A translation based on translation. The original translation is beautiful, but it is lost through my translation :/
What do you think of the performance of Yuzuru?
Shae-Lynn: I have only watched the videos because I could not attend due to work. Although there is quite a difference between watching it live and on screen, I am really satisfied. I am really happy that the LP ranks first, especially when it's still first half of the season, probably because of the attention paid to the presentation of elements. He is aiming really high this season. Because the programme has 4 quads, I think it still takes some time to put the elements, story and emotions together.
Did he discuss with you over the choice of music?
Shae: I think this is a song which Yuzu wholeheartedly wants to skate to. He has decided to use this song at the beginning of the choreography, and brought this song to me. He has a past with this song: this is the theme song for 1998 Nagano Paralympics and he told me that was the time he began skating. Therefore, I think that this is a meaningful song to him. As for me, when I heard of his words, I tried to link his story to the theme of Hope & Legacy. All his life experiences from the moment he stepped on the ice. I want to exhibit all these elements in the programme. What is in his mind as an athlete? Yuzuru has achieved the dream of an athlete -- Olympics Gold medalist. But now he is chasing after a new dream. Believe in oneself, overcome all challenges, never stop going forward regardless of circumstances. This is what I want to express.
When listening to this song by Joe Hisaishi, how do you interpret the song?
Shae: I think that it is a beautiful song, with emotions unique to Japanese culture. While it is classical, its Japanese characteristics shine. Needless to say, it is a song to which he can connect himself to. In the process of choreographing, I also tried to feel his story. When he first met the ice, when he first learnt skating, the amazement when he touches the surface, that wonderful feeling to skate on ice...I think he is full of curiosity. The beginning of the programme is about "understanding the ice", expressing his discovery in a very tranquil manner. As he learns about the ice, he begins to release himself. The real journey begins. The fluctuations of emotions like a roller coaster (?) is expressed through foot work. like a wave. Approaching the end of the programme, the emotions are shared with the audience. (?)
How do you guys communicate in the process
Shae: We shared our thoughts and feelings openly. This is the third season that we work with each other. Thanks to the time spent together, the comunication and trust between us strengthen. The first day of choreography is probably more about communications than to skate. We discussed things such as how he feels, what he feels and how to express these feelings. As we talk, we resonate with each other. Not everyone can do this, but he can, he can understand emotions, and express that to his audience. Like last season, he takes some time in the beginning. He needs time to recover from his injuries, so i think a lot of things may be a bit late in this season.. But all it matters is how to peak your condition. I think at this point, his jumps are very complete. The rest is to practise the details in between elements.
Do you think that his interpretation improves due to what happens in the recovery period?
Shae: Exactly. Through experience, he grows and matures. He needs to slow down his pace for everything due to the injury, but this also gives him time to feel. To a certain extent I think that it is developed towards the right direction. You can review you life from a different angle, with a completely new perspective. and this makes the product created by us more in-depth than before. When your emotions become more in-depth, the programme is more profound and appealing. In fact, we spent some practice time together after the programme is done. This is the first time we try to practice together off ice. I showed the moves to him one by one, and he repeats. I feel very blissful, intrigued and excited to watch him to do so. I believe this is a great experience for him as well. He should have a better understand the quality of his movements and how to control his body. That was the time he still could not jump, but he managed to focus on the programme itself. He is very satisfied with the rewards of this practice as well. I am very lucky to observe him as a dancer on the ground. Through this experience, and finding back his jumps, I think he combines the two and is now on a new level.
This is the third season you cooperated with Yuzuru. Look back, what do you think about Phantom 2014-2015 and SEIMEI 2015-2016?
Shae: He always has deep thoughts and feelings for musics. As you all know, at first the coach Brian Orser sent me an email, saying "I hope Yuzuru can skate to your programme". Yuzuru wanted to skate to POTO at that time, but to be honest, I have seen so many skaters performing this song. I hesitated, but I wanted to fulfil his dream. When we began the choreography work, I am very surprised that he is so full of emotions; he cares for other, he always cares for others in his heart. He is very clear what he is skating for, what kind of performance he wants to show his fans. We only had four days to work on the choreo at that time, but I was truly moved by how he wanted to challenge himself with his best efforts. The process was smooth at that time, but looking back, we work much better now. We exchange our thoughts and opinions thoroughly now, and as time passed, I can understand Yuzuru's personal things. (?)
He found the song for SEIMEI but we worked together for choreography and combination. The instant I listen to this song, the image of the work pops up in my brain immediately. He also had what he wanted to achieve and actively participated in the process, so we communicate candidly. It is also very interesting to learn Japanese culture. I think this experience and feeling also help in Hope & Legacy. As the season progress, I was full of emotional thoughts to see him turning SEIMEI into his own character. He was not acting, he himself is the character, he exists as the character. Last season in NHK trophy, you can understand his control and confidence because he is the ruler of the match. I am touched to see how he integrates into the programme.
SEIMEI is now the highest scoring programme in the world
Shae: There is a lot to plan and prepare, but everything comes together as "1" for Yuzuru. A thorough preparation, best physical and mental condition, jumps that no one else could jump...he pushes the level of figure skating to another level. A lot of skaters, coaches and audiences are inspired by his performance. What a gift to figure skating. And this is what Yuzuru is best at: he can provoke your emotions deep inside, and give others to power to improve. Seeing his performance, a lot of the skates now aim higher. I am really moved by his contributions to figure skating. Hope & Legacy is a programme that is capable of this as well. This programme is he himself. Yuzuru is hope, Yuzuru is legacy Yuzuru Hanyu as an athlete that is always moving forward, that never gives up, that have faith……He is someone that a younger skater will look up to, and pass his legacy to the next generation. I believe his name will be engraved in history, and leave behind a legend.
The Story of Hope and Legacy - any advice for the audience when appreciating the performance?
Shae: You can observe a lot from the beginning. The first scene, when Yuzuru steps out with reaching hands, it represents his first encounter with the ice. Imagination unfolds - probably it's his eventual goal to be at the Olympics. He reaches out his hands with hope, but he can't catch it. He retracts his hands. And then it's a series of step sequence "No pain, no gain. Alright, I need to step on the ice, and work hard" This is how a young Yuzuru meets with the ice. Imagine a curious little yuzuru with eyes wide open. He enjoys the wind that blows on him with every step forward, he loves the feeling of sliding.
As the programme continues, there will be moments of struggle and moments of joy. After the circular foot work, Yuzuru places his hand in front of himself and looks through his fingers. This represents how yuzuru sees his reflection in the mirror. He finds his reflection. A lot of times, you are your own biggest criticizer. He doesn't like his reflection. With fear and horror, with excessive strictness, he sees his imperfections. But then, he shakes it off, breaks the mirror and leaves. He wants to move forward. He doesn't allow him to spoil himself. He trusts his ability to move forward.
After the 4th quad, he places his hands in front of his chest, feeling the heart beat and the voice of his heart. He reaches the stage of facing his own emotions. This year, because of injury, he had the opportunity to face his inner self and feel the movement of the body. This is a new perspective, that is not only about focusing on skating, but also to feel your life as a whole and release your emotions... As if wings are grown, he will fly, fly to sky. The world is wonderful, the world is beautiful. Learn about yourself, learn what is freedom. Erase all your fear and doubts. The fact that you are living, living your life, be yourself...Feel the happiness.
The last scene is not very successful in SC (laughs) But it will be shown to everyone in the coming competitions. In fact, it returns back to the opening, where he reaches his hands and grabs tightly. He grabs victory and dream, but he doesn't want to have them all to himself. He spreads his arms, opens his heart, and wants to share hope and inspiration to the entire world. The last scene is for everyone who appreciates his performance. Yuzuru really wants to thank everyone. He doesn't just want to skate beautifully himself, he wants to achieve much more with his skating. To share with people around him, to everyone at the stadium and to everyone in front of the television. It is a great message: no sports can exist without audience. Yuzuru hopes that the audience becomes part of him, and he wants to share with everyone all of these. This is the actual story of Hope & Legacy.
What a wonderful story. Yuzuru is a gift to this sports.
Shae: He has a beautiful heart, with gratefulness to everyone and respect to ice. Such beautiful emotions are put into the performance with his own hands. As someone who offers him a bit of help and establishes a relationship with his skating, I am very honoured. I hope I can get on ice with him again, to help him further improve on his programme. Let's all look forward to NHK.
(This is a beautiful interview and beautifully written. I hope someone more capable could do a better translation than this. Yuzu is an angel. I'm gonna watch H&L again!)
*crawls away to buy snacks*
