I just wanted to add my vote saying I was never a fan of these kind of skill animations as well; I felt the same way about a lot of the 'spells' for the Diablo 3 barbarian. It clashes with most character themes and I ended up using it less because of it.
I don't mind simply not using it since it's just down to my preference, but I'd be stoked for a different racial trait or animation for it, or being able choose its element.
