In general recreational skiing, I agree that a great demo is very important. I always as the group if my demo matched the words and actively encourage them to let me know if they aren't seeing it. There are cases though at higher levels that the athletes are almost always better, stronger stronger skiers than the coaches, but the coaches are paid for their eye and knowledge, not just their ski skills. Does anyone think for a moment that Mikaela's coaches ski better than she does?
Love the last bit. Did the instructor ask where you started the tipping action from?
Yes he did, I had another PSIA 'master's ski upgrade clinic' we honed in on the quiet spot before the transition to the next turn. Dissecting a turn on paper is one thing, actually 'doing' it is a great way to 'connect all the dots' and "feel" it.. I find that most students if they 'feel" it, they get it and then can ski better.
You bring up what I think separates ski instructors: One that can "see" what the skier is doing and then being able to give tips to correct or fine tune the skier so they ski better with less work. (yes I know racers/ or advanced skier or on extreme terrain are working every second)
I don't think there is one size fits all when it comes to teaching, learning, turning, skiing. Think of the times you may have to correct a turn, instantly do a hop a turn Oh Crap A Rock! Yikes Yard sale over the knoll! the need to suddenly change course. Skiers do schmearing turns, dolphin turns, skid turns, carve turns. Big turns, little turns, Skiing is Lots of Turns. Racers may do a 1 legged turn I think of Bode flying down a race course skiing wildly and WINNING! I think he dropped his pole in one race! We aren't static, we're constantly adjusting.
Ultimately don't all turns all start when you tip your ski into the fall line? Gravity does the rest.. our physical input makes our turns more or less dynamic depending on pitch, conditions etc.
For me skiing is being a human gyroscope constantly adjusting, flexing, extending and flowing with the terrain. Throw in modern skis.. they have made skiing much easier but still there are some that are very stiff, some with tiny sweet spots. How many instructors have had students on skis that are way beyond their skiing abilities? Being on the wrong ski can hold a progressing student back IMO. I come from big long 215cm straight kneissel white stars I raced on those planks and I loved them, I can't imagine having to ski them now that I have Renoun Z-90's (most amazing ski I have ever skied) Modern skis have made skiing easier, but if on the wrong ski it can make for a tough day.
While we're complaining about PSIA I don't think PSIA teaches skiing the fall line or teaching how to read the terrain/Mt. I work with all my students on reading terrain I find It makes them better skiers really quickly. Turns are easier in the fall line. Dropping into a steep trail my students have liked my analogy of thinking about when you're jumping into the swimming pool, fear factor decreases, and they master steep terrain and have FUN. A BIG bag of Tricks/tips is what makes good instructors.
In general I find the skiing public isn't interested in our techno babble. they just want their thighs to stop burning, want to get more mileage, advance to more difficult terrain or want to "look like that skier" who is skiing in a rhythmic smooth, dynamic form with ease down any trail,yes that takes mileage. Good coaching/instructors can and do make better skiers.