Maia & Alex Shibutani

[draqq]

I've always wanted the Shibutanis to skate to Yo-Yo Ma's "Sakura Sakura", a modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese folk song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SETNAh50DCI

The dynamics in the piece can show off their range, the song is quite different from what they skated in the past three seasons, and the song is 4:22 long so it's easy to edit. Most of all, it's different from what every other team does or would do.

I think the Shibutanis should go down the route of spiritual elegance, with programs that show off non-romantic beauty, the pure bond between sister and brother. Pieces like Meditation from Thais, which S/Z famously skated to, Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2, or Clair de Lune are along those lines.

[100yen]

I've always wanted the Shibutanis to skate to Yo-Yo Ma's "Sakura Sakura", a modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese folk song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SETNAh50DCI

The dynamics in the piece can show off their range, the song is quite different from what they skated in the past three seasons, and the song is 4:22 long so it's easy to edit. Most of all, it's different from what every other team does or would do.

I think the Shibutanis should go down the route of spiritual elegance, with programs that show off non-romantic beauty, the pure bond between sister and brother. Pieces like Meditation from Thais, which S/Z famously skated to, Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2, or Clair de Lune are along those lines.

I think these spiritual pieces (I love how you used that!) harken back to their Cinema Paradiso days: beautiful, sweeping, emotional, orchestral music with lots of nuances. Despite not being able to use full-out romance, the bond between family is something very fresh to ice dancing and the bond between brother and sister can bring a very poignant warmth and nostalgia to the audience, such as their "Smile" and most recent "Lost" programs do.

[Binthere]

Maia and Alex launched their YouTube channel. Showing once again how much personality they have, this video is hysterical.
Adam Rippon fits right in with the "ShibSib" family. Looking forward to being entertained by them for MANY years to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQL1LNqMM_s



"Smile" is their signature. Once again, they make me smile.

[Skater Boy]

I really like these guys. They seem like such nice folks and Rippon was great too sans his locks - let's hope this isn't a Samson thing. I guess we will soon find out if not hair extensions.

[100yen]

Happy birthday to Maia!!! She turns 18 today!

[dorispulaski]

They will be performing in The Ice this week in Japan.

[golden411]

"Road to the Olympics with Alex and Maia Shibutani," Thursday, August 9, 7:00-8:00 pm, at Canton Public Library.

Program Description (excerpt):
"... Hear what dedication and drive are needed to aspire to the Olympics and to perform at championship levels from this brother and sister team, Maia (18) and Alex (21) ..."

For more information: http://catalog.cantonpl.org/record=g...cope=0&SORT2=R

[jatale]

The "ShibSibs" did this really good video with the cast of THE ICE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y06vF8Lu3-c

Really fun!

[dorispulaski]

According to an IN interview, Alex has gained 10 lbs on purpose to have more strength.

[golden411]

"Road to the Olympics with Alex and Maia Shibutani," Thursday, August 9, 7:00-8:00 pm, at Canton Public Library.

Program Description (excerpt):
"... Hear what dedication and drive are needed to aspire to the Olympics and to perform at championship levels from this brother and sister team, Maia (18) and Alex (21) ..."

For more information: http://catalog.cantonpl.org/record=g...cope=0&SORT2=R

- Photos of Alex and Maia Shibutani at their Canton Public Library appearance: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...1578746&type=1

- And ... the following is sheer speculation, but does anyone think it is plausible for the Shibutanis to compete at Nebelhorn this year (Sep 27-29)? They placed fifth there in 2010.
Although they have skated for at least the past two years for Harvard's An Evening with Champions, they are not listed in today's announcement of the cast for this year's show (Sep 29-30). http://www.aneveningwithchampions.or...immy-fund.html
Just sayin' ...

[nylynnr]

It is more likely the Shibutanis will compete at Finlandia, than Nebelhorn.

[Mathman]

Alex has gained 10 lbs

Me, too!

[dorispulaski]

Rather than Nebelhorn, US skaters may be found at the new Salt Lake City Senior B this year.

[Binthere]

Thank you for the posts on the very entertaining "Call Me Maybe" video. The over-riding premise is so obviously that they were trying to have FUN and to share this with fans. Plain and simple. It is mind boggling how de-railed the thread on another chat-board became, by what seems frankly, a deliberate ambush from someone from another planet and another past century. It is astonishing that people do not appreciate the level of skill which is evident in the actual video itself, coordinated to music, lyrics and imagery. Really. Just WELL done.

I am impressed, and not at ALL surprised, that Maia and Alex did the photography and Alex directed this effort. All it takes is for someone to see the growing body of their efforts - whether it be yet another brilliantly penned blog for icenetwork (truly exceptional writing which is surely on par with the very best of efforts of the average athlete in frankly ANY sport - articulate, humorous, insightful, sharing), the creative photography (the instagrams and tweets from Alex and Maia are so consistently thoughtfully crafted to engage) and this video to realize that they "get it" They understand they are in a sport which is based on performance and fans. They seem to enjoy all aspects of what they do and are generous in sharing with their fun along their journey. I appreciate this too about them. Makes being a fan a more complete experience.

It takes effort on their part. And I appreciate that they make the effort, and do such an exceptionally good job!

[Mrs. P]

I found it interesting that Maia and Alex chose to do their Latin number for The ICE. Given the mixed reviews, reworkings, that SD had this season, I thought they would want to burn that program to the ground.

That said, you can see that they feel more at ease with the program after reworking it all year long. Granted, they have no patterns or anything here, but I can definitely see some improvement in how they perform with the beat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Y5yi9tOS8