05/22/2008) - Reigning world silver medalist and 2007 world champion Brian
Joubert, from France, is currently in New Jersey having his programs for the
2008-09 season choreographed by two-time Olympic ice dance gold medalist Evgeny
Platov. The two had previously worked together when Joubert spent time studying
with Tatiana Tarasova and Platov was part of her coaching team.
"I enjoy working with Brian," said Platov. "He's a very talented guy.
Obviously, he likes to work with me and that's why he came back."
Platov said Joubert approached him at worlds in Gothenburg about doing the
choreography. The two are currently on the ice at the Princeton Sports Center
creating both short and long programs.
"He's picking up everything so fast," said Platov, who accepts only a small
number of choreography requests. "I'm not that person who will be making a
hundred programs a year. I want to do less, but more quality, especially with
unique people like Brian and my own students (British ice dancers Sinead and
John Kerr).
"For every skater, the best way to express themselves is first to find
somebody who they're comfortable working with and also try to find their own
face," he added. "If a skater is doing choreography with somebody and they're
not comfortable and they're losing their face that's the biggest minus. Biggest
plus are people who find a new kind of expression, but still keep their own kind
of style."
