Should Mirai change programs?

[taf2002]

The tight in boot look is fabulous if you are built like Alissa; however, as one who is built more like Rachael Flatt, I agree with my coach that tights over boot gives me a little more length to my body and lines and frankly looks better. Sorry for those who don't like it, but as a skater, I understand why so many wear it.

I have never. seen. one. person. who looked better with tights over the boot. I am usually so distracted by the ugly deformed look that it's hard to enjoy the program. That's just my take on it. Plus I always wonder if the person is just too lazy to polish their skates.

(I thought Sasha pulled it off better than most & Sarah's looked the ugliest...and she needed extra leg length less than most people.)

[os168]

Her 2007 US Nationals winning free skate, choreographed by David Wilson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KsUNC4cMb8

Ahhaha... thank you so much for this, I didn't pay much to her career, but I should have known better, nothing in Skating is really that new

David is clearly smart, linked the 2 together so easily, actually Alissa does remind me of a young Sabrina in her looks, she also has always had a sort of underdog status/vulnerability herself right? The Sabrina performance is very lovely and pretty.

The upcoming US National is going to be really exciting. I want Mirai to do well, but would Alissa defy the expectations with an actual streak?

Re: Icellist

I like Oriental Wind as well. What about the work by other Japanese composers like Kitaro, Ryuchi Sakamoto, Shigeru Umebayashi and Nobuo Uematsu?

With regards to choreographers, yes I think variety is always good, and no one should have monopoly in art, but I think it depends on the program. I don't know how it usually works in skating, and how much say the skater themselves have in the program of their choosing. I'd much prefer for example, if the skaters themselves have an opinion on how they want to shape their program, and then depends on the program, they goto the choreographer are especially known for it. It is not that much different compares with making film and OST. The original vision/creative brief is important.

Or they go the other route, like Yuna Kim does, and get to the know a choreographer on a more personal level and be like a muse to each other. They experiment and explore various potentials to see whether something works or not, sort of like a dance. If it doesn't work, change to someone else before it is too late.

Many program fail to inspire because the program ends up a lot more about the choreographer than the skater (Mao's program last year comes to mind and it seems many of Lori Nichols too). Sabrina program for example fit Alissa perfectly, as David s someone who encourage greater expression based on what the skater has already within themselves and makes these program an extension of these attributes, rather than a 'David Wilson' program.

He doesn't always get it right mind you, Brian Joubert's FS this year was a bit 'Huh?!'. I can see why he went German Machismo Grandiose rather than French Romantic Lyrical due to Brian's own particular style, but still, I am not sure if it worked because as he was never a particular musical skater, and most of his movements were not in tuned with what the music are trying to convey.

[burntBREAD]

Yay!!! somebody who agrees with me that joe hisaishi would be perfect for her. He's the japanese side of mirai that has a beautiful western artistry to it. I would say thru movies laputa, kiki's, and howl's. But some of hisaishi's non-movie works have a strong impression too like fragile dreams (the beginning of mirai's sp last season) maybe oriental wind, hana-bi, or madness.

and get kawahara! the whole dickson, wilson, and nichol dominating the choreography department is ridiculous. there are recycled moves everywhere and no shining programs anymore. at least choosing kawahara would seem more like an original choice nowadays.

and this is a post about mirai's program not about the costume. it would make sense if it was about how the costume did not fit the program but it that conversation sort of got out of hand

The first half of Mirai's SP last year was Joe Hisaishi's "Fragile Dreams", and I thought it was very beautiful.

[os168]

The first half of Mirai's SP last year was Joe Hisaishi's "Fragile Dreams", and I thought it was very beautiful.

Wow i had no idea... that was the bit i liked lol... Who did that program? Music edit too?
It was such a pity she performed so early during the Olympics. I was so impressed with her.

[miki88]

Mirai's programs are a letdown, especially her SP. I don't think this has anything to do with lack of authenticity of the music itself. One of my favorite Lu Chen's programs was "The Last Emperor" which was an essentially a western take on a historical period in Chinese history. The program worked because the arrangement was superb. On the other hand, the arrangements of Mirai's programs are disappointing because they fail to highlight the emotions of the pieces. The abrupt change that occurs in the second half of her SP is also a little bizarre.
Like Mao, Mirai is another skater whom I desperately hope will go to different choreographers because their present ones are just not making full use of their artistic potentials.

[os168]

(how do i delete double post?)

Re Miki88

A little off topic, but Last Emperor was co composed by Ryuchi Sakamoto, and the film was made by one of the greatest Italian film makers of the modern era, and out of all Western take on the east, Italians and French are the most Asian friendly. In any case, yeah I love Lu Chen's program, given China's situation at the time (Nothing is the same after culture revolution - everything is dire, it is either this or go back to really old, like butterfly lovers, or we can go back to folk music, but it is too much risk), it is actually a good choice.

[Sylvia]

Lori Nichol has choreographed all of Nagasu's programs since her 2007-08 Senior debut season. Lenore Kay is Nichol's music editor -- she is very well-respected in the skating world.

[miki88]

(how do i delete double post?)

Re Miki88

A little off topic, but Last Emperor was co composed by Ryuchi Sakamoto, and the film was made by one of the greatest Italian film makers of the modern era, and out of all Western take on the east, Italians and French are the most Asian friendly. In any case, yeah I love Lu Chen's program, given China's situation at the time (Nothing is the same after culture revolution - everything is dire, it is either this or go back to really old, like butterfly lovers, or we can go back to folk music, but it is too much risk), it is actually a good choice.

Thanks for the background info. In any case, the movie contained a lot of historical inaccuracies, though I quite liked it. "The Last Emperor" was done by Toller Cranston but Bezic did most of LuLu's later programs. LuLu is a prime example of how the right choreography can transform a skater and take him/her to greater heights. She always had artistic potential but it was after she worked with Bezic that her programs became really exquisite.

[os168]

Lori Nichol has choreographed all of Nagasu's programs since her 2007-08 Senior debut season. Lenore Kay is Nichol's music editor -- she is very well-respected in the skating world.

Thanks for the info Sylvia. I guess it is a case of all greats have hits and misses every now and then, I hope we get a more sparkling Mirai next year - however she get there.

[Triple Butz]

Lori Nichol has choreographed all of Nagasu's programs since her 2007-08 Senior debut season. Lenore Kay is Nichol's music editor -- she is very well-respected in the skating world.

Not necessarily in the music world, though...

[Sasha'sSpins]

I love William's Sabrina OST, it is just lovely and it would be great when Mirai becomes a lady This music may suit Alissa more right now for, or even Ashley Wagner? But hey you never know 1 year can make all the difference - depends if she decide fall in love...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btMob-eJjNU

Actually it is a pity John William's didn't quite work out for Mirai this time. His music usually has the high emotional octane that is capable bring out the best of Mirai's young gutso (kinder carmen style) bravado performance. Unfortunately she picked a piece that is rather monotone along with her choreographed program which is equally monotone.

As alternative to John William's memoir of a geisha to the Japanese exotism, May be she can consider some Joe Hisashi music Particularly his Nausicaä - vally of the wind suite OST.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtv3-x5D99M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngy6d8K-T0Y
(Story about a young girl warrior in a foreign land same age as Mirai.)

Or his Laputa suite (his less known but superb work)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy8MEO_2AYo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt0Ek5LZPBA

Mirai would be 18 next year. It is the fringe of girl/lady. I would love her do an americana, and something by Joe Hisashi, even non - Miyasaki theme.

For example, I really like his sound track for Kikujiro. It has an innocent, modern, uplifting spirit suitable for Mirai.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjXvptz3pW8

I can totally imagine her skating to this with pure adulated joy!

Thank you for these! I am thoroughly enjoying going through each link-most of these I've not heard before!

I too had no idea that the first half of Mirai's SP last year was by Joe Hisaishi - no that it' called "Fragile Dreams"! I love it, it's so enchanting and well suited to Mirai (I remember trying to rack my brains trying to remember what scene "Fragile Dreams" was played in the actual movie POTC lol).

I really think as she matures Mirai should consider moving away from Lori Nichols and trying other choreographers-I wonder what some like Sandra Bezic would do for Mirai, David Wilson, etc.

Btw I loved Yuna's Olympic costumes! I hope Mirai also expands her wardrobe over the years with new designers.

[Cyn]

I have never. seen. one. person. who looked better with tights over the boot. I am usually so distracted by the ugly deformed look that it's hard to enjoy the program. That's just my take on it. Plus I always wonder if the person is just too lazy to polish their skates.

(I thought Sasha pulled it off better than most & Sarah's looked the ugliest...and she needed extra leg length less than most people.)

I cannot stand the OTB tights as they make skaters' feet look like cinder blocks . The only thing that looks just as fug are the tights that cover only the top portion of the boots, leaving the foot uncovered. Those atrocities make skaters look like they're wearing golfing shoes .

ITA that Sasha was able to carry the OTB tights look better than most, but I still much preferred when she wore "regular" tights.

To me, FS just doesn't seem right when you can't see the boots .

Topic? I think Mirai's programs are just fine - we just need to see them after they've had more time to cook, which means at Nats and hopefully Worlds. If her programs were stunning right now I'd be worried that she was peaking too soon.

[giselle23]

I cannot stand the OTB tights as they make skaters' feet look like cinder blocks . The only thing that looks just as fug are the tights that cover only the top portion of the boots, leaving the foot uncovered. Those atrocities make skaters look like they're wearing golfing shoes .

ITA that Sasha was able to carry the OTB tights look better than most, but I still much preferred when she wore "regular" tights.

To me, FS just doesn't seem right when you can't see the boots .

I think Yu Na also carries the OTB look pretty well because she has (or appears to have) really tiny feet. These skaters should revert to tights in white boots: Mao, Akiko (the OTB tights look particularly awful on her), Rachael. Mirai looks OK in OTB tights, but would look better in white boots. In fact, now that I think of it,she doesn't need to change her programs at all. She just needs to wear white boots!

[pinky166]

I think Yu Na also carries the OTB look pretty well because she has (or appears to have) really tiny feet. These skaters should revert to tights in white boots: Mao, Akiko (the OTB tights look particularly awful on her), Rachael. Mirai looks OK in OTB tights, but would look better in white boots. In fact, now that I think of it,she doesn't need to change her programs at all. She just needs to wear white boots!

Whoever said Mao looks better in OTB tights, I disagree. Mao appears to have pretty big feet and the OTB tights just accentuate that, and plus her legs are long enough that she doesn't need the extra length people seem to think OTB tights provide. Akiko has short legs but I still wish she'd wear white boots because 1.) her boots appear to have tongues that really stick out and are distracting and 2.) she doesn't have hyperextension or much turnout and white boots would make this less noticeable while OTB tights make it more noticeable.

[Triple Butz]

I think Yu Na also carries the OTB look pretty well because she has (or appears to have) really tiny feet. These skaters should revert to tights in white boots: Mao, Akiko (the OTB tights look particularly awful on her), Rachael. Mirai looks OK in OTB tights, but would look better in white boots. In fact, now that I think of it,she doesn't need to change her programs at all. She just needs to wear white boots!

I lurve Akiko but totally agree about the tights...they give her level 4 cankles.