Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Softer Side

Mao Asada and Daisuke Takahashi debuted new exhibition programs at this weekend's Dreams On Ice. Both are skating to much lighter classical musical that allows their skating to breathe and helps bring across their best qualities.


Freed from clutches and choke collars of Tarasova, Mao appears free and is somewhat reminiscent of Kwan post Nagano. How refreshing to see Mao without listening to any banging of piano keys or manic screams by a manic Russian coach.

Daisuke's new exhibition, choreographed by Lambiel.

14 comments:

  1. I like Daisuke and I love the Amelie soundtrack. That was a great match. It even showed the softer side of his hair. I do wish he'd give up on the layback spin, though.

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  2. Daisuke AND Stephane? I think that this calls for a resurrection of the "Gay Christmas" tag. ;-)

    BTW, it's nice to see you blogging again. I hope that things are better for you and those around you.

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  3. two pieces of skating heaven. What great ss they teach over there.

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  4. I love the humility and search for perfection that Daisuke showed by asking Stephane to choreograph for him.

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  5. Maybe it looks very "Stephane", but the program is gorgeous.

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  6. Beautiful skating, wonderful music.

    To me greatness in skating as in dance is the skaters ability to take the choreography and make it their own. I didn't see that in Daisuke's skate.I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't actually watching Stephane.

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  7. I was getting whiplash watching Daisuke snap his head back so many times! I did enjoy the program very much, though. Amazing that he's only had it for a week.

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  8. I thought Mao's program was very quiet, elegant and SO what she should have been doing last year. The softness of the music, the simplicity of her presentation...that's what allows Mao's innate elegance to shine through. All of the frilly, choker outfits and 2-ton music and crappy choreography; it was like Mao was buried in an avalanche of TT's furs and she's finally emerging.

    I loved her program and I can't wait to see what else she's got in store...

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  9. Thank you Mao. You are a true,born artist.

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  10. Everyone who doesn't like music or outfit of Mao in 2009-2010 should know that all of them were Mao's choices. ( I heard Mao herself said so.) And this her new EX program is choreographed by her former main coach TAT and she already choreographed Mao's new SP that isn't shown yet, though. Anyway, I loved both last season's and this EX one. I think Mao really showed completely different sides of hers.
    Daisuke's new EX was choreographed by Stephane. Maybe he practiced this few days. Someone said it is so alike Stephane. But it is kind of scare. Daisuke got essence of program in such a short time and will make it own for sure. And he will present two SP in 2010-2011. One is Stephane's and other is by Shae-Lynn Bourne. I can't wait!!

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  11. I'd give Daisuke some leeway. This program needs a few more outings probably, before we see him making it his own. I think it has potential. Honestly, I'm more bothered by his costume--his top looks like a woman's blouse...

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  12. To June 29 2010 5:42 AM Anoymous
    Daisuke's new EX program music is from soundtrack of La Valse d'Amélie. Amélie is woman. He expressed inside of Amélie. Personally, I agree with you, though, it fits him what he should express to us with this music.

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  13. Mao's video doesn't appear to be available anymore, but I found another one that is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6DIUTuy_yc&feature=related

    She's exquisite.

    As for Daisuke, Stephane's choreography looks great on him and there is plenty of time for Dai to put his own spin on it.

    Thanks Aunt Joyce. Glad to have you back.

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  14. Mao's new program is just boring. Her new EX has only spiral, spiral & spiral or twizzle, twizzle & twizzle. It's just another Claire de lune. Maybe she could not go back to Nocturne any more.

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