1992 EUROPEANS : JOANNE CONWAY FP

Here is the super rare and super original routine, choreographed by Christopher Dean, that Joanne only skated at the 1992 Europeans. She decided indeed to ditch both Dean's routines (SP and FP) that she found were too demanding, for the following OG and Worlds. The choreography is indeed so intricate and so difficult and leaves few room for jumps (esp. for trying them again!) but how do I wish she had kept those programs. In spite of the light technical content, it is a masterpiece (and so ahead of its time, look at the forward spins, this would have scored with the current system) and I despise the judges for not rewarding this effort (the second mark is muted). I hope someone can explain why she didn't go for the double axel and the triple salchow as those were her two best jumps, how weird! I hope you will enjoy this vintage treasure. Comments more than welcome !

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• FIGURE
• SKATING
• EUROPEAN
• CHAMPIONSHIPS

[stefrevollo]

You're right but if I was a competitive skater, I would definitely take inspiration from this great choreography... Why isn't Dean choreographing more ? And Kwan's Bolero was so "changed" by Kwan, it had nothing to do with Dean's stuff.

[delayedricochet]

That is exactly what was the case here. Putting aside how Conway was not at her best here, the program is really about skating elements and this is ahead of its time. The content and transitions of this program are exactly what the skaters are (required to be) doing now, since the start of the new scoring system. Then again, look at the name of the choreographer and it's not surprising. Dean (and Torvill) are real legends, athletes and artists. Real skaters.

[nondescriptnyc]

After having seen the way she skated at the Worlds previous to this season, I thought she'd be fighting for a medal at the Olympics... Instead, she went downhill from there. How unfortunate. She was so talented.

[Ugggius]

I love this programme - it is so intricate, emotional in a very understatated way. HOWEVER, I really don't think Joanne Conway was committed to it at all here. The elements looked sloppy - loads of travel on her spins for example, just as though she was going through the motions. The way she ended the programme was almost rude! I don't think she was phyiscally fit either. It would have been brilliant to see a slim elegant competent skater doing this great routine.

[pati6sic6]

I'm working now as a skating coach with Joanne here in Madrid, i didn't know she had been so wonderful on the ice!!I've really loved this program, really original!

[schulz1]

A programme before it's time, I always felt the judges just couldn't understand what was going on. Visionary in a way given the intricate transitions and spins on both edges + two very good triple jumps. Shame Joanne lost faith in it and went back to her previous progs for the Olys and Worlds.

[spenceAMS]

I agree with all the comments above and wish she had kept the Chris Dean SP for the olympics at least. I have the BBC SP and FP she perfomed and will post the short later today. I've just added her performance from GB nationals 1990 which was her 'comeback' as well as the interview she gave after (should appear shortly).

[peppe201]

Joanne also did this same programme at British nationals that season. It was less technical jump wise but just as interesting with Christopher Dean's choreography.

[peppe201]

Joanne always seem to be injured or under so much stress to perform well. She place 9th in the short here (92 Euro) landing only 2 flip/ 2 toe combination. As aelred123 said, she must have been injured but when not injured, she skated well. Mi piace il commento Italiano.