she’s got the hard part down it’s just putting the short together! She’s just got such a natural musicality and performative ability(both in lyrical and fun programs which I feel is so rare!!) and some massive jumps which she always hits right on the music! Taking last season as an example she made a mistake on a different jump each competition until she put it together and did a clean short at Challenge Cup! So maybe there’s still hope!

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

Colonel Green All the skaters I like with consistency problems😭

[@gogroregogoror]

@@JEMTenor I love Yuhana too! my god i thought i was the only one :D I absolutely adored her Phantom of the Opera program, hitting the opening axel on the beat. Somehow i feel she can emote really well, i hope she gets into Japanese top 3 with Kihira and my lovely Kaori.

[@rywilk]

43:58 Have you guys not seen the Matrix? Phone calls are a key part of the movies (the characters use them to get from the Matrix to the real world, the first movie ends with a phone call, etc.).

[@JohnnyOpera1]

That answers it then. I just wasn’t understanding the connection.

[@etherealtb6021]

@@JohnnyOpera1 the first Matrix is awesome (and I'm not even into action movies). Skip the last 2. They suck.

[@rywilk]

@@etherealtb6021 Agreed, although the other movies have some good moments.

[@etherealtb6021]

@@rywilk just the freeway chase. Lol.

[@CocogoatMain0501]

8:30 Alysa Liu

[@JosedeJezeus]

Pray her future eating disorder doesn't kill her.

[@CP-ww1nj]

My favorite boys! You two are so so so great!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you so much!!

[@matthewhines9787]

22:30 I believe you both are right. Mariah of course loves Britney, but she seems like a "Stronger"/"Piece of Me"/"Circus"/"'Til The World Ends" (which...honestly...me too.) The electro-house-club remix feels way more adam than Mariah. Personally, I'd rather see Mariah's Celine program than either of the last two.

[@kikukoshinchi320]

The skaters selected for Japan Open this year were skewered towards Kinoshita Group and Chukyo University. Apart from Wakaba, they were all affiliated with either of these organization. They are two private organizations building and maintaining ice rinks for elite skaters and I think it shows how much JSF cares for them. Kinoshita obviously is a sponsor of this event but their name was mysteriously missing when the the release about the event was first made. Their business is rumored to be suffering from COVID and it would be catastrophic to Japanese skating if they ever decide to withdraw.

[@dennisjohnson7653]

thank you Dave and Jonathan!!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@mcgillicutty9256]

😰😰😰Alyssa, all the technical content is gone, but I do like some of the choreo and music, but wow the skating was s l o w!!

[@jmonz2625]

The cycle seems non repetitive. In the U.S. the talent is still there with the women, the leadership is archaic and the parents are still too “dance moms” the foundation is outdated so the talent won’t come to be. I bet you if the teams of (insert name here) Had a better grasp on reality and were in another less entitled sport (in the U.S.) they’d probably have some world titles and individual olympic medals by now.

[@davidz9601]

What I see is the interesting comparison between Alysa and the Eteri girls, especially Zhenya and Anna. They all have very fragile technique, but Eteri is able to make them last after puberty until the very last minute. If a skater wants to remain competitive, Eteri's strict or even harsh approach is the way to go. So, stop attacking Eteri for being too hard on the girls. Some fans may think that a better life for the athletes is one with less criticism, frustration, injuries, etc. But a lot of the athletes themselves, after sacrificing so much in their life on the sport, would sacrifice whatever more they have just for the possible better outcome.

[@ColonelGreen]

Or they could develop a technique that lasts instead.

[@cmh1324]

My concern is these are young women not just skaters. They will have a life after skating -- one that I think doesn't need to be filled with overcoming trauma from unnecessary abuse. Perhaps in other countries, where skating is a means to have a better life, it seems that harsher methods are acceptable (an ends justify the means perspective). Here in the US, where many of our skaters will not be able to develop a career out of skating, no matter how successful, i believe we need to ensure we are providing the training environments that allow them to become healthy, whole individuals. Actually, even if they could develop lucrative careers, is that an acceptable trade-off for the damage done to them that will impact them for the rest of their lives?

[@jtangel98]

I just cant with little kids as the champion of a sport. Olympics should be 18+ Then they have to deal with adults who can make their own choices. No abuse, intimidation, or mysterious medical treatments. And bigger stars that adults can care about instead of champions who retire when they hit puberty.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Adults can be abused.

[@miriam3848]

@@TheSkatingLesson undoubtedly. But adults have more of a say and can make their own decisions

[@MrChaseBlue]

There are many countries where you are considered an adult as 16

[@靖理]

In a gymnastics Olympic medalist interview, she said when she reached 20, she felt that her physical fitness/cardiorespiratory endurance/flexibility is declining notably. That situation may also apply to figure skating. Most skater retire about 25 years old, younger now. If you have to reach 18 to compete then most technical difficulties will be lowered, and there isn't much time to stay in game because the body can't sustain.

[@biscuitcase83]

Why do people talk like it is any way new for kids to dominate figure skating...

[@elizabethlockhart8044]

"Wind in the hair music"! Thank you, I always wondered what that music category was called :)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Happy to help!

[@gracepan8534]

With everything going on with usfs right now, I just wanna know where my girl Ting is at.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

#MeToo

[@nsd1234able]

Some good laughs and delightful insight this week - thanks guys!

[@bonnie9131]

I am listening but I cant take my eyes off that gorgeous piece of ceramic in Jonathan's home. Very tasty.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Glad you like it!

[@JohnnyOpera1]

Art Deco Catteau Vase 😍

[@bonnie9131]

@@JohnnyOpera1 It's a honey. Outstanding!👍

[@alemoreno3655]

I actually enjoyed Alysa’s skating more now?? God forbid a female figure skater actually go through puberty!! Also, we don’t really know how well she is doing technically because this was a show performance! Why would she do triple triples let alone a 3A?? Some of the things people are saying are just really cruel..

[@alemoreno3655]

I just think people are jumping to a lot of conclusions and it’s still quite early.. we’ll see

[@alemoreno3655]

Thank u for the episode as always

[@TheSkatingLesson]

The 2A barely got off the ground. She is in serious trouble technique wish and skating skills wise. Her spins were also diminished in terms of speed and position.

[@alemoreno3655]

TheSkatingLesson I agree with everything you guys said!! Mostly referring to things I saw on twitter (people commenting on her weight and so forth which as you know is every unhealthy). The 2A barely got off the ground but when has it ever! The spins are worrisome though.

[@Boymanjusri]

It’s the typical body trashing to teenage young women... nothing new really. Young girls and gay guys can get away with this kind of cruelty and tongue because they are, supposedly, suppressed marginalized groups themselves..

[@AC-co6cp]

"Carolina Herrera & Six Flags" LOL!

[@benbailey159bb]

You both shouldn't care about what people say. We watch TSL for your opinions so don't censor yourself! Be yourself!

[@TheSaintbx]

Yes!!! Yes!!

[@iris7484]

right? I want the full, uncensored version!

[@Patrick-vj1qu]

“How dare you compare me to Mitch” 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Patrick 💯

[@embeth446]

His “how dare you”s never fail to crack me up.

[@grisgris6908]

I’m going to Kiira’s class! So excited!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@brushbender]

I'm so happy someone commented on Julia Biechler! Can't jump, but real, legit ice dancer skating skills, and that stunning back-spiral into layback. *Adore* her.

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

I hope Alysa just stick with improving her basic during this time instead of starving + injuring herself.

[@skatingfan6068]

same especially since she needs to regain what she lost due to covid as well as actually improve on getting better than she left with pre covid 19. i don’t want her or anyone else to go through that just because some fans and coaches say they’re “too fat” and “need to lose weight” only for them to get shamed when they actually do. either way they never win. i want all of these young ladies to succeed and do what’s best for them. it’s their lives not the fans we don’t know it personally.

[@dkeinow]

I was interested to know your opinion on Alyssa Liu after watching her exhibition. I recall the concern that her jump technique may not last as her body matures, and that seem to show in the program. I just hope that she has the strength to deal with the pressure. Loved Mariah's Britney Spears program over Abba 😊 I immediately thought about your comments about Wakaba's 3A during the 4CC this year when I saw the thumbnail on KZbin.

[@Capulet89]

100% agree on Mai Mihara!

[@morganalayna4247]

I'm so, so concerned about Mai. I barely recognized her.

[@kilikina_sk8]

Dave, your pronunciation of Yuma Kagiyama is correct! You are always good with pronouncing Japanese names. :-)

[@astrobinch]

We need a Cya where we can do some real talk about where US skating is right now...

[@TheSkatingLesson]

kaylah with an h on it!

[@TheSaintbx]

TheSkatingLesson can you purchase individual cyas or do you have to subscribe? I miss Jenny content.

[@TheSaintbx]

@@TheSkatingLesson has this been posted yet?? I would finally cave in to cya if so!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

TheSaintbx we talk about it all the time, including tonight’s Tara vs Johnny

[@kmt8528]

Tomoe Kawabata 43:06 Kaori Sakamoto 43:24 I just adore them ❤️

[@alexandraantonovitch428]

Alysa 8:30

[@jekicolin8036]

Alysa’s skate was 😬😬😬

[@meltemt0245]

In comment section there is something weird going on. There are lots of comments from users having similar profile pics (women) and they are using same emojis. It’s probably a spam or something like that 🤨

[@bonnie9131]

NBC Sports Gold “Figure Skating Pass” can be purchased for $59.99. For what?

[@cmh1324]

i purchased it at that price and it's great for someone who is just getting back into watching skating. you get access to all the past international and national competitions back to the 2017-2018 season.

[@debbied2715]

@@cmh1324 Did you just recently purchase it? I've had the pass for last 2 seasons but all I see now is sign up to get notice of when available to purchase

[@cmh1324]

@@debbied2715 oh no. i bought it back in march or april.

[@debbied2715]

@@cmh1324 gotcha thanks!

[@cmh1324]

@@debbied2715 NBC has just sent out emails stating that they will not be continuing the SportsGold subscriptions and will be transferring all sports to their new streaming platform PeacockTV moving forward. It looks like this will be the new home for all figure skating coverage.

[@Clara-yn4jb]

It worries me that Ting isn't on the Skate America list. Does that mean that she is still injured?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She didn't do the first ISP. We will know soon if she does the second.

[@maria375s]

Thank you for this!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You're so welcome!

[@karlsamohin3282]

In the US they have Mariah, Bradie, Amber, Starr, Karen, why would the usfa push Alysa without her "quads" and 3A? I think/hope that Mariah and Amber can go to Olympics, if they take place...

[@6StarProductionz]

My dream olympic team!!

[@MrChaseBlue]

Amber is a bit overrated to me now. Her flip and lutz technique are so prerotated, and she has yet to prove she can really do a good long

[@karlsamohin3282]

@@MrChaseBlue true, but we will see how it goes, she will get there, she was 4th last year at US Nationals

[@camronchapple8053]

I don't see starr or amber making the team, I do see if she isn't injured, ting making the team. But to be honest amongst the American girls it kinda up in the air at this point.

[@karlsamohin3282]

@Nathaniel Walker yep, that's her name!

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

52:00 Jonathan - YES - very much the John Curry vibes

[@lindaweight6176]

I love it when Dave brings out his Barbie Tessa, it says so much (I miss her artistic interpretation).

[@sarikachahal6188]

I saw the sheets for the scores atJapan Open and holy poop, I completely forgot about the Q rule.

[@benbailey159bb]

I'm so confused because remember they retracted that whole rule update and yet here it is

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

@@benbailey159bb lmao yes. new scoring rules were supposed to be applied from the next season

[@sarikachahal6188]

@@benbailey159bb That's what I thought too

[@norinecook844]

Kolyada transcends mesmerizing

[@Xosidhe]

30:20 Dave, look up mirror neurons. It’s a good sign you feel that kind of empathy-psychopaths don’t feel it

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you!

[@Jontor11]

I really feel for the Korean girls. No GP assignments.

[@RakuRadio]

That lying doctor was amazing! And the hair!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

100%

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

Haters gonna hate no matter what you say. Just keep being you~!

[@august5457]

Do you think had Alysa's team pushed for moving to Cricket, she could've had a situation right now?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I think the jump technique is so ingrained that she would have had problems, but I think they may have managed the transition better.

[@skatingfan6068]

@@TheSkatingLesson and it’s all because lori hates brian. she could’ve easily gone to tcc especially since she worked with them before

[@zb6070]

Covid 19 messes up Olympic teams and kills 200000+ in america. Mariah's fs is poorly choreographed with bad music cuts. Evgenia left Brian for Eteri. Bradie is with Tom Z. Everyone: Jill: Can my Kendall have a solo now?

[@TheSaintbx]

Lmao @ Jill

[@BillyWhaler]

Big time slays earn big time praise. Today was fire, lads.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@emilymarausa6730]

Dave you interrupt Johnathan a lot. Pls let him speak! And Jonathan I agree with about Mariah more at home with a lyrical style.

[@JosedeJezeus]

Dave is narcissistic (wonder if he sees a therapist for it). Just accept him how he is or unsubscribe from the channel. K? Thnx. Bye!

[@yosily]

did Jonathan never watch the Matrix? what does be mean “what’s the phone call about?”? lol

[@JosedeJezeus]

I knew there was something wrong with Jonathon. You're not part of the twenty first century if you haven't seen the Matrix. LAME

[@TheGymnast71]

how are you guys watching the skating? Is it on the regular channels? I just dont know anymore since covid...

[@rywilk]

All the videos are on youtube, although the quality isn't great.

[@TheGymnast71]

Ryan Wilkinson thank u

[@olgas6520]

Thank you for mentioning Arseny Fedotov, I didn't know about him. By the way, it's ArsEny FedOtov

[@sashafan2]

I don't think that quarantine will be a problem for Canadian ice dance. They can agree about the quarantine exemption.

[@missevacantu]

Will they (USFS) have the round table discussion before it’s too late? Or will it take not medaling at the Worlds (if there is one) outside of Nathan for anything to happen

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Unclear!!! They never seem to learn!

[@My-hat]

How can I watch skate America if I don’t get the NBC pass? I usually do but I don’t think it will be worth signing up for this year. how and where can we watch anything (that actually goes ahead!) otherwise ?!

[@ladida9084]

Someone will most likely upload the clips on yt

[@kristenjunker1632]

Loved your dream Skate America lineup, but if you invite Sean Rabbitt, pls don't forget his female equivalent - Courtney Hicks. Or has she retired? She is like the Fumie of the US, just slightly less successful

[@B___T985]

Where is this video that ifs uploaded of Mai Mihara? I didn't see that one.

[@BethH992]

Have you heard something I haven't?! I'm in the UK and our rinks are definitely still open, even in 'local lockdown' areas (I'm skating at Bradford right now and the only real differences are that the cafe is closed and I have to scan a QR code when I go in). I can definitely see rinks shutting down again as cases rise, but I'm not aware of anything being announced?

[@HLCampbell86]

Yuna Shiraiwa is still with Mie Hamada. Tamura put her on the ice for the short (I think Hamada was at JO) and Hamada put her on the ice for the free. Ayaka Hosoda, though, is no longer with Hamada.

[@nondescriptnyc]

NihonB She is still with Team Hamada. But, since Ms. Hamada and Mr. Tamara have way too many top/up-and-coming skaters to train, at this point, Ms. Haruko Okamoto from the same Team seems to be serving as Yuna’s main coach.

[@slipperyhardandcold7740]

It looks like the comments 'Sort By'/'Newest First' option is broken for me (not just on this video). Is anyone else having this problem?

[@slipperyhardandcold7740]

Looks like it's working now.

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

Tomoe is pronounced Toh-moh-eh if this helps. And Kaori's "phone call" is a reference from the Matrix movie but yeah it's still cringy even tho I got the reference lol

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you!

[@littlebachmonster]

Mitch is no Marta. Facts

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

I have NO idea what they were talking about during the first 9 minutes. Are they aware people are watching? They only talk between the two of them.

[@edichkalimonoff878]

10.10.2020, Ladies, 15-55MSK/14-55EU/13-55GB,SP. Show present - Elena Radionova, participants - Valieva, Trusova, Usachova, Frolova. Will not be at the competition - Medvedeva.

[@il654]

fyi- Mathieu came out with the matching mask for Moulin Rouge (V/M)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I own it. JB was kidding. I showed it in a previous episode.

[@waynesworld5855]

I find it rather interesting that your argument against people saying you were too negative last week in your assessments was that you could have been a lot worst, and that you were holding back from saying what you really think. It makes me think you're not very sympathetic towards skaters at all in light of this pandemic and that these are new programs with many things still to be worked out. I understand you are trying to be "honest", but don't you think it is also important to fair minded in your assessments. I mainly say this in regards to your critique of Nathan Chen, but I think it also applies to other skaters as well. The truth is, and you probably know this as a skater yourself, these skater work extremely hard to be able to skate at the level they are at. It doesn't come easy for anybody no matter who they are. So give credit where credit is due, and provide constructive criticism where appropriate. A little sarcasm can be fun but don't make it all about that.

[@viewer5945]

Alysa was a shadow of herself in comparison to last year! It is not only the body change - it is s big lack of good training. The programms and the choreography were last year much much better . She should go immediately tu her earlier coach- or to Aratunyan. Alysa - otherwise the olympics are over for you. Be not a stil shorter flash then the Russians. She should make a strong diet too.I like Maria Bell very much! This is lady scating!

[@biscuitcase83]

How insulting do you wanna be?

[@fashionmwah]

The way you worded your description of her is too harsh. It can be better constructed but still be making your point. I’m not a fan of Alysa, but I think we should be kinder to her journey.

[@willpinkow9714]

Ok, RISE memories: At the end when we watched the live panel interact with each other there was a moment when Vera Wang leans over and we are able to see her back. The was a collective gasp from everyone in the theater because of how prominently he ribs showed how very very thin Vera was. It was jarring.😔

[@giamarren1643]

what do you mean by "img" in reference to the Japan open

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Gia Marren the sports management company. International Marketing Group

[@AC-co6cp]

I need to talk about Kevin Aymoz.

[@AC-co6cp]

Jonathan - can we start a movement where Kevin never does that FP ever again? It's a "3" in musical choice. I love him, but nearly fell asleep & this is Kevin Aymoz. What would you pick as his skating music?

[@JohnnyOpera1]

I liked his short so much!!!

[@AC-co6cp]

I agree! Completely agree on the take; the short was so good. But that long program...

[@AC-co6cp]

And he does need to change the shirt in the SP

[@shirahmalkacohen5017]

Thanks for the great content! It's always so much fun to listen to you talk. Have to comment on the Japanese pronounciation, though... Sorry. Decent pronaunciation on Yuma Kagiyama, but rather off on Tomoe Kawabata and Yuna Shiraiwa... You need to pronounce all the vaouwels seperately in Japanese. And no accents on any of the syllables.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks! 😃

[@emeryrouette824]

Yeah! Japanese pronunciation is easy-don’t be intimidated! Toe / moe / A ... Shi / ra /ah / E /wa The only challenging sound is R which is a combo of R, L, D the tongue briefly touches the back of the teeth. But in general Japanese has like half the sounds of English. Just don’t run vowels together, like Shirah says. Ah, E, Ooo, A, O = a, i, u, e, o

[@cmh1324]

Another great session guys! A couple of comments. Jonathan, I really liked your sweater, please share from where you purchased it. Dave, still waiting for y'all to start selling that "Jonathan, how dare you?!!" t-shirt. Lastly, is there really a good edit to music from Moulin Rouge (my dislike for this travesty of a "musical" has burned white hot since its first release in theaters)? Thank you both for another fun Sunday moment.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@JohnnyOpera1]

It’s CH :)

[@cmh1324]

@@JohnnyOpera1 how could i not have guessed that?

[@gymerin]

Omg I am the exact same with contacts. I cannot for the life of me get them out.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I tried! I cannot!

[@gymerin]

Me either!

[@JosedeJezeus]

Wow, I just saw Alysa.... All I have to say is *Caroline Zheng 2.0*

[@nycgtl88]

Why can't the video makers put the time stamps themselves? Like an edit on the subject ? 💁🏽‍♂️

[@skatefan9495]

You guys are way too negative on Alysa. She has done very well on the international circuit. Had she skated clean, she would have won the JGPF and JW. It is early in the season. Give her a chance before writing her off. I do agree that her team has made odd choices. Her jumps were her strength. She needed to go to Arutunian.

[@kdcm6690]

Her jumps weren't her strength, they were just selling it as such but she has horrible technique. The neck position alone looks terrible.

[@SergejKrolik]

"Had she skated clean, she would have won the JGPF and JW" Had judges didn't want to notice her inherent URs as usual - which are just built-in in her techinique - she would have won the JGPF and JW. I just fixed you. And it has nothing to do with being clean by power of will - she just isn't able to rotate quad jumps fully (and 3A maybe on a lucky day) and never was. She COULD skate clean if she skated without complex jumps though. However she wouldn't be able to win in that case either.

[@gigiiv]

But she did not and still is not. In any competitive forum, results speak way louder than potential. Doesn't mean she can't pull it together (Andre Agassi did).

[@skatefan9495]

Her problems at JGP and JW were underrotations-they we’re falls! In both cases, as I recall, she led after the short program but fell in the long.

[@MrChaseBlue]

idolfan9495 that’s bc she could do the 3A in the short. I think she was like 5th in jw short. The fact that Kamila could beat her by a distance without a quad says all you need to know how Alysa is being looked at internationally. Yes, she has the fortitude under pressure. That’s half the fight. But she doesn’t have the basics in her foundation of skating if she doesn’t work on this.