Mao's New SP | Golden Skate

Mao's New SP

I was not impressed. I liked her short program from last year much better. Obvious problem in that she did not perform a combo, but aside from that, there was only a very perfunctory acknowledgement of the music until she had finished all of her jumps. That's far too much time for the music to just be playing as background noise.

I hope the program interpretation improves as she becomes more comfortable with it.
 
^
I disagree. I thought Mao was making a great attempt at relating to the audience and displaying emotion, and I thought this was strengthened by her balletic movements.
 
I think it's a great program. Very detailed, down to all of the little embellishments after the jump landings.Love the spiral sequence, especially the one position where she's doing an arabesque with her hand on the free leg, and the steps incorporate a lot of really lovely moves and build with the music. Her spins have also improved, although spinning will never be her strength. Last year's program simply fit her soft, flowing style and she didn't have to emote that much. This year, she seems to be following the details of the music. It feels a bit artificial, but she's making the effort.
 
I actually liked that program quite a bit. Very soft and fluid - a more mature look for her. She looks taller and leaner for some reason.
 
Night and day from last year and the kid I saw at TEB two years ago. I think this is as dramatic a change as the one Kwan did with Salome. Asada's given up the cutesy-girly-regardless-of-the-music and is going deep into the knees and completing each phrase for all its worth. The one-foot footwork into the I-can't-tell-if-it's-still-a-flutz is terrific.

I was never a fan of hers before, but if she skates her LP with the same conviction, I will be.
 
I really enjoy this program and it seems like a step in the right direction for her - more lyrical and mature, although I'm not sure we'll ever get much facial expression out of her as she skates.

My biggest issue with this program, besides the fact that she front-loads the jumps, is something that has become a regularity these days - no longer is straight-line footwork actually straight! It's more like awkward zig-zagging back and forth that sorta maybe almost kinda goes in a straight line. The CoP is requiring too much movement from them in the straight-line footwork sequence that it distracts from the music and the overall effect. I don't need to see Mao go up and down and up and down THAT much, thanks. That type of movement is better for a circular piece.
 
Wow, this is really great. I absolutely like this programme!!
I lurve every piece of the music from ladies in lavendar soundtrack, including Olga which Caroline skated to last season, and this one is truly the best IMO. Quite surprised that rather dynamique choreography melts into the music so well. I think it is well coreographed point-wise, big moves, lots of upper body movements, nice flow over the ice, great footwork...maybe TT is the right person for Mao.

True Mao looks taller and thinner than last season, great lines!!
 
Last edited:
This thread should probably be merged with the Caroline Zhang one where we already started discussing Mao's SP.
 
I like last year's SP more . It wasn't anything bad ,just that I was expecting more since I heard she was recieving advices from Tarasova for her SP program.
Last year's SP, especially at the end of her step sequence, that was very sweet. This year, apart from her dress, I still prefer last year Chopin
 
Last edited:
I absolutely loved it. I've only recently started warming up to Mao, and the SP blew me away. It was lovely. Her step sequence was insane and her jump landings were so soft and wonderful!
 
She's not the little girl anymore. A mature Mao skating to a nice choreographic routine and doing it well.

Aside from her wrong edge lutzes, she is so solid in her jumps. It's amazing. Spins are wonderful and that Fan Spiral is a wow.

I think she will be golden this season.

Joe
 
I don't know, I just couldn't get into the program.. I know I'm a big Yu-na fan, but I really loved Mao's short program last year. I think maybe it's the music that I don't like. It feels kind of blah to me...But I do love her fan spiral. So far I'm not loving any of the short programs.
 
I love love love Mao's new SP. The front loading doesn't bother me as the choreography is so well done after the triple lutz into teh double axel - it really comes from nowhere.

Her spins are better than last season it seems and the footwork is INSANELY difficult - it was rewarded level 4 apparently. It seems the zig zag approach is the only way to get enough in to get the level. It seems to take up half the performance which would annoy me greatly but for the fact that it is soooo difficult as I mentioned plus really well choreographed. I'm loving Tarasova-fied Mao :rock:
 
I did like Mao's footwork, I like how the footwork started too...

I think the reason I don't like the program is 1. the Music, just doesn't do it to me. 2. I don't get really a good sense of Mao's connection to the music either.
 
Like I've said on that YouTube thread, now Mao only lacks wings on her back to look completely natural on the ice. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Y
Any interest for past Olympic rewatches?
2 3
Replies
44
Views
2K
yfan1
Y
labgoat
Fun Exhibition skates!
2 3
Replies
43
Views
2K
CaroLiza_fan
CaroLiza_fan
cohkaix
  • Sticky
2026 Team Japan (plus Milan Olympian final selection) announcement
4 5 6
Replies
108
Views
8K
demarinis5
demarinis5
A
Skaters who improved their Skating Skills program component over time
2 3
Replies
55
Views
7K
Mista Ekko
M
R
What are your 5 favorites programs of the season so far?
2 3
Replies
45
Views
5K
cocteautwin
cocteautwin
Back
Top