Shoma Uno: 2014-2024

[MaiKatze]

There are different levels of playfulness and as much as I love Boyang, his playfulness is more of the humorous kind, not the sexy kind I don't know much about Daisuke's history but I'm sure he didn't come formed sultry and seductive out of juniors either. The kind of program he did at 26 he probably couldn't do when he was 19; that was something he developed that as he gained maturity and confidence. Shoma is developing that confidence and I actually find him very mature in his skating, especially compared to his age peers. There are glimpses of his potential for that kind of more playful nature, whether conscious or unconscious (he's gotten into this lip biting habit on his cantilever... who knows what'll come next!), but yeah, he's still only 19 and in his second senior year and the comfort level to express that inner playfulness will come with time. I'll actually be able to appreciate that kind of playfulness more without feeling guilty when he's a little older too. :

True if we really want to compare, we have to compare age vs. age, which means a 19 year old Daisuke who in the year 2005 skated this Rachmaninov piece for example. And you see he is a bit rough still, doesn't have the tech (he grew up as a skater under the old 6.0 system) and audience interaction isn't quite there yet either. (And you can barely see any facial expressions because of the bad video quality). Daisuke won a medal at 2007 Worlds, but what made people really fall in love with him, will be this program and that came in the year 2008 at 21. That Shoma was present in the media from such a young age certainly plays into that 'small boy' image he has down, because when I see 19 year old Daisuke I don't see a kid anymore, even if he wears a frilly costume, haha. Perhaps because I never knew about him when he was a kid.

I think it's possible, because a cheeky smile sometimes shines through in his performances, and he could really do a program with more swag and flirt in it. 2018/2019 season should be interesting.

 

[Arriba627]

Something I've been wondering, where did nickname Shomita first come from? It's very cute.

Awhile ago we were mentioning Shoma's many nicknames. I can't remember who said it, but someone said Shomita was one of them. I was saying it's really appropriate, because in Spanish when you add -ito or -ita onto the end of a name, it can mean cute, little, and it also is used to show affection. All 3 things fit really well for Shoma. :agree:

 

[synesthesia]

Not that Daisuke was ever really rewarded in PCS for the wonder he was. *stillbitter*

Oh great, why are you doing this to me? :sad4: *deep sigh*

I don't know much about Daisuke's history but I'm sure he didn't come formed sultry and seductive out of juniors either. The kind of program he did at 26 he probably couldn't do when he was 19; that was something he developed that as he gained maturity and confidence.

He has that inherent sensuality, that's who he is. It's part of his personality and he developed that side pretty early on. I don't really think this can be taught or copied, it either developes naturally or it doesn't. If you try to imitate another performer's approach your performance won't be authentic and true to yourself anymore.

And this is what Dai told Shoma as well, he has to learn through life and through his own experiences and those will broaden his range gradually and organically. You can't force certain types of expression as this approach won't be believable. Shoma has his very own different charm atm, cool and intense, but also kinda cheeky and playful in a still rather boyish, innocent way. At least that's how I feel about him. He doesn't seem to be really conscious of his sex appeal (yet), while Dai basically uses it as a deadly weapon (the first hints of it were already there at the rather "tender" age of 19 when he skated to "Tango de Roxanne", though admittedly this was three years after he came out of juniors). He coquettishly plays with the audience, holds it in the palm of his hand.

I could imagine Javier, Jin Boyang or even Yuzuru with a programme like this, but to me Shoma appears as a different person and type of skater.

I'm completely with xeyra here, they can do the flirty, playful, but I don't see the enigmatic sensuality that Dai emanates. His rock'n'roll medley doesn't even begin to cover what he's capable of in that regard. Watch his "Bachelorette" (when he was only 21), "Garden of Souls", "Blues for Klook" or "Experimentation" from the dance show he's been doing last year (and is currently starring in again as we speak). It takes him just one sultry look and the most minimal of movement to achieve that effect. Of course this became increasingly pronounced with maturity. But then again different things work for different people. What Daisuke does definitely works for me.

Imo he was also one of the most versatile skaters to ever grace the ice. This range is something I have yet to see from the current elite men, while Yuzu comes closest - I agree with MaiKatze there. And I can certainly see the potential in Shoma (and also Deniss) to develop it in the future. Though he was majorly inspired by him when he was younger, I actually think Shoma is gradually detaching himself from Daisuke and coming into his own. What Shoma currently does works very well in a different way from what Daisuke was and still is about! And that's the thing: there's only one Shoma, one Daisuke, one Javi, one Yuzu etc...




Oh, and late to the party again, but nevertheless: hi and welcome to Shoma's FF, iorii!!!

 

[xeyra]

And now I'm going to be spending my day after work watching Daisuke Takahashi programs because of this convo and the links above.

Edit: I didn't wait for after work... oops. 'Experimentation' has left me a bit confused but white looks amazing on him. Shoma shares that ability to really do justice to a pair of white pants.

 

[synesthesia]

Edit: I didn't wait for after work... oops. 'Experimentation' has left me a bit confused but white looks amazing on him. Shoma shares that ability to really do justice to a pair of white pants.

Wait for the improved version from this year's show. So far there's only incomplete rehearsal footage, but it seems to have gotten, um...even steamier. :


ETA: Agree about the white pants!

 

[MaiKatze]

And watch this version of Cyber Swan, because British Eurosport is always the best choice! (Gosh, I hate that just a few years ago we had no HD...)

Newer picture with Elladj. Thumbs up!

 

[xeyra]

And watch this version of Cyber Swan, because British Eurosport is always the best choice! (Gosh, I hate that just a few years ago we had no HD...)

Newer picture with Elladj. Thumbs up!

Elladj doing good work with the Shoma pictures. :luv17: I'll always cry a little at the napkin t-shirt, though.

 

[MaiKatze]

Now he has a three week break between ice shows. Don't overtrain yourself, ShoSho, remember Uncle Dai's advice! :hap36:

 

[xeyra]

I'm sorry, this is slightly topic: to the Shoma thread itself but...

Wait for the improved version from this year's show. So far there's only incomplete rehearsal footage, but it seems to have gotten, um...even steamier. :

OMG, that video, those pictures. I can't. :giveup:

And watch this version of Cyber Swan, because British Eurosport is always the best choice! (Gosh, I hate that just a few years ago we had no HD...)

That was absolutely amazing. Modern Swan Lake! To think something like this could only get 39 in PCS back then. How times have changed.

Also, I love that the British uncles were so gushy about Daisuke, much in the same way they're about Shoma now. Though I wonder if they talked as much about Dai's thighs as they do Shoma's.

 

[deedee1]

OT sorry but since Dai is in the conversations I just can't help it 17yo Dai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwV57entdqg

I love how Shoma is developing not only technical contents, also his style of skating, and most of all he is growing into his own: Shoma Uno. :yes: I wish no injuries thus he will have a long career and fascinate many skating fans in the world with his future programs.

 

[Bel]

I'm sure he felt a huge sense of relief. But you know what I liked even more, that he did a short encore of the ending of Turandot. I remember thinking, "Oh I miss that wonderful program!" Well, I guess I don't have to miss it anymore! And I am D-Y-I-N-G to see the new choreography.

Me too! When do you think he will premiere it? Loco was premiered in June. But when did he premiere Ladies in Lavender last year? Maybe he is doing the same but in reverse.

 

[synesthesia]

I'm sorry, this is slightly topic: to the Shoma thread itself but...

OT sorry but since Dai is in the conversations I just can't help it

Oh no, what have we done? I feel guilty!

Maybe we should move this to Dai's FF, if there's more interest to dig into his past performances and gush about him!

17yo Dai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwV57entdqg

Don't rub it in! This was his very first appearance at Worlds in Dortmund, which I live just around the corner from. Of course I wasn't into figure skating back then and now will eternally regret not having witnessed this historic moment in person.

OMG, that video, those pictures. I can't. :giveup:

Hehe, I'm surprised they don't have an age restriction for the show!






Ok, back on topic: Have some cleansing, adorable smol Sho with Keiji and Ryuju!!! :luv17:

 

[synesthesia]

Very True. When I first heard that Sho was performing a tango I thought that it would be somewhere along the lines of what Dai did. However, what he performed was quite different from what we get from Dai (who usually uses his sex appeal to the utmost to turn his programs into something playful, seductive and sensual). It was an intense program, that, although talking about love (crazy love, specifically), used sharp and cut throat presentation instead of the expected slurty moves. It was so different from what one would expect of Sho, and that is precisely why it worked. The way I see it, Sho is experimenting with his style (though not atm, olympic season and all) to test his versatility and growing into this beautiful, stunning calm intensity that one can't look away from.

I linked to this already a while back, but as it perfectly echoes what you're saying here - here it is again: eggplant's Loco revisited!!! (Scroll all the way down to her final verdict. )

I love to watch his performances and cannot wait for what this pure, talented man has in store for us. He is already performing Winter so well and i can't even imagine what it would be like when it reaches it's full potential. Arfgh I cannot wait, off season is hell.

The thrill of anticipation! But yeah, the last rendition we saw of it was already fantastic indeed! Better than what we saw of LiL or Loco at that stage. By the time the season starts this could be immense and combined with Turandot Sho has the potential to challenge for the very top! The rest of the top dogs better watch out!!!

 

[MaiKatze]

I'm sorry, this is slightly topic: to the Shoma thread itself but...

That was absolutely amazing. Modern Swan Lake! To think something like this could only get 39 in PCS back then. How times have changed.

Also, I love that the British uncles were so gushy about Daisuke, much in the same way they're about Shoma now. Though I wonder if they talked as much about Dai's thighs as they do Shoma's.

I think Shoma would forgive us for the OT and fanboy and gush with us, haha. I'm sorry for bringing it up, I didn't want to derail the thread, just leave an example for a program that isn't as iconic as Eye, Cyber Swan or Blues for Klook to show how Daisuke made it his own and involved the judges plus the audience, something I want Shoma to work on. He's good at that already - cue the Piantao singing, but he can do better.

Dai didn't perform the RocknRoll Medley all season long he changed it mid-season, but I thought it was great. It was the GPF in Sochi and people were screaming their heads off in an almost empty rink. That's the magic of Takahashi. You could also see it in Göteborg, how the audience clapped from start to finish. They are so loud, you almost don't hear the music anymore. And that such a performance, let's ignore the technical for a second, does not even reach 40 in PCS when it was magic, pure magic, shows that the current system perhaps needs an overhaul. Sure it was 2008, but it is the same system, and these numbers are not comparable to a short program ten years later. But like I said, Daisuke was always underscored on PCS in his whole career, sadly.

 

[OnlyUno]

also, as you can see, i suck at this quote thing.:eeking:

…so you suck at the quote thing,…and write brilliantly! seriously you write beautifully and I concur.

I wasn’t watching fs when Dai was around and only know of his artistry, qualities, retroactively because Shoma loved him. Dai’s words to Shoma (reflecting wisdom) reminds me of Ravel’s words to Gershwin, though it’s not exactly the same thing. Gershwin had said something to the effect of, “I would like to become the 2nd best Ravel!” and Ravel replied, “ why become the 2nd best Ravel, when you can become the best Gershwin!?”
I sense in Shoma a growing ability to know what is true to himself, whilst not losing track of the sport element. This is a basic difference from music. Technique is graded, things are won, all within the years that you’re young enough to do it.

 

[Arriba627]

Me too! When do you think he will premiere it? Loco was premiered in June. But when did he premiere Ladies in Lavender last year? Maybe he is doing the same but in reverse.

It seems to me he would want to debut it as soon as possible and start getting the feel for it in front of an audience. It's always a work in progress, just like I'm sure Winter is. My guess was that Winter is maybe 50% complete at this point. I know I am rushing things, considering that it is still only June! Ahhhh! According to Johnny Weir, skating under spotlights like they do at the ice shows is difficult. Plus the rinks always seem smaller to me. Hopefully we'll hear some news on the progress of the FS soon!


[/QUOTE]And this is what Dai told Shoma as well, he has to learn through life and through his own experiences and those will broaden his range gradually and organically. You can't force certain types of expression as this approach won't be believable. Shoma has his very own different charm atm, cool and intense, but also kinda cheeky and playful in a still rather boyish, innocent way.

I actually think Shoma is gradually detaching himself from Daisuke and coming into his own. What Shoma currently does works very well in a different way from what Daisuke was and still is about!
[/QUOTE]

Totally agree. Shoma used to think about how Dai would do things (when he was a little boy). He hasn't been doing that for awhile now. In fact he was very honest about how difficult the tango was for him at first, but then I remember he said he found he really enjoyed moving in that way. When Stephane describes working with him, he says that Shoma is a very intuitive skater. You can't really say "Here, do this; do this." It seems that he has to really "digest" what the idea of the movement is, and then he makes it his own. Whatever he's doing, it's working well! And didn't he say in a recent interview that his coach doesn't tell him to do really specific things. She says "What about trying this?" and offers suggestions. (Don't know if he was referring to Fluffy or Coach Yamada).

Also I don't see that every skater has to aspire to skate in a really sensual, flirty way. In fact, I really laugh when I think about certain favorite American skaters of mine skating in that fashion. No way! I mean, come on! Can you see Tatsuki Machida skating like that? He captivates and charms the audience in his own special way. And how many people could do Sex Bomb?...It is very funny to me that as soon as the white pants showed up and the belly button started hanging out, people woke up! Too funny. This was all part of the plan, IMHO. No more little boy. More grown up costumes, more grown up programs -- just in time for the Olympics! :hap93:

 

[Arriba627]

Now he has a three week break between ice shows. Don't overtrain yourself, ShoSho, remember Uncle Dai's advice! :hap36:

Uncle Dai's advice "Have the courage to rest." :cool14: Please listen to your crazy uncle!

I could imagine Javier, Jin Boyang or even Yuzuru with a programme like this, but to me Shoma appears as a different person and type of skater. In my opinion he is very determined, serious and cool, but not playful.
On the other hand I seem to recall, that Daisuke is Shoma's huge figure skating idol. Maybe I'm completely wrong about him and Shoma turns out to be the perfect entertainer... #WhoKnows

I tend to agree with you on this. And being that he has already said he doesn't like cutesy or funny programs, I don't know. Certain things you have a feel for as a performer, and other things you just don't. I see him as liking the intense, dramatic pieces. I have been playing the piano since I'm 6 years old (not that I'm saying that I'm anywhere near a Shoma ability level), and if my life depended on it, I could NOT play jazz style or what we always called Boogie Woogie. To this day, I just don't feel it. I also think I won't hold my breath waiting for Shomita to skate to Sex Bomb.

 

[xeyra]

Shoma might debut his FS on DOI, this coming July (7-9). So not long to go!

 

[xeyra]

Shoma interview 20 June.
He talks about his layout plans. His SP layout will be 4F // 4T3T 3A and his FS will involve a 4F in the second half and he might do 4Lz as the first jump, if everything works well.

 

[MaiKatze]

Also I don't see that every skater has to aspire to skate in a really sensual, flirty way. In fact, I really laugh when I think about certain favorite American skaters of mine skating in that fashion. No way! I mean, come on! Can you see Tatsuki Machida skating like that? He captivates and charms the audience in his own special way. And how many people could do Sex Bomb?...It is very funny to me that as soon as the white pants showed up and the belly button started hanging out, people woke up! Too funny. This was all part of the plan, IMHO. No more little boy. More grown up costumes, more grown up programs -- just in time for the Olympics! :hap93:

I tend to agree with you on this. And being that he has already said he doesn't like cutesy or funny programs, I don't know. Certain things you have a feel for as a performer, and other things you just don't. I see him as liking the intense, dramatic pieces. I have been playing the piano since I'm 6 years old (not that I'm saying that I'm anywhere near a Shoma ability level), and if my life depended on it, I could NOT play jazz style or what we always called Boogie Woogie. To this day, I just don't feel it. I also think I won't hold my breath waiting for Shomita to skate to Sex Bomb.

I was trying to say something different, Arriba. Not that Shoma should start doing sexy moves (And I find it a bit disturbing that Daisuke seems to be reduced to sex...he's NOT about sexy movements in all of his programs, quite the opposite) or should do something exactly like the RocknRoll medley. I took it as an example of a skater (in this case Daisuke, cause a) he's retired, b) we know he's ShoSho's Idol and c) he was the best at this) that seeks out the judges with his eyes, involves the audience - all the time - even so much that he slightly loses focus on a jump. It's the classical difference between someone concentrating so much that he has to stare on the ice all the time and really selling the program. It wasn't meant to say Shoma should be like Daisuke. And now that you mention Machida, he had great range. His 'Don't stop me now' exhibition is still one of my favourites and I rewatch it often.

You can do that with Tango, you can do that with EDM, and we can see Shoma doing it already. You don't have to become Chaplin, Sinatra, or Prince, to do it. It has nothing to do with cutesy and playful. And I don't get what that even means. For me cutesy would be something like Mai Mihara's Cinderella program or Marin Honda's Smile. Playful, perhaps Spiderman? Is that RocknRoll medley really that funny and out of Shoma's preferred range? Perhaps now. But Shoma will grow up and might we see the need for more 'Fun' on the ice, because ShoSho mentions all the time, how much he wants to have fun out there.

I'm aware that this is mighty hard in the days of "Skate clean with 4 quads and you 'might' have a chance to win the LP", compared to 'perhaps you get a quad in the LP as the first jump and I'll still win this thing' - but still, I think that Shoma has the ability to become the BEST at this. That's why it seems like I'm pushing, perhaps.