Mao Asada

[mikaboo]

From Mao's official website http://mao-asada.jp/profile-mao/

Her new SP and FS : Falla/ Ritual Dance

Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo (Bewitched Love), maybe?

She said on TV that her SP will be a piano version and the FS will be an orchestral version of what you guessed above. According to Mai (Mao couldn't remember the reason), Mao ended up with the same music for both her programs because she liked the music immediately, but couldn't choose between the 2 versions.
Mao explained the images of the 2 programs as,
SP: Black bird, mysterious, bad
FS: Red, feminine, strength (there is a little bit of flamenco in it)

Can't wait to see what she and Lori have done with them

 

[dna5019]

She said on TV that her SP will be a piano version and the FS will be an orchestral version of what you guessed above. According to Mai (Mao couldn't remember the reason), Mao ended up with the same music for both her programs because she liked the music immediately, but couldn't choose between the 2 versions.
Mao explained the images of the 2 programs as,
SP: Black bird, mysterious, bad
FS: Red, feminine, strength (there is a little bit of flamenco in it)

Can't wait to see what her and Lori have done with them

They both sound beautiful... Can't wait to see them!

 

[Krunchii]

So her FS will be this piece and her SP will sound something like this piano version I found on youtube?

I can't remember if there were any skaters who used the same piece for both programs before in figure skating, I can't wait to see it. I still remember how in love we were with Mao as Black Swan for that commercial and now we are getting a program with her interpreting a bad, mysterious black bird, she spoils us hah

 

[Arriba627]

So her FS will be this piece and her SP will sound something like this piano version I found on youtube?

I can't remember if there were any skaters who used the same piece for both programs before in figure skating, I can't wait to see it. I still remember how in love we were with Mao as Black Swan for that commercial and now we are getting a program with her interpreting a bad, mysterious black bird, she spoils us hah

This is awesome music. Can't wait to see what her programs look like. Manuel de Falla is terrific - very dramatic.

 

[largeman]

All this fantastic new information is better than I could have dreamed for and I am literally trembling with excitement.

 

[yhmafan]

Arriba: Mao's Madame Butterfly at Worlds performance blew me away emotionally which none of the other performances came close to doing, and that is what counts and what I will always remember above championships, scores or placements. I feel that Mao is most intrinsic skater I have ever seen because I sense she skates first to fulfill her own ideal which breaks free by showing a unique artistic and athletic vision instead of simply trying to fit the scoring system, which I am convinced is highly biased against her anyway.

Thanks to rosewood for this information. Mao's new Exhibition is Cello Suite (Sarabande & Bourree I/I) by Bach as announced on her website.
http://mao-asada.jp/profile-mao/

rosewood said that Mao would appear on a TV show tonight and that a preview of the show said she would reveal "important news." rosewood said that she would provide an update.
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...er-beauty-is-her-biggest-weapon.95911/page-30 number 894

I think you got right.
For example, according to the short interview back in 2013 before the 4CC of the year, she has mentioned in this that she cannot be real satisfied with her winning competition without challenging a 3A.
No wonder she would not give up her 3A as long as she can land it no matter what. :giveup:

So her FS will be this piece and her SP will sound something like this piano version I found on youtube?

I can't remember if there were any skaters who used the same piece for both programs before in figure skating, I can't wait to see it. I still remember how in love we were with Mao as Black Swan for that commercial and now we are getting a program with her interpreting a bad, mysterious black bird, she spoils us hah

Media was even introducing her in the night show that Mao would be the athlete who will open the new door of Figure Skating (again).

 

[gotoschool]

rosewood has provided an insightful video which could give a clue of how Mao would perform her SP as a black bird with a dark spirit. It does remind me of her commercial a lot. Really unique, entrancing and spooky.

https://youtu.be/yDUAzdsIjt4?t=130

Here is a video of Mao as the Arsoa promotion. She looks so natural and beautiful, and she is a bit stouter and stronger looking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5UMEmNVTDc

 

[hurrah]

Mao's exhibition, SP & FP selections are beyond impeccable!

 

[Arriba627]

Arriba: Mao's Madame Butterfly at Worlds performance blew me away emotionally which none of the other performances came close to doing, and that is what counts and what I will always remember above championships, scores or placements. I feel that Mao is most intrinsic skater I have ever seen because I sense she skates first to fulfill her own ideal which breaks free by showing a unique artistic and athletic vision instead of simply trying to fit the scoring system, which I am convinced is highly biased against her anyway.

Thanks to rosewood for this information. Mao's new Exhibition is Cello Suite (Sarabande & Bourree I/I) by Bach as announced on her website.
http://mao-asada.jp/profile-mao/

rosewood said that Mao would appear on a TV show tonight and that a preview of the show said she would reveal "important news." rosewood said that she would provide an update.
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...er-beauty-is-her-biggest-weapon.95911/page-30 number 894

She was amazing. She just felt every beat of the music with her heart and soul. And when she finished, she looked relieved; but more than that, she was so connected to her music, that for a moment it almost seemed as if she were in a trance. It was a thrills and chills moment! Very emotional for me. So much better than "skate by the numbers" programs -- ok, now do these jumps because it's past the halfway mark, now put your hand over your head repeatedly because it's more points, etc. Only thing that I wish she could change is her speed going into her 3A. It almost seems like she's going too slowly.

She is Japan's Michelle Kwan. Can't imagine that there will be anyone like her for years to come, if ever. And for an added bonus: she recruited Shoma! :luv17: Thank you Mao for coming back!

 

[gotoschool]

She was amazing. She just felt every beat of the music with her heart and soul. And when she finished, she looked relieved; but more than that, she was so connected to her music, that for a moment it almost seemed as if she were in a trance. It was a thrills and chills moment! Very emotional for me. So much better than "skate by the numbers" programs -- ok, now do these jumps because it's past the halfway mark, now put your hand over your head repeatedly because it's more points, etc. Only thing that I wish she could change is her speed going into her 3A. It almost seems like she's going too slowly.

She is Japan's Michelle Kwan. Can't imagine that there will be anyone like her for years to come, if ever. And for an added bonus: she recruited Shoma! :luv17: Thank you Mao for coming back!

When I watch Mao's Madame Butterfly at Worlds I feel the same tingling chill coming up my spine about the time she does her triple flip / double loop / double loop tano. Then in her step sequence, she finally brings me to tears with the supreme beauty in her swaying movements that mirror the fluidity of the swells and lulls in the music with her arms and sleeves seeming to flutter and soar as if she were flying across the ice until she reaches her peak with the climatic spread eagle. Though Mao's performance to me transcends mere scores, I think the best numerical way to determine the value of Mao's captivating performance is to look at Mao's unequaled view counts and likes to dislike ratios on youtube, especially since she didn't skate in the first group. I feel so fortunate that I got to see Mao come back to give something as compelling and beautiful as this after giving such legendary and deeply moving performances as her Sochi LP and Nocturne SP at Worlds in her last season before her break.

Here is a couple of newly posted high quality photos of Mao I found on the internet, though some of the pictures themselves are not new:
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...er-mao-asada-smiles-as-she-picture-id73631418 Cuteness / beauty overload

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...-short-program-during-the-picture-id498928110

Though speed is important to executing the triple axel, I have also noticed that Mao does a set up in which she winds up her arms and bends her legs on entry during which she seems to be slowing down a bit but actually to me it seems she is gaining leverage to spring higher into the air. In the 2010 season this technique of slowing down and winding up a bit on entry enabled Mao to land the jump about 8 times in a row from the 4CCs through Worlds, though there were also some very harsh ur calls and Mao's triple axels now have more flow and speed though she is less consistent. This consistency in the triple axel in 2010 is unrivaled in the history of women's skating and this doesn't even take into account the magnificent spins, spirals, steps and artistry that Mao displayed in the same performances or how many times Mao has landed the jump in addition to that season. But, I do agree Mao always does better with the jump when she enters it with a lot of speed before the wind up. The increased speed also seems to be a good sign of her confidence.

 

[ioanna]

It's Skate America and Trophee de France for Mao!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmN96tVWkAA2U-5.jpg:large

 

[solar]

Interesting how she didn't get NHK this time. Both events are pretty stacked, so I wish Mao lots of luck!

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

I might just have to go to Skate America this year. :

 

[yhmafan]

She was amazing. She just felt every beat of the music with her heart and soul. And when she finished, she looked relieved; but more than that, she was so connected to her music, that for a moment it almost seemed as if she were in a trance. It was a thrills and chills moment! Very emotional for me. So much better than "skate by the numbers" programs -- ok, now do these jumps because it's past the halfway mark, now put your hand over your head repeatedly because it's more points, etc. Only thing that I wish she could change is her speed going into her 3A. It almost seems like she's going too slowly.

She is Japan's Michelle Kwan. Can't imagine that there will be anyone like her for years to come, if ever. And for an added bonus: she recruited Shoma! :luv17: Thank you Mao for coming back!

Isn't it a good news for you that Shoma and Mao both will go to SA this season?

 

[Arriba627]

Isn't it a good news for you that Shoma and Mao both will go to SA this season?

I was really, REALLY hoping Shoma would be at SA, but I couldn't even dream that Mao would be there! I am ecstatic! Wow! Gracie, Ashley, Mao and Shoma, Jason, Jin, Dice. And the Shibs and Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea, one of my favorite U.S. pairs. I met Tarah and Danny at Worlds and they are SO nice! This is gonna be really exciting!

 

[yhmafan]

I was really, REALLY hoping Shoma would be there, but I couldn't even dream that Mao would be there! I am ecstatic! Wow! Gracie, Ashley, Mao and Shoma, Jason, Jin, Dice. And the Shibs and Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea, one of my favorite U.S. pairs. I met Tarah and Danny at Worlds and they are SO nice! This is gonna be really exciting!

It sounds so exciting! I'm happy for you! :agree2:

Interesting how she didn't get NHK this time. Both events are pretty stacked, so I wish Mao lots of luck!

Same. while it’s predictable, I’m surprised Mao won’t be at NHK!! She may have to go through a tough season than the previous year

 

[Arriba627]

When I watch Mao's Madame Butterfly at Worlds I feel the same tingling chill coming up my spine about the time she does her triple flip / double loop / double loop tano. Then in her step sequence, she finally brings me to tears with the supreme beauty in her swaying movements that mirror the fluidity of the swells and lulls in the music with her arms and sleeves seeming to flutter and soar as if she were flying across the ice until she reaches her peak with the climatic spread eagle. Though Mao's performance to me transcends mere scores, I think the best numerical way to determine the value of Mao's captivating performance is to look at Mao's unequaled view counts and likes to dislike ratios on youtube, especially since she didn't skate in the first group. I feel so fortunate that I got to see Mao come back to give something as compelling and beautiful as this after giving such legendary and deeply moving performances as her Sochi LP and Nocturne SP at Worlds in her last season before her break.

Here is a couple of newly posted high quality photos of Mao I found on the internet, though some of the pictures themselves are not new:
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...er-mao-asada-smiles-as-she-picture-id73631418 Cuteness / beauty overload

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...-short-program-during-the-picture-id498928110

I think her music is so compelling that it just draws me in right away. It seemed at Worlds that people were really wanting to clap throughout her entire performance but really tried to hold back to not break her concentration. Finally, we all just HAD to clap!:ddevil:
And the spread eagle is just such a climactic moment. I never dreamt that I would get to see her perform live, and now I will get to see her a second time. And I'm so excited about her new Manuel de Falla programs. Such excitement! :hap85:

Very beautiful photos of her...I remember at Worlds I got so "into" her performance that I stopped breathing and really felt dizzy! Ha! Luckily I didn't faint and miss my chance to see her whole program!

 

[Arriba627]

I think you got right.
For example, according to the short interview back in 2013 before the 4CC of the year, she has mentioned in this that she cannot be real satisfied with her winning competition without challenging a 3A.
No wonder she would not give up her 3A as long as she can land it no matter what. :giveup:



Media was even introducing her in the night show that Mao would be the athlete who will open the new door of Figure Skating (again).

Thank you, thank you Mao for coming back! I am sure she faces pressures that we can't even imagine. She may just float along on the ice like a fragile little thing, but I think she is really mentally tough. I admire her so much, especially for continuing to work so hard, even after the death of her mom at such a young age. I'm sure that was devastating.

 

[YesWay]

Mao coming to France... oh my... I was hoping for it, but didn't really expect it to happen!

Now very impatient for tickets to go on sale...

 

[wanderlust]

I'm pleasantly surprised Mao will be at Skate America. I might have to figure out a way to go now.