Just got back to my small little town from the second show earlier. Some quick notes: (Do take note I was seated a bit far away -- not arena seats)
The opening number was pretty good. They skated like in a ball with pretty dresses for the ladies and nice costumes for the men. There were three clowns (Misha, Adam and, uh, I forgot). Then there was PChan and then Mao in a very pretty (or so I think) Masquerade dress which was quite long. She did the step sequence! Pchan is definitely very popular. Got the second loudest cheer of all.
Those who skated either their Short or Free today... they were all interesting! I'm really liking their programs so looking forward to the competitions! And even as early as now their programs are looking quite good. Adam skated his FS. Ashley with her SP I think but looked to be a watered down version. Should be the SP as the opening looked the same as that short clip on her instagram. Mai interviewed Adam and Ashley and the two of them skated to Ashley's Moulin Rouge music. I am liking Satoko's FS. I think it is beautiful. Kanako's was also pretty nice (including the dress) but not sure if it was EX or SP.
Misha was very entertaining. When it started I was like... is he skating to Dai's music? And then he started skating like Dai! It was a medley of Dai's pros ending in CyberSwan... his tribute to Dai. He was quite exhausted after he finished but it was awesome.
I enjoyed PChan's program... not sure if it was an EX or SP (I'm not up to date with this season's programs yet) but the layout looked like it was for SP. 3A, 3T, 3Lz I think.
Joannie's jumps are still really good. For me she is still Canada's top lady. Shame she's already retired...
Pang&Tong... such a beautiful pair!!!
Mao's EX is quite entertaining and the costume doesn't look as bad as what I thought from the pics... the 2A was really good then she singled the toe and stumbled and fell on the landing of the loop. I blame it on that coat, though. Looks like it's quite difficult to jump with that. I hope they change it.
However... seeing Mao's masquerade in the opening and then her Por Una with Jeff in the finale made me miss Tat's EX pros for Mao. It was so good seeing Por Una! Jeff looked like he had a lil trouble catching up with the steps... but then it was still pretty good of him to learn it fast.
That Benedictus number is simply breathtaking! I got teary eyed watching it and wished I was seating in arena seats. Lori sent an audio message about peace which they translated in Japanese and displayed in the screens. It was also apt to have those three (Mao, Caro and Joannie) skate to it. (Asia, N.America and Europe) For me, those three were on a different level... skating wise and performance wise. It was absolutely beautiful. Beautiful ladies skating beautifully to a beautiful music with a beautiful message. I can watch it again and again and again...
How about Mao's skating? I was quite surprised. After a year off and just recently really started practicing her skating was very smooth, fast and strong. Other than those mistakes in the EX, I though her jumps looked really good and big. I love the axels!
Well, that's it for now... might post a lil bit more tomorrow night. It's already quite late and I still have work early tomorrow.
I want to see it.
