Michelle Kwan skates to her program themed “The Taj Mahal” with music from Maurice Jarre’s “Lawrence of Arabia” and Fikret Amirov’s “Gyulistan Bayati Shiraz.” She was 4th after the short program and won the free skating portion of the competition of the even with this performance, but was only able to finish 2nd overall.
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michelle is an amazing skater and i think that this is an amazing program in her skating career
I really love Michelle’s perspective here. It perfectly illustrates going from the Chaser to the Champion. And showing how difficult it is going from complete freedom to carrying the burden of expectation(from others but even more, yourself).
This program is OUTSTANDING!
And for the other US Ladies during her reign, her shadow shielded them from the pressure of outside expectation. Some took advantage while others were not able to.
@grafgirl27 I don’t think skating at a senior level for 2 (honestly, 1 3/4) seasons determines real “consistency.” And she fell at the 98 Nationals. Her 3 loop 3 loop was amazing, but I don’t think that should have earned her a gold medal. I think the skate order at the Olys helped her more than anything.
And yes, I totally agree that her departure made way for Irina. I think Tara could have developed some artistry had she stuck around. Irina never did, because the judges never made her.
I always wonder how matchups of years past would do under the system of points now used in figure skating. Tara had far superior spins in terms of speed etc. Her jumps however had terrible edges and were very often underrotated. She would never get the credit for her triple triples as she did then.
But Michele skates much slower and does not have flexibility in her spins etc but her footwork, artistry and almost perfect jump technique would have consistently had her athe top I think
Tara had good speed but she had horrible edges when it came to her basic skating.
The second section music (drums, etc. at about 6:45) is from Maurice Jarre’s Lion of the Desert not from Laurence of Arabia
It’s so sad you don’t see this kind of music choice and interpretation anymore in ladies skating!
This is a jem!
hmm hello sense, why taking Music from Lawrence of arabia and then call the LP Taj Mahal? But appart of this…very nice routine
The fact the Michelle won 9 national championships and 5 world golds says it all!! No one, man or woman, had ever been a more complete skater.
I love climat of this music
one of her the best
I never was a big Tara fan but she skated some of the most technically challenging programs of a women ever with amazing consistency and the judges had to reward her for that . Of course I agree Kwan is the more complete skater but Tara also had good spins, basic skating, good presentation for her age and was a very strong overall skater too. All in all it was an amazing rivalry. It is a shame Tara did not stay longer. I think Tara’s early retirement was largely responsible for Irina’s rise.
sasha programs are also more about excitement where it will draw more younger kids attention. Without her loud and fast music, shes pretty much plain. While most kwan programs are more beautiful and classic
without sasha’s fast loud music, she is pretty plain and boring. while kwan can skate to any kind of music. even though her tosco long program was emty, she still made that program one of the greatest ever skated at nationals. Sasha’s loud music cover up her empty program. while kwan can skate with passion.
Since when is there an age cut off at the Olympics? I have never heard of that. Michelle can absolutely skate in 2010 if she decides to try.
I like the interpretation for the music
I love Michelle Kwan
skatefan9495: Very interesting observation! I had never noticed that… I guess one could argue that this program was overmarked (due to Tara still being relatively new on the international arena), or Kwan being undermarked (b/c she skated early) at the olympics. All I know is that Kwan is one of the greatest ever.
im doing a report on this person &stars;
Sounds about right to me.
I know. I am just trying to be hopeful for Team USA. We have some graceful ladies, but none with the consistency of Kwan. We need “a fighter” like her.
*sigh*
Yeah I agree… and based on those LP standings, Michelle would have won the title, with Tara 2nd and Irina 3rd.
Come back Michelle! You are a star!
Though she is not my favourite I agree she is a lovely skater and more consistent than our current ladies skaters. One year ’til the Olympics!!!
And yet, you are here and not at a sasha video.
Surprise surprise! lol
drama? how is there drama? no real music change or dramatic instrumental moments no expression or dramatic arm movements. boring spins. yes its beautiful, but no presonality. just cardboard cutout routines. and why would i watch NASCAR for drama when i could just watch Sasha Cohens “Carmen” or “Malaguena”. she even found a way to make “Swan Lake” dramatic.
It’s called elegance and drama. If you want entertainment, watch NASCAR.
why because she falls all the time? very exciting!
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