Mao Asada

[gotoschool]

I think it would be great if Mao won a couple of more world championships, but I think many of her greatest performances were given when she didn't win and these are more valuable to me than a mere medal: 2007 Worlds LP, 2007 Grand Prix Final LP, the Sochi LP (the redemption trillogy) and her Liebestraum LP at 2011 4CC's, among others (And Madame Butterfly is already breathtakingly beautiful and expressive.) I loved all these performances more than the ones that won the Gold medal. To me, the scoring system can't quantify the spiritual and emotional impact Mao's greatest performances have on me. It's like trying to give grades to masterpiece paintings or musical compositions that often transcend and break the rules of a pre-established system with built in biases and criteria for evaluation that often aren't followed.

 

[gotoschool]

Here is a beautiful photo of Mao in her Madame Butterfly performance posted by rosewood.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71rtm-QQV7L._SL1500_.jpg

 

[Franklin99]

Here is a beautiful photo of Mao in her Madame Butterfly performance posted by rosewood.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71rtm-QQV7L._SL1500_.jpg

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing, gotoschool.

 

[yhmafan]

Here is a beautiful photo of Mao in her Madame Butterfly performance posted by rosewood.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71rtm-QQV7L._SL1500_.jpg

Beautiful indeed

Seems that we could buy the CD (Mao Asada Skating Music 2015-2016 with the DVD) at amazon Japan.
It is scheduled to be released from November 25. :thumbsup:

 

[tulosai]

Hi guys! As some of you know I 'adopted' Mao's original post a little while ago. When I first adopted it there was almost no information there and I tried to add some because someone with Mao's career deserves a huge OP.

I haven't really had very much time to work on it though, and I know some of you are such fantastic fans and know a lot more than I ever will about Mao. I am wondering if any of you who have the information off the top of your head or readily accessible to you would be willing to link me to anything you absolutely feel should be in the original post- programs, articles, interviews, really any great links you have or know of. I will add anything people post to the OP and will give credit to people there for contributing.

Thank you anyone who can give me any help on making Mao's original post as great as she is.

 

[gotoschool]

Hi guys! As some of you know I 'adopted' Mao's original post a little while ago. When I first adopted it there was almost no information there and I tried to add some because someone with Mao's career deserves a huge OP.

I haven't really had very much time to work on it though, and I know some of you are such fantastic fans and know a lot more than I ever will about Mao. I am wondering if any of you who have the information off the top of your head or readily accessible to you would be willing to link me to anything you absolutely feel should be in the original post- programs, articles, interviews, really any great links you have or know of. I will add anything people post to the OP and will give credit to people there for contributing.

Thank you anyone who can give me any help on making Mao's original post as great as she is.

Here is a lot of links to Mao's best programs in HD, though I admit few are in English. I just like the nice video quality more. I will look for interview clips as well when I can.

Here is an HD quality performance of Mao's Vancouver SP:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcKWfHDD0fg

Here is a fancam of Mao's Sochi freeskate from a Russian fan of Mao.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ArTNtQl9UQ

Mao's FS Sochi along with the final group of skaters in HD. My favorite performance of Mao's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5fA9o2sBis

Mao's FS Sochi in HD full screen: http://vimeo.com/87275728



Mao's Worlds LP 2010 in HD. Supreme spirals, spins, twin triple axels and a desperately beautiful step sequence. One of her greatest performances in my opinion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCwCo3GID2E


Mao 4CC 2010 HD LP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAIDUTDjBNc


Young Mao

Nationals LP 2002 Mao Asada- Mao's first shot at an 8 triple program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEyU1Baaaeg

Nationals SP 2003 -nostalgia looking back on beautiful memories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVxwDIW-qzs

2005 Junior Worlds LP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbPbbUeQ3Kw

Great copy of Mao's Nocturne from 2006 Grand Prix Final
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krPGuZWNGHY

Nutcracker 2005 Grand Prix Final:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oc1jxgLD6o


Here is an HD copy of Mao's Czardas LP from 2007 Worlds. This is another early great performance that really brought her to the attention of a world audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yiQwm_VtrU

Liebestraum 2011 4CC's- great performance in a challenging time for Mao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_fHcE4uFg4

Liebestraum 2012 4CC's fan cam ice level-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-AEcLanOIM

Fantasie Impromptu 2007 LP Grand Prix Final

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYJ_mG6Qvno

Here is an HD copy of Mao's Performance of Fantasie Impromptu at 4CC's 2008:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp5aoeVYcHg

Another great Short Claire de Lune World Team Trophy 2009 SP in HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=327n8Gue9Ic


Nationals 2008 LP HD Waltz Masquerade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ6KPiLzhGM


Here is an HD version of "I Got Rhythm" at 4CCs 2013. Love this so much!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7jd3gn82Vc

4CC's 2013 LP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiuCR5mYG3g


Worlds 2013 LP HD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjnChWXVteA

Nocturne Worlds SP HD 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2xjUQWPsPY

Worlds LP 2014 LP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gw3ZBgPSlY


Madame Butterfly HD Japan Open 2015 LP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj4EyYCKvJQ


Exhibitions

Super Match Waltz Masquerade Fan Cam HD- Pink dress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apferrC2pFE

Pink Dress again nice fan cam Waltz Masquerade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrqgEPiXfh0



Por Una Cabeza and Walt Masquerade step sequence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97iu9hl9MX8

Dreams on Ice Por Una Cabeza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtjROANJdEY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtjROANJdEY

So Deep is the Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L8TshBMD9I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJUgH6Mjv8


Caprice and Encore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41mdvXnGiSE

Caprice and Encore National Championships 2009-2010

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41mdvXnGiSE

Smile and Encore Worlds 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx8vp-2X2rM

Ballade Astana. 2014. Love the lighting, the twizzles and the Russian split jump.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzz7HRKDUeU

 

[daphenaxa]

OMG thank you so so much for the 2010 worlds LP I have been looking for it for ages!!!!!

 

[tulosai]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I will add all of these to the OP as time allows, probably tomorrow!! I will also give you credit as promised- thank you so much for all the work that went into that!

 

[yhmafan]

Thank you so much for the great lists, tulosai and gotoschool. My appreciation for your efforts and spending your precious times on the works.


If anyone has the link that the HD version of her 2008 NHK LP performance? Thanks in advance.

 

[yhmafan]

Mao and her coaches, heartwarming scenes.

Mr.Higuchi, he couldn’t hold back his tears. the moment was from 2010-2011 season.

 

[amazingMao]

Mao and her coaches, heartwarming scenes.

Mr.Higuchi, he couldn’t hold back his tears. the moment was from 2010-2011 season.

May I ask who is Mr Higuchi?

 

[Vili67]

Thanks gotoschool for big list of Mao's performances. I think masquera is one off the best mao's LP.
Most put one closing gala performanse here from 2009
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8QVsi6_rgM
Love this one

 

[yhmafan]

May I ask who is Mr Higuchi?

As for Mr. Higuchi, here is a wiki page for you

 

[largeman]

Any recent news on Mao? Sightings, rumors, anything? I can't believe it's another 10 days until we get to see her, the wait is excruciating.

In 10 days I am most excited to find out:
1. What her SP looks like (duh)
2. How improved her lutz edge has become
3. If she gets a new LP costume without the flowy, distracting sleeves
4. Please please please land a perfect 3A (I'm not even asking for two, although that would be sweet)

 

[tulosai]

Thanks gotoschool for big list of Mao's performances. I think masquera is one off the best mao's LP.
Most put one closing gala performanse here from 2009
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8QVsi6_rgM
Love this one

Thank you! I have updated with original post with all the links from gotoschool and will also add this one!

 

[yhmafan]

Any recent news on Mao? Sightings, rumors, anything? I can't believe it's another 10 days until we get to see her, the wait is excruciating.

In 10 days I am most excited to find out:
1. What her SP looks like (duh)
2. How improved her lutz edge has become
3. If she gets a new LP costume without the flowy, distracting sleeves
4. Please please please land a perfect 3A (I'm not even asking for two, although that would be sweet)

Maybe nothing new (as far as I know).
I am with you on the rest of your state, especially I am so willing to know her SP and the costume if it is not the same that she was wearing at the CaoI.

 

[gotoschool]

Here is a website that has some beautiful photos of Mao in a blue dress. She looks like she is dressed up like a high fashion stewardess. Positively stunning! To the left of the pictures of Mao, you can see a video of Mao performing to "I Got Rhythm" while her SP music for this season plays, "Bei Mir Bist Du Shoen" and then you can see her perform the real step sequence for this season's SP program. It's really snazzy and sophisticated.

http://ameblo.jp/white-mimi/entry-11342851744.html

Larger screen version of the same performance "mix"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf7rlkDhzEk

I can't wait to see Mao perform in a week, though I admit I am really nervous. She glides swiftly and lightly across the ice as a swan soaring through the skies and she is the definition of breathtaking elegance, athleticism and artistry. The walls erected to hold back tears are bound to fall with her all out assault on the emotions. I just feel fortunate I get to see her perform competitively again.

 

[yhmafan]

Thanks gotoschool for the links, Yes me as well. I miss her already.

I feel that we fans are already blessed to have the opportunity to watch her competitive performances again no matter how scores she gets. (although I would love to see her on the podium. :yes: ) Go Mao

 

[Franklin99]

Any recent news on Mao? Sightings, rumors, anything? I can't believe it's another 10 days until we get to see her, the wait is excruciating.

In 10 days I am most excited to find out:
1. What her SP looks like (duh)
2. How improved her lutz edge has become
3. If she gets a new LP costume without the flowy, distracting sleeves
4. Please please please land a perfect 3A (I'm not even asking for two, although that would be sweet)

7 more days...I'm freaking out!

 

[tulosai]

7 more days...I'm freaking out!

Me too! It's so exciting