- Joined
- May 19, 2011
So happy for the ladies!
Mao was lovely. Her SP was very nice, clean and controlled. I really like that piece for her and *gasp* dare I say TAT has finally done a good competitive program for Mao? I'm not a fan of TAT's competitive programs for Mao, though her exhibition pieces are fabulous. I like the music choice of Scheherazade they picked; it's unlike any of the ones skaters have used recently which allows it to stand on its own. It's a solid program, though I still think Nocturne and Claire de Lune are Mao's best SPs. Mao did a lot better here than I expected her to given what she's been through these last few weeks. She's such a strong and inspiring young lady and I'm so happy to see her back on top.
Oh, and can I just say her exhibition program is beyond words. I can't even explain how amazingly touching and beautiful it is. I wrote a blog about it a couple of months ago and the best way I can describe that "Jupiter" program is beautiful sadness...it's so gorgeous it makes me want to cry. Mao is the only skater since Michelle Kwan who has made me feel like that while watching her...just breathtakingly beautiful. I love her so much and I'm so proud of her. Well done Mao!
Akiko has had better performances but she didn't give up. I'm so glad she's going to worlds this year and I really think she has a great shot at the podium. Despite her mistakes, she still won the FS and, had she not had such a tough time in the SP, she would have won the title. I've always thought she was a wonderful skater and a superb performer and I'm just glad the judges are finally noticing that. I wish her the best of luck heading into worlds.
I'm very happy for Kanako. She had such a breakout season last year but she's been struggling a lot this year. She nailed that SP and did a good job in the FS. That fall on the footwork was so weird! After the performance you could tell how embarrassed she was and Machiko's face when she finished was priceless! I'm glad she made the team again too. She's grown so much in terms of her expression and relation to the music and I just love her speed. Kanako's exhibition was very lovely as well. You can really see her maturity and growth in that performance and she does such a good job of carrying that music and letting it build. Wonderful exhibition from her; she really created a moment there and it was beautiful.
I thought Risa Shoji's FS was very good. I didn't check the protocols so I'm assuming she ended up with a few < calls or something, but from what I saw, she nailed that. I really love that program and her style of skating.
Well, Japan has a very strong team heading into worlds. I think both Mao and Akiko could make the podium this year and if Kanako can get that 3t-3t solid, she has a great shot at a top 4-6 finish.
Now I'm waiting for US and Russian nationals! I REALLY hope someone posts video of Russian nationals; that's going to be one helluva dog fight for those three spots, for both senior and junior worlds!
Mao was lovely. Her SP was very nice, clean and controlled. I really like that piece for her and *gasp* dare I say TAT has finally done a good competitive program for Mao? I'm not a fan of TAT's competitive programs for Mao, though her exhibition pieces are fabulous. I like the music choice of Scheherazade they picked; it's unlike any of the ones skaters have used recently which allows it to stand on its own. It's a solid program, though I still think Nocturne and Claire de Lune are Mao's best SPs. Mao did a lot better here than I expected her to given what she's been through these last few weeks. She's such a strong and inspiring young lady and I'm so happy to see her back on top.
Oh, and can I just say her exhibition program is beyond words. I can't even explain how amazingly touching and beautiful it is. I wrote a blog about it a couple of months ago and the best way I can describe that "Jupiter" program is beautiful sadness...it's so gorgeous it makes me want to cry. Mao is the only skater since Michelle Kwan who has made me feel like that while watching her...just breathtakingly beautiful. I love her so much and I'm so proud of her. Well done Mao!
Akiko has had better performances but she didn't give up. I'm so glad she's going to worlds this year and I really think she has a great shot at the podium. Despite her mistakes, she still won the FS and, had she not had such a tough time in the SP, she would have won the title. I've always thought she was a wonderful skater and a superb performer and I'm just glad the judges are finally noticing that. I wish her the best of luck heading into worlds.
I'm very happy for Kanako. She had such a breakout season last year but she's been struggling a lot this year. She nailed that SP and did a good job in the FS. That fall on the footwork was so weird! After the performance you could tell how embarrassed she was and Machiko's face when she finished was priceless! I'm glad she made the team again too. She's grown so much in terms of her expression and relation to the music and I just love her speed. Kanako's exhibition was very lovely as well. You can really see her maturity and growth in that performance and she does such a good job of carrying that music and letting it build. Wonderful exhibition from her; she really created a moment there and it was beautiful.
I thought Risa Shoji's FS was very good. I didn't check the protocols so I'm assuming she ended up with a few < calls or something, but from what I saw, she nailed that. I really love that program and her style of skating.
Well, Japan has a very strong team heading into worlds. I think both Mao and Akiko could make the podium this year and if Kanako can get that 3t-3t solid, she has a great shot at a top 4-6 finish.
Now I'm waiting for US and Russian nationals! I REALLY hope someone posts video of Russian nationals; that's going to be one helluva dog fight for those three spots, for both senior and junior worlds!