Shoma Uno: 2014-2024

[Pika]

It's a prejudice for sure. I don't know this from my own experience, but it's the image that France has in Germany, oh they will hate you, if you don't speak french and won't help you, deliberately send you in the wrong direction if you're lost. Stuff like that. Even worse when they find out you're German. I hope that's not the case. I don't know if you remember, but in 2015 a plane crashed in the french mountains that was headed to Düsseldorf and many of the victims were German. It was a horrible tragedy but so many family and friends of those who died travelled to the mountainside and the people in the village have appearantly been so nice and kind, it really impressed me, how sweet they were. So, it certainly depends on the area.

Oh no please, don't believe this. Some grumpy people won't help you but this kind of nastiness is more of a legend. I'm sincerely saddened by this image you may have, and I hope we can change it if you come around here sometime.
Depends on the area, but on the context too. With all the terror attacks.. things changed in some ways.

Where is the GP, if not in Paris? Is it decided already? I don't think Shoma will get NHK. Not yet. And not pre-Olympics when Yuzuru is reigning World Champion and defending Olympic Champion. But since the schedule this season is so different, I'm not sure what to think. Because the GPF is also in Japan.

The GP will be held in Grenoble. It's a city near the French Alps. It makes sense since it has a great history in winter sports, and the skating club is the biggest of the country and has produced many champions.

 

[xeyra]

Shoma Uno released his program for the next season.
SP："Winter" from "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi
FS："Turandot"
http://www.shoma-uno.com

I love Winter but is Turandot going to be the same one he has done in the 2015/2016 season? Well, there's going to be lots of changes there anyway due to the completely different layout he'll have for Oly season.

 

[MaiKatze]

I love Winter but is Turandot going to be the same one he has done in the 2015/2016 season? Well, there's going to be lots of changes there anyway due to the completely different layout he'll have for Oly season.

Good question. I think it'll be the same cut and Nessun Dorma, because they said they go back to it. If it were a different piece of music, it would've been mentioned. I think they won't change too much in the choreography. It could be wise move, but I'd rather have seen something completely new. That he doesn't repeat LOCO makes me think that they are aware it is a "special" piece and not for everyone. Playing it safe, might be for the best. It still bugs me a bit, though, I cannot deny that.

 

[Danibellerika]

I'm also a little disappointed that he's returning to Turnadot, but I understand the reasoning. If he plans to go to 2022 (I hope he does), then maybe he'll switch it up with something a bit more unique then. To sell music like Loco to me requires real talent so I really think he could handle just about anything.

 

[synesthesia]

One of my fav bloggers on tumblr (who's also behind shoma-uno.tumblr.com) wrote an extensive and very passionate "Loco" appreciation post looking back onto each and every performance of it and its progression throughout last season. Highly recommended - it's a great read! (She might come across nitpicky, if you're not familiar with her writing, but with her that's a sign that she dearly loves the skater. She has followed Shoma since his junior days and he's her favourite currently competing male.)

The last paragraph where she says she's ready to let go of "Loco", because Shoma has expressed it to its full potential, exceeding her expectations, basically echoes my feelings. Through competing so much with it this past season he has explored the choreo's intricacies and the piece's nuances to the point of fully embracing it and infusing it with his own style - I don't think there'd be much left to wring out of it. But now that Shoma has announced his Oly season music I can't help but feel a little wistful...

I was kinda hoping he would choose music for at least one of his programs that he'd be able to connect with right from the start and he's always talked about how "Turandot" is a favourite of his. It worked very well for him in 2015/16. I'm not happy with the choice, but I can see why he and his team are going for it once more in such an important year when playing to your strengths and leaving a deep impression is so crucial. The music is obviously tried and tested, grand and emotional and will get the crowd and judges on your side. And Shoma already understands and loves it, which will make it easier to work in all the tech needed to challenge for the Oly podium.

But TWO warhorses? Whew, gotta let this sink in... (At least Arriba got her wish, I think? Even if it's not "Don Quixote". )

With "Winter" he's still challenging himself in a sense. His main task will be to overcome the iconic programs to this music that came before and put his own spin on it. We know he has the ability to achieve this - he's done it with...um... "Turandot". (I guess after "Turandot" is before "Turandot". ) I will reserve judgement until we see what coach Fluffy comes up with. I hope she'll create a fresh choreography for the FS to fully showcase Shoma's improvements over the last season. If they mainly reuse the old one, I can't deny I'll be disappointed. hwell:




PS: I haven't forgotten about you, MaiKatze. I'll PM you soon(ish).

 

[demarinis5]

Hi everyone late to Shoma's music choice party and I have to say I am quite surprised that he will be reusing Turandot.
It is to early in the morning for me to have an opinion on the reuse of this music other than his familiarity with this music
will give him time to work on other nuances of his skating and he can concentrate more on his new SP so that he will
have 2 perfect programs and position himself well for the podium at the Olympics. GO Shoma!

Love his SP choice though!

 

[Henni147]

Hello everyone! I've finally found my way to this forum as well and can celebrate my first post (English is not my first language, so if I write anything weird I'm deeply sorry, but I try my best )

I'm quite satisfied with Shomas choice of music for the olympic season tbh. Winter's going to be cracker for sure (can see the mind-blowing step sequences already ) A little bit surprised about Turandot as well, but actually this is a nice chance to study his progress since 2015 and it's a great piece of music anyway.

 

[Maria Victoria]

I can't help but think of Shizuka also reusing Turandot, her LP music when she won Worlds in 2004, in Turin two years later when she won Olympic gold. I wonder if Shoma and his coaches are aware of that particular bit of history. A good precedent methinks.

 

[Pika]

Hello everyone! I've finally found my way to this forum as well and can celebrate my first post (English is not my first language, so if I write anything weird I'm deeply sorry, but I try my best )

I'm quite satisfied with Shomas choice of music for the olympic season tbh. Winter's going to be cracker for sure (can see the mind-blowing step sequences already ) A little bit surprised about Turandot as well, but actually this is a nice chance to study his progress since 2015 and it's a great piece of music anyway.

Welcome Henni147 ! Your english is alright don't worry, it isn't the first language for many of us.

 

[demarinis5]

Welcome to GS and Shoma's FF Henni147! Always nice to see new folks joining the forum!

 

[MaiKatze]

One of my fav bloggers on tumblr (who's also behind shoma-uno.tumblr.com) wrote an extensive and very passionate "Loco" appreciation post looking back onto each and every performance of it and its progression throughout last season. Highly recommended - it's a great read! (She might come across nitpicky, if you're not familiar with her writing, but with her that's a sign that she dearly loves the skater. She has followed Shoma since his junior days and he's her favourite currently competing male.)

http://magicaleggplant.tumblr.com/post/160178127473/loco-revisited


The last paragraph where she says she's ready to let go of "Loco", because Shoma has expressed it to its full potential, exceeding her expectations, basically echoes my feelings. Through competing so much with it this past season he has explored the choreo's intricacies and the piece's nuances to the point of fully embracing it and infusing it with his own style - I don't think there'd be much left to wring out of it. But now that Shoma has announced his Oly season music I can't help but feel a little wistful...

I was kinda hoping he would choose music for at least one of his programs that he'd be able to connect with right from the start and he's always talked about how "Turandot" is a favourite of his. It worked very well for him in 2015/16. I'm not happy with the choice, but I can see why he and his team are going for it once more in such an important year when playing to your strengths and leaving a deep impression is so crucial. The music is obviously tried and tested, grand and emotional and will get the crowd and judges on your side. And Shoma already understands and loves it, which will make it easier to work in all the tech needed to challenge for the Oly podium.

But TWO warhorses? Whew, gotta let this sink in... (At least Arriba got her wish, I think? Even if it's not "Don Quixote". )

With "Winter" he's still challenging himself in a sense. His main task will be to overcome the iconic programs to this music that came before and put his own spin on it. We know he has the ability to achieve this - he's done it with...uh... "Turandot". (I guess after "Turandot" is before "Turandot". ) I will reserve judgement until we see what coach Fluffy comes up with. I hope she'll create a fresh choreography for the FS to fully showcase Shoma's improvements over the last season. If they mainly reuse the old one, I can't deny I'll be hugely disappointed. hwell:




PS: I haven't forgotten about you, MaiKatze. I'll PM you soon(ish).

No worries, synesthesia, you don't have to answer each of my random PM's !

Anyway, what I think would've worked maybe a little better is making Turandot the SP and creating a new LP with Four Seasons - Winter. It might be hard because the SP is shorter, to have an emotional impact and it's not the program that really decides his fate in a competition. (How can we distinguish between the two? Turandot 1 and Turandot 2?) And isn't there a rule change coming sometime soon? (After Olympic season) in which the LP time will be cut? Maybe that's also why they reuse it, because they cannot do that anymore later.

 

[Pika]

In my opinion, it would be difficult to create a Turandot SP because... it's too short. The FP allows several pieces of music without having a "patchwork" effect, and the number of elements is in accordance with the crescendo. But well, I'd like to see someone try it one day (but not next season please ) because Rika Hongo proved me wrong with her Carmina Burana.

 

[MaiKatze]

Yes, that what's the problem is. Nessun Dorma takes more time to built while a Four Seasons cut can get right into the action. Well...at least I have the SP to look forward to. I'll wait and see about Turandot. Maybe it's not set in stone, yet? Didn't he announce new costumes and went back to the old ones? *graspingatstraws*

 

[Nafetaks]

But he won't wear his green middle earth costume again, will he?

 

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

A bit disappointed to hear Shoma is doing Nessun Dorma again... but maybe he'll bring a new interpretation to it. It's just a bit weird since it's been used by so many folks like Shizuka, and I know he's capable of something so epic instead of doing a previous program. It should be exciting though to see how it works out with the upgraded difficulty!

As for Four Seasons - again, another warhorse, but will see what he does with it first. I was dismayed about Jason Brown doing Riverdance since that will always be B/K's signature... but then he absolutely nailed it and made it one of the best programs ever. Shoma's got the goods to do that with Vivaldi... if it's Summer, then I'm cool with that since I love seeing him do uptempo "firey" numbers.

 

[Plumededragon]

Oh no that's too bad! But I totally understand you... French people are not the most friendly ones. I always try to be nice to strangers, because I hate that reputation we have. If you come to our GP, I would be glad to show you the Frenchies' bright side (+ it's no longer in Paris and we all know that Parisians are the worst lol).
I was screwed when I saw that NHK and France were back to back, because it totally destroyed the chances to see Yuzuru in France, but I wondered: don't you think it's possible JSF will choose Shoma, as the National Champion to compete in NHK ? Hanyu is a safe money maker but Shoma's popularity has grown so much he could fill the arena too... Or is he too much of a rising star, and would become the "Hanyu post 2018"?

As for the programs, I've always seen the early announcements like "I'm skating to this music don't you dare touch it", especially for those known as warhorses, whereas the late disclosures are often more uncommon choices. But there may be other reasons. Perhaps it's also meant to send a message like "I'm already preparing myself to kick your *** y'all"



4everchan knows the real things

Well, Yuzu was a rising star pre-Sochi but he still didn't get invite in NHK at the Olympics season. So anything is possible. I still think JSF would rather invite Yuzu as being the super-star and easy money maker that he is. Shoma doesn't have the popularity and star potential to fill an arena yet.
But we'll know soon enough. I highly doubt Yuzu (and Shoma) would dare to do France and NHK back to back, anyway, no matter who is chosen to go to Japan.

I've to say I'm disappointed by Shoma's choices (Nessun makes me GAG, I'm sorry, it has become "another POTO" to me), but at least he's not doing La La Land, so I'm also relieved lol!

 

[MaiKatze]

But he won't wear his green middle earth costume again, will he?

Hobbit Shoma has probably outgrown it.

 

[demarinis5]

Hobbit Shoma has probably outgrown it.

LOL I was thinking the same thing!

 

[Danibellerika]

I'm sure he would want something completely amazing for the Olympics anyway. Can't see him recycling.

 

[silverlake22]

Love the SP music choice but why is he re-using Nessun Dorma? Especially during an Olympic season? I liked that program but I feel Shoma is capable of more!