Breathtaking. Just exquisite skating by John. I love the risque' costume too! :) I'd like to add that Cathy Foulkes's layback spin at the 3:00 mark almost jolted me out of my seat-I"ve grown so accustomed to so many craptacular 'layback' spin positions that I've near forgotten how that element is SUPPOSED to look like with very few exceptions over the years.
This is incredible. I forgot how remarkable John Curry was. I guess its pointless to wish that this kind of beauty could be seen in today's skating. But still, I do wish it, and I keep watching hoping to see it someday...
Just found this vid...I keep studying his moves. Shows how crucial figures really is to the sport, and how rare it is to find a true artist on the ice. Absolutely mesmerizing.
this is just so beyond anything else on ice. Nobody since has come close to Curry's ability to bring true dance to the ice. This piece would be magical in ballet shoes, in fact sometimes I forget they are wearing skates. The fact that they are...and they way the blade and the ice is used as a true artistic medium makes this all the more memorizing.
John Curry was amazing, there has never been anyone to hold a candle to his performances. I remember sitting there with my heart in my mouth during the 1976 Olympics just willing him to win. This performance is one of his best. RIP John, you did your best to change the art of skating, shame you never got properly recognised for the amazing skater that you were.
Yet another perrfect performance from John. What a superb skater. So graceful and artistic. What a pity that skating is now so much more a 'sport; and less of an 'art; I know what I prefer! Thank you for these uploads.
Given modern skating's emphasis on speed and height of jumps, Curry's slowness and control seems almost from another planet althogether. Flashiness wasn't his thing. He set out to create a mood, rather than to dazzle. Yet he was no less beautiful for it. In that way, he was comparable to Erik Bruhn in the ballet world.
I was lucky enough to get to work with John on his Snow Queen television special. He was sublime then and even more so with the passage of time. What have we allowed to happen to our sport that this type of skating is so rare now?
Floskate - thank you so much for your John Curry uploads - its good to be able to watch him again.
But isn't the correct title for this in the original French as per the music by Debussy - L'apres Midi Du Faun? (I'm missing the accent over the e in apres btw)
Its just that it doesn't really translated into English well IMO...BUT of course if this is how it was properly billed in the US then do ignore me! ;)
I have just found out that Norman Maen, who choreographed this work, died of cancer last month. He will always be remembered for creating what many regard as John's 'signature piece'.
Interesting how both Janet Lynn (my favorite ladies skater even to now 2008, skated to this music. Am I surprised, not as all. There has been no quite like John Curry as well, as Janet Lynn. AGAIN, Thanks SO much with sharing this all with youtube skating lovers.
In my opinion, as a huge skating fan, this is singularly the most beautiful piece ever performed on ice. I saw a performance of
Afternoon of a Fawn live in New York and have never forgotten the experience. John Curry will forever be remembered as the one of the most incredible skaters ever to grace the ice. His groundbreaking efforts to have figure skating recognized as a performing art are legendary.
Breathtaking. Just exquisite skating by John. I love the risque' costume too! :) I'd like to add that Cathy Foulkes's layback spin at the 3:00 mark almost jolted me out of my seat-I"ve grown so accustomed to so many craptacular 'layback' spin positions that I've near forgotten how that element is SUPPOSED to look like with very few exceptions over the years.
faeryquene 6 months ago
This is incredible. I forgot how remarkable John Curry was. I guess its pointless to wish that this kind of beauty could be seen in today's skating. But still, I do wish it, and I keep watching hoping to see it someday...
Jayjen35 7 months ago
Just found this vid...I keep studying his moves. Shows how crucial figures really is to the sport, and how rare it is to find a true artist on the ice. Absolutely mesmerizing.
kamwrites 1 year ago
this is just so beyond anything else on ice. Nobody since has come close to Curry's ability to bring true dance to the ice. This piece would be magical in ballet shoes, in fact sometimes I forget they are wearing skates. The fact that they are...and they way the blade and the ice is used as a true artistic medium makes this all the more memorizing.
tinymavy 1 year ago
John Curry was amazing, there has never been anyone to hold a candle to his performances. I remember sitting there with my heart in my mouth during the 1976 Olympics just willing him to win. This performance is one of his best. RIP John, you did your best to change the art of skating, shame you never got properly recognised for the amazing skater that you were.
StLam235 2 years ago
Yet another perrfect performance from John. What a superb skater. So graceful and artistic. What a pity that skating is now so much more a 'sport; and less of an 'art; I know what I prefer! Thank you for these uploads.
IanScott750 2 years ago
Given modern skating's emphasis on speed and height of jumps, Curry's slowness and control seems almost from another planet althogether. Flashiness wasn't his thing. He set out to create a mood, rather than to dazzle. Yet he was no less beautiful for it. In that way, he was comparable to Erik Bruhn in the ballet world.
passionofpersephone 2 years ago 3
I was lucky enough to get to work with John on his Snow Queen television special. He was sublime then and even more so with the passage of time. What have we allowed to happen to our sport that this type of skating is so rare now?
Torontobears 3 years ago 4
Floskate - thank you so much for your John Curry uploads - its good to be able to watch him again.
But isn't the correct title for this in the original French as per the music by Debussy - L'apres Midi Du Faun? (I'm missing the accent over the e in apres btw)
Its just that it doesn't really translated into English well IMO...BUT of course if this is how it was properly billed in the US then do ignore me! ;)
krakenwave 3 years ago
(Blushes) "...d'un faun..."
krakenwave 3 years ago
(reblushes) "...d'un faune"
nuboyinfla 3 years ago
If you look right at the beginning of the clip, the graphics actually bill it as Afternoon of a Faun.
floskate 3 years ago
John Curry is a legend in his sport.
Nijinsky would have been proud of his take on 'Faun'. Thanks for sharing.
audie83 3 years ago 3
I have just found out that Norman Maen, who choreographed this work, died of cancer last month. He will always be remembered for creating what many regard as John's 'signature piece'.
quillerpen 3 years ago 3
Oh I hadn't heard that. I totally agree that this work is amongst his very best.
floskate 3 years ago
Human movement at its most liquid. Amazing.
EllipticEscher 3 years ago 2
Interesting how both Janet Lynn (my favorite ladies skater even to now 2008, skated to this music. Am I surprised, not as all. There has been no quite like John Curry as well, as Janet Lynn. AGAIN, Thanks SO much with sharing this all with youtube skating lovers.
Claires888 4 years ago
the epitomy of artistry!!!!
TULIPMAY1952 4 years ago
thank you thank you thank you for uploading this!!! don't ever delete it!
Starovision 4 years ago
In my opinion, as a huge skating fan, this is singularly the most beautiful piece ever performed on ice. I saw a performance of
Afternoon of a Fawn live in New York and have never forgotten the experience. John Curry will forever be remembered as the one of the most incredible skaters ever to grace the ice. His groundbreaking efforts to have figure skating recognized as a performing art are legendary.
leeofny 4 years ago 3
Gorgeous, ethereal skating. Thanks for posting this performance.
Chocolatesonnet 4 years ago 2