This and That: Yuzuru Hanyu's Gift, ISU, Ari Zakarian, Isabeau Levito & Dr. Shvetsky

[@EM-rm2xh]

The reason the quad axel doesn't have more points is specifically because at the time Yuzuru Hanyu was the only one who was thought to MAYBE execute it (and thus the initial low point allocation). The current quad scores are questionable beyond this. No one is performing the quad loop because it's hard to gain height with the takeoff....thus not worth the risk and the flip/lutz/sal/toe are preferred despite the loop being "harder." Also, I'm sorry but neither Nathan nor Ilia has charisma like so many other skaters have. They're given PCS way beyond they deserve just because they can jump quads (despite lacking in other skills, particularly Ilia). And they can get away with it because they're from America.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

The skaters that gained huge popularity were loved not just for their technical ability but moreso for their artistry. None of these skaters will return to competition because of the way they were treated by the isu. They chose to push out older stars with poor judging. Even if Yuna Kim herself came back to skate, she will not be able to save the isu from their problems. And figure skating is just not a popular sport in general. The lack of objectivity in judging and judging scandals make people not take the sport seriously. Im glad to see Yuzuru doing well after retiring from competition.

[@yohanes2034]

Yuna in recent interview said that she doesn't want her future kids to go to competitive skating. She didn't elaborate more on that but I would think if I have kids and I went through what Yuna experienced in her career (injuries, hard training, Sochi injustice, etc.) I would not want my kids to experience that. Competitive figure skating is a niche sport already and ISU seem to not understand that discerning 4 rotations from 3 is difficult and layman person won't know the difference. Then you have knowledgeable fans who know in and out of FS yet ISU won't enact the technical rules they set, i.e. not calling flutz, uncalled severe full blade prerotation (shoma floop), etc. So ISU basically not encouraging new fans to appreciate FS by going too technical with favoring quads and alienating old fans with cherry picking tech calls and not applying their own rules. Gymnastic at least have evolved to be more objective with their judging by allowing protests and answering the decisions openly unlike FS lol

[@triplea_qgb1963]

@@yohanes2034 I don't think it's just that for yuna. She knows what it's like to have the pressure of south Korea on her shoulders. Her country likely pressured her to return to sochi. I doubt she wants her children to live their lives under the pressure of being perfect and living up to their mother's legacy.

[@kyliemiu]

To be fair, the older skaters also had that advantage when they were young, and pushed out the skaters from the generation before 😂 but things are getting worse. In the past, this process takes place in 2 or more seasons. Now it’s within a season.

[@yingyingyo1207]

These hosts' opportunistic mindset somewhat represents the kind of mindset that the ISU management has - only takes but never gives. They have thought of making use of the "deep pockets" of Disney and popularity of Yuzuru Hanyu but never thought of what value the skaters that they named could bring. When the ISU judging system was obviously going the wrong way no one, including the hosts of this channel, wants to voice or speak against the authority with fears that they would lose the favour of ISU. Now things has gone to the point of no return, or almost to that point, the image and integrity of ISU judging system is already greatly damaged and people are losing interest to competition that is manipulated. The priority should be trying to think of what could be done to restore the integrity of the sport and to support all the skaters equally whether or not they have certain organisation on their back so that more real talents could thrive in this sport. Instead, all they could think is "Oh, we should make use of the popularity of Yuzuru Hanyu!" They seems to forget how ISU has failed miserably at that when Yuzuru Hanyu was still competing. Have they thought what kind of efforts and sacrifices Yuzuru has to put in in order to achieve such success? No, they only want to reap without sowing. This is what I said about only takes but never gives. Really, instead of thinking what can be done in Disney+, where you're competing with not just skating performances but with all the blockbuster movies, they should really focusing on a platform that solely for the skaters. If you couldn't even sustain in your own platform then what more do you want to do in other platforms that has even more intense competition. Lastly, no one would ever wants to or has the audacity to compete against Yuzuru Hanyu under a fair judging system. I guess some people might have forgotten how Yuzuru Hanyu demolished the scoring system during Grand Prix 2015 when the judging system was still somewhat unbiased. Ever since then, the scoring system started to tilt to close the gap between Yuzuru Hanyu and the other skaters. If there's any skater who wish to compete against Yuzuru without favours from judges, my hats off for that person.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks for watching

[@eloise_love]

@@TheSkatingLesson even without watching we can say what you clown will discuss😂😂

[@SMunn-eg9fz]

So who is going to pay Yuzuru, and the others whoever they are, to do these ISU-promoting schemes? He is making a fortune all on his own, while following his own vision and taking huge numbers of fans with him: Japanese business in March estimated the gross from GIFT as up to 2 billion yen from tickets, streaming rights, merchandise etc. Disney plus is utterly uninterested in Nathan, Javi, Shoma, Isabeau or anyone else except Yuzuru Hanyu. Maybe his being in Disney plus will make some new viewers interested enough to check out other skaters. Maybe not. Not his, or Disney's problem.

[@DreamsSweet-ir2pn]

ここの全コメントより7時間前に動画配信された羽生さんの雑誌ELLEによる"what's in my bag"へのコメントの方が4倍多いんですよね。あなたたちも日本に来たらどうですか？羽生さんの人気や存在が飛び抜けていることがわかると思いますよ。ここでグダグダ皮肉るよりも。

[@DreamsSweet-ir2pn]

Viewではすでに6倍でした。たった7時間前に配信されたばかりなのに。需要と供給を知ってますか。ここまで言っていいですよね。いままで散々あなたたちは羽生さんに対して醜いことを発言してきたのですから。

[@annak9637]

Actually making jumps the only factor that counts was a huge mistake as the general public does not give a damn whether this is a 4 axel or a 4 salchov as they cannot tell one from another anyway. The power of Yuzuru has always been that in addition to great jumps his skating was amazingly beautiful, with amazing musicality and artistic prowess, which everyone was able to relate to without much technical expertise. Nathan's idea of outjumping Yuzu and ISU going with it, with PCS following TES just because, has killed the universal interest in the sport. Yuzuru will always win the large general audiences over any jumper It is the high time for people to understand it and stop delude themselves that anyone apart from die hard fans would be carried away by the news of a 4A. Wonder why nobody wants to call on Nathan to come back and save the sport? Cause everybody knows it would not worK? As for Yuzuru Hanyu coming back, this is delusional. Why would he? He is doing great, making huge money, being loved by huge audiences, selling out the biggest venues by himself, being the most popular skater in the world just like he has been for many years. ISU had a lot of time to acknowledge him for what he was and reward him accordingly. Now it is a bit too late.

[@kdcm6690]

Nathan's style is much more balletic than Yuzuru's. They both have extremely different physiques. For my part, I found Yuzuru's posture and physique frequently lacking and I sometimes found some of his flamboyance a bit OTT. Nathan has a life besides skating and it seems like he has moved on. It isn't about whether they would call him back, it's his choice. They both had great jumps but Nathan developed his consistency to the point he became unbeatable.

[@zb6070]

the general public cannot tell a quad sal, quad toe, or quad morisi and will listen to tara tell someone that a quad morisi is a beautiful quad toe.

[@harryfranklin1263]

@@kdcm6690 Agreed, I just saw Nathan Chen in Stars on Ice, and he was wonderful. He definitely has the dance ability and charisma to engage an audience even when he's only doing triples (plus, the backflip is always a big crowdpleaser), but it seems like he wants to focus on his schooling with show skating more of a side thing at this point

[@yohanes2034]

​@@zb6070quad morisi just had me lol

[@yohanes2034]

​@@kdcm6690the illusion of him saying he trained in ballet as a kid for most people smh. Yes his posture is good but he is not much more balletic than any other skaters. The most balletic skater is Kolyada and Yuzuru is great too. If jumping without connecting steps and choreography between jumps is your taste then fine, but I found that to be lacking. At the end you can say he's focusing on study etc. but I bet even if he goes professional, his audience won't be as big as yuzuru or Mao or Yuna for example

[@MiraBade-q8i]

I have even more perfect idea to save figure skating why don't isu ask Nathan to be sports ambassador,he is after all the champion, undefeated, has five artistry than YH according to experts, ask him to do ice show, hold makeshift comps let them stream on whichever media you want and the new young superstar can help him, because isn't that something we have been told for last four years...... just don't expect yuzu to do anything for you,he has become his own person,let him do what he wants to do, you guys were more than eager to see him and his fans gone so now live in your own perfect world

[@MiraBade-q8i]

*finer.........curse the autocorrect

[@briseprintaniere3278]

世界では羽生よりネイサンの方が需要があるのかな。とくにアジアでは。🤔

[@concettachiaramida1676]

If you're interested in saving figure skating, first of all pay your respect to the only figure skater to deserve this name: Yuzuru Hanyu. Then, beg his pardon for the unappropriate things you said about him and his fans. Finally,and mostra important thing: disappear.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks for watching

[@DreamsSweet-ir2pn]

今、日本でフィギュア人気は下降線をたどっています。世間もフィギュアに関心を向ける人たちが格段と減っているし、元々のフィギュアファンもかなり離れました。当然の結果ですよね。

[@jenni7762]

Yuzuru is not your machine to help the de*ad isu and competitive skating, after you were laughing at him for holding a one man ice show like prologue, so let me laugh at your faces lol, who are the delusional now?? 😂😂

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks for watching

[@devi_-]

When the judging is fixed you can't use the idea of competition and rivalries to generate interest in the sport

[@yohanes2034]

I think asking for Yuzuru to come back in any capacity to help ISU is delusional. I'd never help those people in power if I were treated like that in the last quad of my career. Also ISU is only managing amateur figure skating, there are lots of other venue in figure skating just like what he's doing. I'd say, let's watch ISU crash and burn for all their bad decisions for the last 10 years (yes since Sochi).

[@etherealtb6021]

Treated like what? I keep seeing Yuzu was "treated badly" the last 4 years. When? Where? He was injured a lot, it was painful to watch and so his results were what they were. 🤷‍♀️

[@christinethorp3684]

@@etherealtb6021 The Fanyus will ALWAYS believe that Nathan was somehow propped up and pushed ahead of Yuzu. It's no use arguing with them, or trying to make them see reason!

[@ColorTheory-ki3rc]

Treated like what? How was he treated badly? He was way higher at the Olympics than he should have been

[@flywings111]

Girlies you should read about the rules of the sport a tad bit more before commenting. Yuzu was thrown under the bus by I$U many times, especially after 2018. Instead of appreciating him as a skater who had it all - the technique AND great components - I$U chose Americans nationalism and only quads instead. Chen is already forgotten (to no one's surprise) while Yuzu is thriving with his pro career. I$U deserves the worst really.

[@etherealtb6021]

@@flywings111 Yuzu still beat Nathan every time after that, when he wasn't injured or fell through the rest of his amateur career. And I couldn't SWORN Nathan never beat a fully "on" Yuzu, only when Yuzu made mistakes. But I realize that you live in an alternate reality where you believe Yuzu should've won even when he didn't skate his best, just because he's so magical! Even when he fell more than once and God forbid judges put Nathan first when someone falls, despite the rules! Yuzu wasn't struggling AT ALL with injuries and inconsistency at the end of a long career, it was unfair judging an nationalistic judging! 🙄 You go on with your delusions.

[@ToePick]

Has the ISU even made ANY good decisions in the last 2 decades?

[@Constantin9va]

The spins are (arguably) more interesting overall.

[@emmafox4069]

⁠@@Constantin9vaThose illusion exits though :/

[@flywings111]

Dave Lease you always want to use Hanyu to promote other skaters. Then you praise other skaters while you make fun of Hanyu. Stop this nonsense. Chen the current Oly champion - who is still an amateur competitor, at least on paper - or Malinin the 4A jumper could promote the sport instead. Why don't they do that? Hanyu has already left ISU and competition and he's thriving as a pro. Leave him alone.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks for watching

[@DreamsSweet-ir2pn]

​@@TheSkatingLessonその皮肉はアジア圏では受け入れられないと思います。アジア圏ではフィギュアが人種差別やアジア圏差別が蔓延している競技だという認識ですが。これもみてくれてありがとうですか。その返しが欧米的な見下し方ですよね。

[@DreamsSweet-ir2pn]

​@@TheSkatingLessonさらにいえば、あなたたちは羽生さんをアジア生まれのアジア人だからと差別意識がありますよね。

[@louisehancock324]

I think pushing Ilia’s quad axel does not resonate with the public because it’s not easy for the public to visually see the accomplishment as you would a home run, a record 100 meter run or a golf hole in one for example. I am a diehard skating fan, but I can still not recognize some of the difference quads. What more people can recognize is the outstanding artistry and consistency of a skater. The World Championship audience were so appreciative of the competitors this year because of the excellent artistry not a quad axel or 5 quads not done very well.

[@papillon5839]

And yet Ilia got standing ovations. Why are you lying? "Artistry" is also subjective, you're just pushing it because your fave can't do the technical stuff 😂

[@EM-rm2xh]

Also, Ilia is just not good at skating in general. Zero edges and can't spin or have a single sense of musicality.

[@mirapetrella8860]

At the rate that mens' figure skating is going, it will become the 'side dish' to womens' figure skating as it was in the past. ISU needs to pull its head out of its ass real soon or there won't be mens figure skating at all. As for Yuzuru and Nathan, why should they need to come back to save the competitions? Yuzuru is doing spectacularly with his own shows and Nathan did the right thing by going back to Uni. They do not need to prop us ISU.

[@emilynotrica9066]

Just sharing that ESPN televised national corn hole championships but we can’t get ice skating televised.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

The sad thing is, the bodies of the Russian pros are so broken that they couldn't do pro competitions.

[@yinghsi1207]

Do you still remember what you said about Yuzuru Hanyu with a condescending tone when he announced his first solo ice show? I can refresh your memory: "Not narcissistic at all" "He could take a shit in the middle of the ice and people would be like 'that's a really great show'" "I just hope he looks up from the ice for one moment to acknowledge the crowd who loves him so much" "He would skate to Seimei and other free programs to... Seimei" then laugh And also tagging fanyus as irrational just because a fanyu called out that ISU should not use Yuzuru Hanyu as milkcow. If you haven't realised it that's what both of you suggest to do now. Now all of the sudden, you're praising Yuzuru. Say, now who are the clowns? One thing to remind you guys and to ISU again- Karma never misses its target.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks for watching

[@yinghsi1207]

@@TheSkatingLesson I love the fact that you reply to everyone who criticised you. Our comments probably irritates you 😂 Btw I didn't watch your video on KZbin so probably not contributing to your view count just so you know ❤

[@applewatt2515]

​@@TheSkatingLesson白人独特の黄色人種に対する差別的傲慢さ

[@L1623VP]

The show was a narcissistic vanity piece, and as far as I'm concerned, these guys were too kind in their review of it. I just caught the whole thing on a Chinese version of KZbin. I would never have paid to see it. Hanyu always had quite the EGO, but even I was astonished at how self-involved the show was. I joked that The Gift really referred to Hanyu's belief that he's God's gift to skating, and now after watching the show, I think I was right. There's probably 20 minutes of total skating time in the two-hour show. That's because the audience is often left watching LONG videos of abstract images, nature scenes, and the planets interspersed with pictures of Hanyu, as he philosophizes in voice-over narration. During these videos, which are sometimes as long as 15 minutes, Hanyu is just sitting backstage. By the half-hour mark, he'd done two triples. He didn't hit the first quad until 33 minutes in. I could tell how tired the audience was from watching the long, stylized videos of Hanyu and no skating by their tepid applause in a soldout arena. They wanted more skating, more Hanyu. What they got was more videos and strange dancers wrapped in white gauze, gyrating to odd sound effects as images were projected onto a massive LED screen and the ice, as Hanyu continued to sit backstage. This gave the show a very abstract and cold feeling. I have to admit I began to fast forward through those segments, but the live audience didn't have that luxury. I think the reason Hanyu did so little skating is because the skating he did do wasn't that good. There were quite a few wonky landings, step-outs, and a couple near falls. Nearly falling on the jump combination he did in the re-enactment of his Beijing SP would have earned him at least a -2 or -3 GOE. I'm not a Fanyu, but his fans deserved more than Hanyu coming out and doing nothing but spirals and pirouettes between videos of himself for the first half-hour. Even during the Seimei section at the end, he didn't do any jumps. The show needed a LOT less technology, NO videos, and more personality, more connection to the audience. It needed new content, but even in retirement, Hanyu can't stop repeating his old programs. The Gift was Hanyu's celebration of himself, not a gift for his fans. I have to believe from the tepid response of the audience during most of the show that many of his fans aren't thrilled with it either, even though they'll never admit it. Dave was right in that this was an opportunity to really promote the joy of skating to an international audience and yet, Hanyu did what he's always done, make himself the center of attention.

[@applewatt2515]

​​@@L1623VPあなたの羽生さんへの憎しみは人種からですか？恐ろしい。さすが「羽生と羽生ファンを全滅させるためにまた日本に原爆を落とせ」と声高らかに宣言してアンチするアメリカ人らしいですね。あなたが羽生さんへの憎しみは常道を逸している。恐ろしい。

[@naomiberry7901]

I grew up in the 80s and 90s and used to go to stars on ice as a kid. I went to stars on ice this year to see the new "crop" of skaters (and some old favorites!) Isabeau actually surprised me in a good way... She had charisma, I felt connected to her skating...on the other hand, ilia did not do it for me at all. I felt nothing watching him skate. I didn't feel like he connected to the audience at all.

[@TheFlowMind]

I don’t enjoy Ilia’s skating but the way ISU is not monetizing at least on his jumps and their possible popularity is baffling. It’s the same issue of ISU not thinking about ways to give away tickets and so on.

[@TheFlowMind]

@alizay5514 I don't want to believe in conspiracy theories but they definitely shit on Yuzuru during the past quad. They created a massive gap just based on the jumps but at least Nathan was a good skater. Ilia looks like an advanced novice with good jumping techniques. He's even more awful live. I've seen him at GPF and other shows. Without the jumps he has nothing. Regarding the original comment even if they are pushing him they are not even doing a good job at it. It feels like they had 5 people working at ISU not being able to do shit.

[@amethyst5512]

Danny G’s wedding seemed to achieve the same artistic level of the programs he choreographs.

[@NG-ue4th]

Oh god yes...what on earth were all those outfits...

[@letitiakearney2423]

That’s sad that Isabeau levito has only got the one coach controlling all aspects of her skating, answers so many questions.

[@etherealtb6021]

Doesn't it though!

[@amethyst5512]

And it has absolutely ruined any chance she has for long term success in the sport. Her jump technique is just not sustainable.

[@etherealtb6021]

@@amethyst5512 And apparently she'll be dressed like a Victorian doll for a other season! 🙄

[@ingrid4587]

@@amethyst5512ou seems to have a big issue with Isabeau skating ,sick head 🤡

[@louisehancock324]

So true. Her coaching staff should consult with designers from Korea or Japan. Their young skaters always have the loveliest costumes.

[@MiraBade-q8i]

Dave and Jonathan why do think that to for figure skating to thrive we need to have a American skater as next superstar, specifically either ilia or isa, because let me tell you Lucas is a even better option than ilia and as for lovely lovely isa,we are too afraid for her well being because of that horrible tech she has. And it might come as a shock to you but the next star might not be from US but from asia, I personally think junhwan cha,kao miura,jia shin and mone chiba are star candidates for that

[@kelly9876]

because a US star is the only way to bring in a US audience. The US did not follow the amazing Yuna Kim or Yuzuru, two perfect skaters

[@MiraBade-q8i]

@@kelly9876 sarcasm?? Because I'm I think both yuna and yuzu are quite famous with US audience 🤔?

[@PangdaPangda-fo9ic]

​​​@@MiraBade-q8iアメリカ人による羽生へイトもかなり有名ですよね。

[@kelly9876]

@@MiraBade-q8i it was not meant to be, and I hope that I am wrong. But I don't have any friends or family who are familar with either. And my family knew Michelle Kwan, Brian B, Kristie, and even Sasha Cohen

[@My-hat]

I think they mean for skating to thrive in the USA, the USA needs an American star - it is an insular country. Homegrown talent works well in USA as it is a patriotic country. They could capitalise on it and promote it, no doubt it would be ideal for USFS to have a white, attractive , cookie cutter all American (not my thoughts at all). But they’d still prob fail to market them properly. USFS is a joke.

[@dkeinow]

So thankful for this. Just watched Shiny Happy People and I need some figure skating news to calm down

[@nicnoodles]

Lol I’m still on the first episode

[@bettybleu12]

I missed you guys. Been waiting for some more skating drama.

[@CocogoatMain0501]

There'll come a day when Ilia is going to become consistent and land all of his quads and the judges will give him 9.50 in pcs just like happened to Nathan, even though i think Nathan was far more artistic than what ilia is now. My point is, there is just no reason for ilia to improve his pcs, the technical content just overwhelms everything and soon there will be no competition. His BV at worlds was 106, Nathan at 2019 gpf was 99, just for comparison.

[@amethyst5512]

I’m not so sure. For one, Ilia is a much higher injury risk because he doesn’t seem to have learned how to train smarter not harder with all the crazy jumps he does in training. I’m not sure he will ever be healthy enough at the rate he’s going to become consistent as he always seems to be injured. And secondly, Nathan had better basic skating skills, took dance classes, & has some natural performance ability that Ilia just doesn’t have. It wasn’t truly 9.5 worthy, but it was much better than what Ilia seems capable of putting out there. There was something there for the judges to reward.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Precisely. His pcs will skyrocket especially pre-olympic and then during the olympic season.

[@CocogoatMain0501]

@@triplea_qgb1963 A Korean judge gave him a 9 for skating skills i mean...the writing is on the wall people

[@triplea_qgb1963]

@@CocogoatMain0501 yeah I don't get why people are so concerned about his pcs. He's from a strong fed, has solid jumps and a powerful coach. He has a 4A which will only gain more attention by the time its Milan. What's the big deal lol

[@EM-rm2xh]

@alizay5514 Nathan was always overscored in PCS/GOE. Ilia will see the same with worse skating skills.

[@zozaazz8044]

When people say ruzzian skaters had personalities i think it is mixed up with drama that came with the doping, scoring, coach rivalry etc. The girls especially all seem the same - long hair that covers their bums, mini dogs, wanting to be tv stars etc.

[@maria375s]

Can’t wait to watch this!

[@dkeinow]

28:04 how come Ilia did not get enough press like Alyssa Liu? Alyssa was on these mainstream media shows when she won nationals in 2019. Personally. I am not drawn to Ilia like I was to Alyssa. All I see with Ilia is the Russian arrogance and the entitlement of an American. Ilia had ZERO charisma for me as a POC

[@etherealtb6021]

Sounds like what Dave said, Ilia doesn't have the same agent.

[@TheFlowMind]

Also I suspect it’s sort of a nationality issues. Ilia debuted just where the war erupted with a lot of anti-Russian sentiment. She’s the Asians “prodigy child of a gay Chinese dissident”. Another story.

[@etherealtb6021]

@@TheFlowMind Ilia is an American kid through and through, so I don't think that has anything to do with it. His comments on his component scores say it all. He and his team think the quads are enough and aren't forcing him to develop a style. He's got the goods to be artistic, he just has to commit to it as much as he does the jumps! 🤷‍♀️

[@mee-k8n]

今年の日本でのSOIで、イリアが4Aに挑戦しても、日本の観客は全くイリアに興味を示しませんでした。歓声も少なかった。その後にイリアが失言したので、彼の性格の悪さが日本で広がってしまい、益々彼を応援する人が少なくなりました。

[@triplea_qgb1963]

He'll probably get more attention leading up to Milan.

[@Sprinting72]

Pairs is definitely the discipline that was very dicey last season, but I'm curious to see all these new teams like Peng/Wang, Efimova/Mitrofanov (they'll be out a season, though), Gabby and Thierry, etc. At least all these new partnerships in what's felt like such a depleted field can only be a good thing. I feel like Canadian pairs were making some waves in the second half of last season, and so it'll be interesting to see what Perreira/Michaud or even McIntosh/Mimar achieve next season.

[@zb6070]

i think in your Miki ando interview, she spoke about how if Nikolai Morozov (yes he has a ton of abuse allegations and questionable to say the least relationships) didn't know something, he would go with Miki to specialist so miki could learn the new element/technique and nikolai to learn so he can continue that in his coaching.

[@selenity08]

Thank you for your updates to keep us engaged during the off season

[@LoLovesLife]

Soooo interesting to know that all of the skaters at that camp have Isabaeu's jump technique. Also, I have to agree that I was at least entertained by the programs from the Russian women. On the flip side I was completely pulled into the dance field and it was so much fun last season!

[@dkeinow]

I will happily support any win for Disney and figure skating. Especially for us here in Florida with our governor 🙄

[@franziskafreiermuth1030]

Oh, I love ‚Strictly Ballroom‘ too. So many iconic scenes… that dance on the roof in front of the Cola sign. *sigh It‘s one of Baz Lurman‘s first movies so there‘s that!

[@etherealtb6021]

I adore this film!

[@ddjr6673]

Thank you again for my regular dose of figure skating to keep me sane! ❤

[@zb6070]

The last time I can recall someone really benefitting from a different choreographer, Paige had Kelly re-choreograph "tongue twister", leading to her beating then CADC Kendall and almost tying Chloe.

[@mharlon09.]

Yeah and Abby almost murdered Paige and Kelly the moment they got off of the stage 😅

[@Samantha_22]

I think there isn’t many people in the audience at competitions is because no one can afford to go, the world is going through a cost of living crisis so most people are watching it online where it is free.

[@mee-k8n]

日本では羽生結弦のアイスショーだけは完売します。それは質が高い事と羽生結弦が美しいからです。 他のショーな試合に2万円も出せません。

[@zb6070]

I think the big issue with Kaori is 1) it was a non-russian worlds and kaori is only winning with russians gone and it feels like she is a placeholder or a means to an end 2) their is a general disgust with russians winning due to corrupt judging, doping, and body breaking technique and as if it is rewarding child abuse.

[@hilkkagrohn7047]

😊

[@hilkkagrohn7047]

😊😊😊

[@redsox3843]

About Ilia and scoring: I remember there was a Michael Buckley rant about Plushenko’s 2010 tantrum and compared figure skating to gymnastics all-around. Ilia (and Plush) might be good at the vault, but there are a few more events to get the gold…

[@ingrid4587]

😂:forget about promoting Ilya’s quad Axel -just made a good ice costume for him 😂-where are those famous designers ?this kid needs a stylist on the ice -horror show his International weardrobe

[@etherealtb6021]

His team thinks they know everything and need no help, so get used to the horror show!

[@anthonydolio8118]

Thanks guys.

[@user-jy8zb2wc8l]

Speculation only but imho Yuzuru carried the market for a bit but the nature of that was already different to the interest that was Yuna vs Mao which still brought an interest into the competition. I think what you haven't mentioned with reference to the Japanese audience is that, coinciding with Yuzuru's retirement, are all these Russian shenanigans and doping scandal reveal, this time affecting their own Japanese skaters. Japanese people may not say directly out of respect but the tolerance of these kinds of politics can only go so far only especially when it starts affecting their own skaters' results. Japanese has had such a deep field of skaters and no doubt there were high expectations for their skaters to do well for the last while but there is also a loss of satisfaction/victory in seeing these skaters work hard and earn their wins over rivals as well with this ban on Russian skaters. Hopefully you are right about Yuzuru being able to do much more in growing the sport through working with Disney Plus, because we honestly need an alternative to make this sport interesting. Maybe we DO just need to have a jump competition so the Illia's and Trusova's of the world can just thrive doing what they love there.

[@johnobendorfer8249]

Another insightful installment. Dave the sweater/shirt is amazing!❤

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@msbhomein]

Jonathan's face at the thought of Elvis Stojko doing ice dance was the best! Alina Zagitova doing economics reminds me of Anna Kournikova (tennis) doing commercials for Schwab Investments

[@corgeousgeorge]

Re: Mary Scotvold... welp, sure we know about Nancy and Paul but you know who I want to know about... Sandy Lenz lol.

[@maryloureiff6489]

Dave in his "rainbow". shirt ,nice..

[@Blosmbubbs]

More like rainbow sherbet 🍨

[@user-jy8zb2wc8l]

Jonathan's face during the discussion about TMS. 😬😅 Dave, you need to write a book (or ten)!

[@youarestronger]

I have done TMS for depression and it bloody works. My brain was so sharp, I was reading a book a day and my god did I sleep like a baby

[@trylogic4084]

How does it make any sense at all for there to be an eight-year difference between a pair couple when the girl is 12 and he's 20? Will she even be a senior internationally next season? If she is, aren't they only going to get one year to compete together internationally, and then he'll age out and she won't be a senior for 4 more years? Worse, if that girl does not turn 13 years old before July 1st of this year, they will not get to compete together for five years. I don't see the point. I think either we're missing some information, or someone over there is smoking something very powerful.

[@Karolyna5]

There was a post about this pair on figureskating reddit and the girl's (alleged) family members weighed in. Both skaters are new to pairs and are only together to learn the basics of the discipline. Family claims they are monitoring the situation closely, nothing inappropriate is going on - which may be true, but there are other possible weird power imbalances apart from sxxual abuse, when it comes to pairs with a big age difference. Also some people think it's safer for her to be lifted/thrown by an adult muscled man than a teen boy. Imho we should lower the expectations of tech difficulty in junior pairs, in favour of pairings closer in age. Let kids learn and grow together. We should normalize juniors starting with single/double twist, easier jumps and basic lifts, and then slowly progressing to the harder stuff with time.

[@strawberrylime33]

Maybe the members of usfsa dont watch TSL so they don't have any modern ideas? 100% serious. How can we as fans get through to the thick skulls of usfsa? What can we do?

[@Violet-xk5ud]

Thank you for working so hard to give us such amazing content! Without you explaining everything I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the sport we all love ❤

[@PangdaPangda-fo9ic]

アメリカ人によるアジア生まれのアジアンヘイトの根深さ醜さも教えていただきました。

[@DreamsSweet-ir2pn]

欧米の白人様御用達番組ですね。

[@yingyingyo1207]

I'd say take the content with a pinch of salt. The opinions from these two are often biased.

[@Violet-xk5ud]

@@yingyingyo1207 Yes, I form my own opinions based on the content. But it’s interesting to see other people’s perspectives and opinions. ☺️

[@maryloureiff6489]

Ilia did the quad ax at SA in Boston..he should have been on the Today Show the following Monday..They whisked Evan off to NYC after SA 06 when ODA won..USFS trips over itself..

[@trylogic4084]

Yes, now that was a memorable moment! The crowd was anticipating that jump, and he hit it beautifully, and they went wild for about 6 seconds or so. I wish that had been his first 4A, because it was a superb moment. It would have been great for public relations.

[@kyliemiu]

No, he should be focusing on his next competition and shielded from as much media coverage as possible

[@johnl405]

I don't think there is that big of a chasm between opera and Broadway. For us artistic types maybe, but in the broad swathe of the general public...

[@jmonz2625]

When USFS was under Patricia St. Peter it seemed like things were starting to improve. Now it seems like they’re back to being stuck in 1998, between the talents of Malinin and Levito, and having arguably the most successful pair in U.S. history, PLUS the reigning dance world champions. U.S. skating shouldn’t be this much of an irrelevant dumpster fire. I honestly think that the U.S. won’t make the podium in the team event in 2026 and that’s the only wake up call that will work.

[@davidfaz2435]

I love watching that ice dance K&C, that awkwardness is gold.

[@christopherschuman9872]

Good one guys ! 👍

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you 🙌

[@alisonmidgley107]

Did Lori-Ann & Thierry ever announce their split? Did they say why?

[@FSexpert1]

Yulia choreographed "The Swan" program for Isabeau too! It is such a great program, so her coach is very talented and created good programs for Isabeau. I wouldn't change my choreographer if it's working well for me!

[@amethyst5512]

The ones this past season were absolute trash. So boring & heavy, not playing to her strengths at all.

[@ingrid4587]

@@amethyst5512those two programs were Absolute Masterpiece-and you are having brain fart

[@yohanes2034]

It's always good to try new choreographers even if the current one is working. You now, getting new styles and directions are always good to improve her artistic side

[@zackwilson8701]

@@amethyst5512 absolute trash is an exaggeration lol. Her short program was charming, and while her free was forgettable with an annoying song, Id still argue that trash is a mischaracterization haha. I do agree with the hope that she gets better programs going forward, though!

[@ingrid4587]

@@zackwilson8701 the music for her long program and compositor are well known ,it’s a beautiful waltz was interpreted vocally ,sorry for you limited acceptance and variety of music ,and every single note was choreographed-was the best program of all !

[@maryloureiff6489]

shoma's first sr season was 15-16.(8 seasons)

[@joannm.1756]

Interesting, I did not know that Rory was once married to Keegan’s coach

[@TDavsFavs]

I completely agree with Jonathan if someone’s not into it then their not into it but could be someone else’s “it” when I first started watching I could not for the life of me understand why someones Anna Karina was so loved but I’m glad to see it not other peoples “it” 😂

[@matthewhines9787]

I am not great with ice dance, but the 2019 Stationary Lift being rated "base level" has never made sense. I know it's nuance I'm missing, but it looked like it had a lifting feature.

[@JohnnyOpera1]

It was because they “travelled” during the “stationary” lift I think

[@mariamrusishvili1724]

They did it on the writing on ice of four continents and you could see it travel from f to r. The idea of STATIONARY is that the male should spin on spot

[@Sophia-dnbetyt]

Hi Dave! I'm not sure if this has been discussed or not, but Georgian news outlets are reporting that Diana and Gleb are joining the Georgiam team... I'm not sure if this is legit/public knowledge already

[@b.reamsnider1328]

Yes, I believe Dave discussed it last week.

[@daffygirl4591]

Nathan mentioned doing off-ice movement work with Michelle Mills in 2021

[@dkeinow]

25:00 Last season, it was the potential rivalry between Shoma and Ilia that got me nervous. I was hoping for a Yuzu-Nathan rivalry where I did not mind who won because I like them both. But it fell flat, just like Ilia's performance

[@b.reamsnider1328]

I've watched the last few episodes of Dancing Queens, and I'm guessing you think the unlikable dancer is the one who missed her daughter's competition. 🙃

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Correct

[@b.reamsnider1328]

@@TheSkatingLesson I just realized she kind of looks like Susan Lucci.

[@QQ-wl6yt]

In the context of the ISU outlook, the USFS’s worst mistake has been sabotaging Ilia out of the Olympics, especially in contrast to how Japan was setting up Yuma for the next cycle, at practically the same age. And this has nothing to do with Vincent or Jason, or that Yuma injured out of the next season; it’s about the utter incompetence of USFS to keep up the renewal after Nathan when they had the talent, which is even more absurd considering the exceptionally rare talent of Nathan and Ilia relative to the rest of American skaters in all categories for the last 20 years.

[@marinjelcic2691]

Agree 100%, take out few superstars and us figure skating is way behind japan on the men's side and russia for the ladies

[@ToePick]

@@marinjelcic2691 not to mention the utter demise of the pairs division.

[@QQ-wl6yt]

@@marinjelcic2691 one of the most memorable things from Dave was that the US options for the second and third Olympic spots in the women’s event had the technical difficulty of 9-year old Russian novice skaters

[@QQ-wl6yt]

@@marinjelcic2691 it’s like the culture of hyper individualism for good (in the rare cases) but mostly for bad, bc it completely underperforms relative to the massive wasteland of resources

[@marinjelcic2691]

​@@QQ-wl6yt yes also the popularity generally dropped, us female skaters used to be household names until midd 00s

[@ToePick]

The biggest problem in the sport today is the lack of American stars. Every figure skating boom period was born out of American superstars, or at the very least Canadians. Without that east/west rivalry being anything but one sided, the interest just isn't there.

[@marycoyne1889]

Nathan Chen was the perfect poster child- very successful, intelligent, well rounded, likeable, and increíble talent. He got sponsorships but never really reached the icon status outside of the sport the way his peers in other sports did. The lack of coverage on major networks I think played a huge role, as did the poor Tara/Johnny coverage when skating was on TV.

[@nolaughingmatter]

Training is too expensive as well. American skaters have to finance their own training mostly, and few can afford to do so with the cost of living at sky-high prices. Also the high degree of technical difficulty which causes injuries also cut many promising careers short. There just isn't the infrastructure and support for American skaters, the way Russians have from the Russian government.

[@mustyfan1584]

@@marycoyne1889 The problem with Nathan was that he was never a great artist like Paul Wylie or Michelle Kwan. He seems kind and intelligent, and is a great athlete. But in spite of that it’s the charismatic and artistic men like Adam Rippon who really attract the public.

[@letitiakearney2423]

I think it’s ridiculous that no matter what nationality you are that you can represent a country that you have no affiliation with.

[@annak9637]

Funny, seems like you have not noticed quite recent boom in men skating caused by a Japanese. skater... oh, because he was not American, I get it. The point is we need to have stars with a true star quality and not "stars" propped up because of their nationality. This has been the curse of this sport and got us where we are now. Transparent rules, fair scoring and the end of federation scoring, that's what we need.

[@BillyWhaler]

The ISU will get this turned around. They appear to be well rested.

[@Blue.night16]

There’s a lot to comment on here. Yes, Yuzuru is great. His status as a legendary figure skater is cemented. That being said, he’s not the first, the last and the only. There were many greats before him and there will be others after. His fans need to be a little more magnanimous in their approach to discussing other skaters. There’s room for everyone. Also, fame and popularity tend to be produced in conjunction with a variety of other factors. Isabeau has been heralded as the new face of U.S. women’s figure skating. I can’t say that I particularly enjoy her skating as of yet. Her programs last season just didn’t leave an impression. I’ve also found her personality somewhat off-putting, as she has come across as arrogant and smug in interviews. I think Ilia suffers from this issue as well. Some might simply call it self-assuredness, but I’d call it overconfidence. Of course, they are both young and will grow in maturity over time. Isabeau’s jumping technique has drawn a fair amount attention. Honestly, watching her jump is agonizing. If she went any slower, she’d be going backwards. People have wondered whether this technique is healthy and sustainable long-term because of the lean and the fact that she’s more or less jumping with her back, but it should also be noted that it’s just not visually appealing either. This past season of women’s singles was extremely disappointing. So many lament the good old days of the glam ice princess where women could just focus on artistry and the jumps weren’t as important. Well, I saw a lot of traditional skating this past season and quite frankly, it was dull as hell. 2/3 of the senior women can barely rotate or land triples, have poor flexibility and extension, no complexity in their transitions, bad spins, and the list goes on. In order to compensate, I’d at the very least expect interesting music selections, good choreography, entertainment value, passionate performance, or great artistry. Truthfully, there’s very little of that. So all we have now in the women’s category is tired, regurgitated skating with poor artistry and poor technical ability. With the Russian women, they at least brought a great deal of drive, intensity, technical complexity, and glimmers of artistic merit that played to the skater’s strength. Yes, there are some great senior ladies right now from Japan and Korea, but if they don’t elevate their programs and start skating in a unique way, it’s not going to matter. The fact that men’s singles was the highlight of the season says a lot.

[@flywings111]

Show me another 2-time individual male Olympic champion in the past 70 years who is as enigmatic, as charismaic and as passionate about the sport as Yuzu is. You can't. He is insanely popular for a reason. Instead of telling fans what to to do and who to like you should appreciate his greatness and realise that figure skating won't be as popular anymore without him.

[@PangdaPangda-fo9ic]

長年のフィギュアスケートファンです。極東アジアの片隅からフィギュアスケートを通じて欧米の素晴らしい文化や音楽、そして芸術を知り学びました。とても感謝ています。そして今羽生さんと同じ日本人として、欧米とくにアメリカに根強く蔓延るアジア系に対する人種民族国籍差別を皮膚感覚として知ることができました。つまりフィギュアスケート競技におけるRACISMの存在。羽生さんに対する単なる演技や人気だけの問題ではありません。結果今は、どんなに美しい演技をみても何も感じることがなくなりました。人種民族国籍差別が醜く支配する競技にはうんざりだという悲しい感情しかありません。しかしこの地球には人種民族国籍差別が根深く蔓延っているという現実を知り得たことを、最後にフィギュアスケートから学びました。とても悲しいことですが。

[@PangdaPangda-fo9ic]

あなたの他のコメントを確認しました。フィギュアスケートにおいて欧米選手、とくにアメリカ選手を脅かさない限り日本人や韓国人の選手を評価する。しかし脅かす存在かつ実績を持つ選手は徹底的に潰す。違いますか。もしアメリカ人の選手で羽生さんと同じくらいの人気を持つ選手が登場したらどのような反応をしますか。CULTだと徹底的に否定しますか。いいえ、アメリカ人ならば大絶賛するでしょう。この日本人とアメリカ人の違いに差別意識がないと言い切れますか。

[@PangdaPangda-fo9ic]

最後にアメリカ人におけるアジア系としてアメリカフィギュアスケートの一時代を築いたネイサンには称賛しかありません。演技に対する好みはあります。しかし彼が成しとげたことは同じアジア系として誇りに思います。

[@spring12041]

I'm not even a Yuzuru fan but to say he's not the first, the last and the only is stupid and delusional. I have been watching figure skating for 25+ years and never seen a skater dominate the sport like he did. The crowds and interest he brought to the sport has been the biggest than any skater. I recently read an article on the Olympic website and he sold out a whole stadium, solo!, in which artists like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, etc have performed in. That's not normal in figure skating nor any figure skater will be able to achieve.

[@L1623VP]

Without Hanyu and the Russians there is a lack of interest in skating? That's only part of it. Let's not forget Nathan Chen, the reigning Olympic champion who holds six of the Top 10 total scores (including the Top 3) who returned to college to finish his degree, Papdakis & Cizeron (on leave), Yuma Kagiyama (out with injury), Hubbell & Donohue (retired), Sui & Han (retired), etc. So much talent left figure skating across all the disciplines at the end of the 21-22 season it created a massive vacuum that can't be filled by one person. A Hanyu return wouldn't accomplish much without the rivalry with Nathan. Aside from Ilia landing the quad axel, his debut was lackluster for several reasons, including the absence of Kagiyama, who is set to be Ilia's rival heading into the '26 Olympics. Without Kagiyama and that rivalry, men's skating lost a lot of drama and tension. No one wants to see B-list skaters winning competitions with mistakes and total scores in the 270's or low 280's, but that's where we are now. If Kagiyama returns in the fall and Ilia improves, men's skating could get exciting again, but if the Russians are banned for another year, don't expect much to change for the other disciplines.

[@PangdaPangda-fo9ic]

YOU ARE RACIST. あなたの根底にあるのはいつでもアジア生まれアジア人羽生さんへの人種的民族的国籍的人種差別。いつでもいつでも。これがアメリカ。

[@PangdaPangda-fo9ic]

あなたはフィギュアスケートファンではない。日本人である羽生結弦さんを憎悪し憎しむ差別主義者RACIST。これがアメリカ。

[@mee-k8n]

鍵山くんはせっかく北京五輪で銀メダルを獲得したのにもう日本では忘れられています😢 宇野昌磨も夏のアイスショーで会場を満員にする事ができません。 坂本花織も女子でワールド2連覇しましたが新聞の1面にもなりませんし人気がありません。 日本ではプロになった羽生結弦と浅田真央の方がずっと話題性があります。フィギュアスケートは日本でもこれからは下火になるでしょう。

[@rained5757]

Have you seen the figures - both Japanese and international - for everything Yuzuru does? He doesn't need the ISU, Nathan Chen or the competitive grind any more, he can attract as much attention, paying customers, support as all of them on his own. Let them make their own fans and audience.

[@L1623VP]

@@rained5757 I wasn't suggesting Hanyu come back. I was responding to Dave's suggestion of it. In fact, I'm glad he's gone because it means his nasty Fanyus aren't plaguing the sport anymore with their viciousness and immature attitudes. Yes, let Hanyu skate around Japan for the rest of his life so his Fanyus can worship him there when he's 40 and doing double salchows.

[@ingrid4587]

“Putin Olympic” will be in GAGA 🙈,he would be happy/lucky to made it there at all 😂

[@ingrid4587]

LOL -Ari got his spotlight ones again 😂-Malinin this time ,such an international dude,what’s up with whining -exactly

[@ingrid4587]

🙈:all Japanese skaters jump like Isabeau :take offs ,stop taking nonsense ,as long as she is consistent and comfortable,which she is ,stop looking for -seems to be “future problem” ,way she glides and all her connecting elements,and absolute execution of everything what’s matter -so called :complete package ,every single note -choreographed,just perfection -Dick Button would say !

[@ingrid4587]

Waiting for Nathan Chen return -there is Nathan Chen -and everyone else 🙈

[@etherealtb6021]

He won't come back. He has no interest, IMHO.

[@yoru3107]

@@etherealtb6021 I don't think he can TBH

[@etherealtb6021]

@@yoru3107 That too. Men's skating advances too quickly.

[@yoru3107]

@@etherealtb6021probably that but IMO he just doesn't have the right condition to come back (also he got what he wanted so...).

[@etherealtb6021]

@@yoru3107 Exactly. To me, he seemed so ready to move on with his life.

[@sk8erboi_chris]

There’s a potential new couple in skating. It’s USA’s🇺🇸 Brandon Frazier and Belgium’s🇧🇪 Loena Hendrickx.❤️🤍💙🖤💛❤️