Okay, I have re-watched the Air / Mea Tormenta, Properate! FS video a bunch of times more and have... collected myself to share some thoughts about this program. Yesterday was really an overwhelming experience, I haven't fully recovered. I was able to purchase the paid stream ticket and watch it in real time, and honestly I was not expecting anything much from Shoma, because the reports of the first THE ICE show (the one before the streamed one, they were both on the same day) said he was struggling with his jumps (the 4Ts especially) so I was ready to just see how the choreo sequence and step sequence goes, and to listen to the music cut. So, nothing really prepared me to his performance here.
It's... it's like I dreamed something, and the dream come true. The divine, heavenly Air in the beginning, how they let the Air part play until it ends conclusively before starting Mea Tormenta, Properate! And the intensity, sharpness and pain of Mea Tormenta in the second part, I love the movement Shoma did to mark the start of the music, his expression change really sold it for me. I know it still can seem abrupt and separated, but I think experience and mileage will deepen his connection with this program and hopefully tighten the connective tissue between both, but the music cut itself for me is not a disaster. It's what I dreamed about when I first heard of the music. And the costume... I love the second costume (the one he wore on the video)- I thought a high neck will suit this program and I wanted it to be delicate but also encrusted with stones. And I got it all. The sheer sleeves!!! It reminds me of his sky blue Ladies in Lavender costume, but more noble, more otherworldly.
I think it was at the second 4T in the program, that I find myself thinking, "oh, Shoma is at this level." The sheer quality of his movements baffled me, like I know he's an amazing performer but HIS ARMS. HIS HANDS. HIS FINGERS!!!! There's this moment in the step sequence when the camera switched to a wide shot and Shoma did a beautiful lunge as Orlinski's vocal holds a high note. It was so beautiful. Also every single change of weight was done with so much purpose and deliberation. The way he holds his body throughout this program is so stunning. This program, when skated clean, showcases so much of what makes him so special. The physical awareness and the movement quality is... wow. And it's still a work in progress too.
His arms is just- wow. Who can move them like that right now? No one. No one skates like this. No one moves like this. I really hope Shoma and Stephane figure out the best layout for this program because I was blown away. It's like Oboe, but with feelings.
Also... I don't know why, but some time after I watched (and re-watched lol) Air/Mea Tormenta, I was reminded of the first program reveal of Moonlight Sonata. It was in a similar time too, in 2018 at THE ICE, in the summer. And I love Moonlight too, and I just... seeing Shoma skate like that. It takes me back to all of his programs I have watched since I first saw him in 2018. The ones he struggled with. The ones he clicked with. The ones he peaked at. The ones that he never fully realized. And I realized that without those programs... without the peaks and the struggles, without the fulfilled skates and the missed opportunities, he wouldn't be able to reach this level. I don't know why I feel so sentimental. I just feel so lucky to be able to watch him. That was a ticket so well spent, Shoma's skate alone is worth more than what I paid.
I love that they chose something lyrically lovely for their duet, rather than their usual wild, fire-y stuff. Honestly, we are so blessed to see all this ! I agree yuumagical - hard to believe Shomenta is already looking this good in July! Just about 3 months until Skate Canada. And the burning question, will he do a Challenger? Hard to imagine he will have time to fit it in, especially with his participation in Japan Open...Love Kenji's choreo on Shoma. He really "gets" him!!!!!
when it comes to Sho's programs. I agree though about his arms. People are so focused on their jumps right now, that there is a lack of attention to upper body details. In particular, lack of proper upper body tension seems prevalent right now. Kenji 's choreo has woven everything together in a stunning way and really "gets" how to make the best use of Shoma's upper body ability of total body movement.
