Here's the Comparison

Well, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't show you the similarities between what I see in Johnny Weir and Toller Cranston if I didn't post back to back.

This clip I chose came from EuroSport, which has fine British commentary rather than the silly pratter that passes for American media. If it ain't Dick Button or Scott Hamilton? I'M NOT LISTENING TO IT AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.

EuroSports's Torino 2006 coverage includes some excellent choices: slo-mo shots of the elements and excellent boom camera work, which covers the "drop" onto the ice from 10 feet above. Aerial shots of spins are the finest way to watch them in slo-mo, though the current judging system requires a horizontal slo-mo replay for counts of spins, position angles and overall technique through the tip of the blade through the skater's legs.

The "controversial comments" Johnny made that were mentioned here--which were HILARIOUS--included his trip to the mixed zone (tape, radio, video, etc.) on his feelings after Nationals. The media had a field day, naturally. Johnny stated--and I will paraphrase--that it was kind of a "vodka shot with a snort of coke" feeling he had as he zipped through the program. Mind you, we are not dealing with a druggie, he was trying to make a joke out of how he looked--hair wild, and quickly moving from phrase to phrase. This, of course, had the USFSA's panties in a bunch and Johnny was made to apologize. Gotta kiss those sponsors asses, or all is shot to hell. Johnny's Mom, Patty, rolled her eyes. Political correctness be damned, the kid's half-Irish for god's sake!

Notice the similarities between he and Toller that I have mentioned--beautiful carriage, expressive arms, costumes that extend from top to side down the leg, the clockwise rotation (jumping to the left, not right), and stretch of the legs and strength of the lower back. Both go from high to low in their choreography with what seems very little effort. It's supposed to look easy, which of course it isn't.

Johnny will try to regain his National title this week (coverage begins on ESPN on 1/26) to knock Evan Lysacek out of his current position. For those of you questioning J's choice of Saint-Saens's "The Swan", 1) it was a signature piece for Oksana Baiul who was the inspiration for Johnny to quit equestrian and pick up figure skates; and 2) it is a Russian iconic symbol from the time of the czars.

Traditional Russian literature refers to elegant women as having the shape and transformational qualities of birds. Stalin himself commissioned the famed ballerina Maya Plisetskaya to dance this piece for him privately during the 1950's. Since Johnny loves Russia so much, it was a natural choice. He is simply paying homage not only to his idol (Baiul), but also his on-ice mentor, Tatiana Tarasova.

Johnny's technical coach is Priscilla Hill, who trained him from the time he was 12, but Johnny opted to change this past summer to Galina Smievskaia, Oksana's former coach. He has currently won two of his three competitions and has trained very well. I think he'll pull out all the stops this week. Watch for a new haircut, a custom-desinged costume, and commissioned music made specifically for the technical elements. J may not always be able to do what he wants, but he always does what he says. He delivers, period.

Just like Toller. They are twins (to me) from different generations. I see an affinity that is purely spiritual.

Enjoy the clip! It's truly gorgeous.