The Shibutanis Thread Cinco...Mambo!

[Mrs. P]

I always felt that Marina was always harshly criticized in forums. I'm not saying she's perfect or without mistakes, but the whole "Shibs are dumb because they don't realize that Marina doesn't care about them!" thing kind of stupid.

I think Marina didn't necessarily know what to do with them, for the reason just stated above -- obviously maintaining V/M AND D/W was a lot of work and brain energy, however it was clear that she provided the support they needed to keep going. Sometimes parents are not great but they truly try to be supportive and show necessary love. God knows that my daughter has done OK in spite of my own parental stupidity.

I do think hiring Massi was a game changer for them however. I had good feelings once he came on board-- and I don't think its surprising that their SDs came on a whole other level starting with that first Paso Doble SD, which he choreographed.

 

[AYS]

I just clicked on the first Shibs thread (not the very first one from 2009 that @Vash01 created which I'm amazed Sylvia found and am grateful to Vash01 for making), and it's a hoot to skim a few of the posts in the first like four pages wondering if the Shibs will struggle to make it on the 2018 team with all the new teams coming up, and how their career in finished and me worrying and while seeing my new profile picture pop up next to my username of the Shibs with their two Olympic bronze medals.

They've had way more than their share of naysayers over the past close to decade.

In fact, I recall a coach saying to me way back when the Shibs won a championship at a lower level, that she had the feeling they were the kind of skaters that are cute and ahead of their peers now, but they'd fade away with time. I said something to the effect of, "I think they're fabulous" and I still do.

 

[VGThuy]

I keep checking the first Shibs thread periodically and it’s such a trip. This quote:

Chock & Bates are clear U.S #1 in USFSA eyes. Unless the Shibs far outskate them in future events, the gap will always be like that. 2013-2014 was the battle for #1 in the next quad. The battle is already over and C&B won it. U.S cant combat Weaver & Poje, the Italian world champions and veterans, and numerous strong Russian teams by promoting 2 teams. They have to pick their pet hen. The only one who could overtake C&B by Korea is a new team like the reigning world junior champs. Not the Shibutanis or for a real laugh Hubbel & Donohue.

Is really funny considering which teams ended up in the top 4 at the Olympics. It goes to show you that predicting things four years before the next Olympics is way too early to make any sort of declaration.

 

[Mrs. P]

And THEY'RE still getting doubts. They should now retire now because they're not going to get any further. H/D will overtake them at Worlds and there's no way they'll ever beat P/C.

People never learn...

That said, the political winds is a big driver for that reasoning, but that's never stopped them before LOL.

 

[chapis]

I do think hiring Massi was a game changer for them however. I had good feelings once he came on board-- and I don't think its surprising that their SDs came on a whole other level starting with that first Paso Doble SD, which he choreographed.

I love Massimo, I think the same, everything changed with their paso doble.
And he is like a proud parent showing their medals on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BfbVhhfDUTa/?taken-by=massyscali

 

[Spun Silver]

I love how Marina is playing with them in the ceremony https://www.instagram.com/p/BfatkWcH5Wp/?taken-by=chiaramentesuk (the second one is a video), they all looked super happy

So adorable. I can't wait to see the pic of Alex with flag and mascots on his shoulders!

 

[VGThuy]

I had a really good feeling about Massimo when he first moved to Canton to join Marina's team and did this interview:

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2015/03/13/112544460

Icenetwork: You work with so many elite skaters that it's tough to list them all. Could you tell us which of your students impressed you the most this season and why?

Scali: I started this new work experience with a new school, not even a year ago, and I had the opportunity to work with many different athletes that I didn't know before. Every one of them gave me a lot, and I'm always impressed by the will that is driving these skaters to succeed in their career.

If I had to pick one, Maia and Alex Shibutani are a team that is inspiring a lot of my work; there was a very strong connection between us from the start. I'm so impressed by the commitment they have for this sport and amazed by the improvement they've made this season. I am really excited to see what will come in the future.

Of course, that didn't stop me from questioning their decision to stay with Marina early on, haha. That's why both Marina and Massimo's reactions after the FD skate was so heartfelt for me. He was so genuinely happy for them and knew the work it took to get there. In fact, Massimo even said as much in one of his latest IG posts where he said the road to Pyeongchang was extremely tough but that the Shibs were tougher.

 

[Spun Silver]

Was this posted before?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...uld-have-been-awarded/?utm_term=.673a64bb15ef

Or this one (with wonderful photos):
https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...d4d462a1921_story.html?utm_term=.6cee6314ae84

“With ice dance, it’s just generally grouped into ‘oh, it’s romantic. Oh, it’s sensual.’ That’s not fair to ice dance. You’re probably hurting ice dance’s feelings,” Alex Shibutani said. “Ice dance wants to be whatever it can be … We’re all put here to hopefully find something that we’re passionate about, and hopefully connect in some way to the people around us. We found ice dance. We’re siblings. We’re doing it the way we know how to do it.”

Hurting ice dance's feelings!

One other WaPo piece, containing the interesting line, "Maia and Alex Shibutani, long considered the next great American ice dancers, long in waiting to inherit the throne, won the bronze medal.' Does this writer post in this thread?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...27a6ccb38eb_story.html?utm_term=.8a9af128f07d

 

[Mrs. P]

Robert Samuels! I like that kid. I found out a few years ago, when he was tweeting during Sochi, that we have a mutual friend.

I've enjoyed his tweets here. I'm glad the WaPo allows him to write about figure skating on the side. His non figure-skating stuff is really good.

That was a great article.

 

[VGThuy]

I haven't read the article yet, just had time to look at the headline of the Robert Samuels piece but I'm surprised it says three gold medals could have been rewarded considering Samuels, though always respectful and polite and gave credit where credit is due, hasn't always been the Shibs' biggest fan.

 

[Spun Silver]

I haven't read the article yet, just had time to look at the headline of the Robert Samuels piece but I'm surprised it says three gold medals could have been rewarded considering Samuels, though always respectful and polite and gave credit where credit is due, hasn't always been the Shibs' biggest fan.

Well, he's a convert now. See also the piece I added last.

 

[VGThuy]

Detroit Free Press article about the Shibs moving ice dancing forward:

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/...in-bronze-move-ice-dancing-forward/353642002/

 

[Ohyes]

Lowkey I want them to win gold in 2022. underscored imo.

 

[VGThuy]

BTW, @gk_891 I don't know if you have Instagram, but Oksana Grishuk has been liking and even commenting on Maia and Alex's IG posts before and after they won their bronze medal. I thought you would enjoy that bit of information.

 

[gk_891]

BTW, @gk_891 I don't know if you have Instagram, but Oksana Grishuk has been liking and even commenting on Maia and Alex's IG posts before and after they won their bronze medal. I thought you would enjoy that bit of information.

Nice! I'm glad to see that she also appreciates them.

She has good taste

 

[VGThuy]

Maybe Maia and Alex, if they continue, can visit her in California and get some tips from her. I still think Oksana (with Meryl and now Tessa) was probably the most incredible female athlete in ice dance. She was able to do so much with so much attack and energy that I don't think that's ever been matched since her though the other two women I cited are close behind her. If they continue, I hope they continue seeking consultation with Renee Roca. Watching some of her older competitive routines made me realize just how great and clean Roca's dancing was. You really saw some excellent dance positions from her.

 

[suki]

I always felt that Marina was always harshly criticized in forums. I'm not saying she's perfect or without mistakes, but the whole "Shibs are dumb because they don't realize that Marina doesn't care about them!" thing kind of stupid.

I think Marina didn't necessarily know what to do with them, for the reason just stated above -- obviously maintaining V/M AND D/W was a lot of work and brain energy, however it was clear that she provided the support they needed to keep going. Sometimes parents are not great but they truly try to be supportive and show necessary love. God knows that my daughter has done OK in spite of my own parental stupidity.

Mrs. P: I refuse to believe that you have been anything less than a gold medal mom to Toddler P.

 

[VGThuy]

BTW, I silly thought, I should have known that the signs were there when the Shibs were receiving their score in the KnC and the DJ was playing Madonna (who is my favorite pop star of all time). Granted the DJ played a lot of Madonna this week, but hey I'll take the signs when I can get them.

BTW, anybody watch the Black-Blue-Red trilogy in order again after their Olympic FD skate?

 

[Mrs. P]

Mrs. P: I refuse to believe that you have been anything less than a gold medal mom to Toddler P.

Aw, you're sweet! But trust me, I have my moments, LOL. And some days I'm not above letting my daughter watch YouTube videos for far too long because I have NO ENERGY. LOL

BTW, I silly thought, I should have known that the signs were there when the Shibs were receiving their score in the KnC and the DJ was playing Madonna (who is my favorite pop star of all time). Granted the DJ played a lot of Madonna this week, but hey I'll take the signs when I can get them.

BTW, anybody watch the Black-Blue-Red trilogy in order again after their Olympic FD skate?

Actually not silly at all because I too noticed the Madonna music and thought of you, VGT. LOL. Not only that, they played "Holiday," which happens to be my go-to song in karaoke, LOL. So, double sign!

ETA: I also think it was a subtle message to the Shibs to take a vacation -- it's been a loooooonnnggg season. They have a lot of time to go for this season, plus SOI and maybe DWTS.

 

[matvey]

Seeing the results that Alex and Maia had won the bronze the other morning really put a smile on my face; I was worried they'd come up short considering some of their marks this season and general comments surrounding their situation. A very, very well deserved (two) medal(s) for them, and what fight and perseverance they've shown over this quad especially.

Also, big kudos to you guys! The Shibs fanbase has always struck me as being very loyal and classy, so I hope you guys have celebrated this great result accordingly!

 

[Mrs. P]

I just took a look at the USA Today in my office today and the Shibs are on the cover of their special Olympic section! HUGE PHOTOS (including one of that cool knee landing at the end of their choreographic spin)! I took the section. I might just have to frame or laminate it or something.

Also cool fact: The Shibs are the first ones on Team USA to win more than one medal, which kinda speaks to the sad state of Team USA's medal haul.

So buy a USA Today!

ETA: Here's a photo: https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=3fe6b084ae883d8181f63fb1280ecf01&oe=5B0196F5

 

[Rukia]

I just took a look at the USA Today in my office today and the Shibs are on the cover of their special Olympic section! HUGE PHOTOS (including one of that cool knee landing at the end of their choreographic spin)! I took the section. I might just have to frame or laminate it or something.

Also cool fact: The Shibs are the first ones on Team USA to win more than one medal, which kinda speaks to the sad state of Team USA's medal haul.

So buy a USA Today!

ETA: Here's a photo: https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=3fe6b084ae883d8181f63fb1280ecf01&oe=5B0196F5

That photo is a good example of how they looked throughout that skate. They just looked so serene and happy. You could tell it was going to be a great skate from the demeanor at the start. May require another rewatch...

 

[Spun Silver]

Wowza! They are just breaking records and barriers right and left!

 

[Kuurisu]

found a tumblr post and thought i should share:

(http://momoduck96.tumblr.com/post/171043614438)
The shibsibs are Asian American siblings who ARE very much passionate in their performances. Honestly the fact that the shibsibs getting their team medals was the first time a team of asian descent medaled for ice dance tells me a few things.

One, it seems that people are either offput or uncomfortable with asian men and women showing a passionate love towards each other. Once again, people of the west view us as robots who aren’t emotional even when these talented skaters are showing feelings of love and passion through ice dance.

Two, people somehow see passionate love as something that can ONLY be felt among romantic, sexual, lovers, and that’s just sad. I’ve seen some people say, “ew the shibsibs are kinda sexual with their performances that’s incest”. Which is just not true because the shibsibs never go that direction. Then most others will say “they just aren’t passionate or showing real feeling”. And that’s just sad how as a society we can’t recognize the strong feelings that come with having a close bond with a sibling or family.

When i see the shibsibs perform i see best friends smiling and playing together. I see two siblings growing up together into beautiful young adults. I see two siblings pulling each other up and looking at each other with a love filled with admiration, protective-ness, and passion. And the fact that people feel weird about the concept of love and it’s relation with family is just unfortunate. The shibsibs are underscored so much and i don’t want them to get discouraged. They are an amazing team and are so refreshing. I really am cheering for them to get a medal.

i'm not sure about the "asians aren't seen as having emotions" when i mean the trope of asian films is that someone is always crying and/or screaming lol, but the rest i can agree with.

Was this posted before?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...uld-have-been-awarded/?utm_term=.673a64bb15ef

Or this one (with wonderful photos):
https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...d4d462a1921_story.html?utm_term=.6cee6314ae84



Hurting ice dance's feelings!

One other WaPo piece, containing the interesting line, "Maia and Alex Shibutani, long considered the next great American ice dancers, long in waiting to inherit the throne, won the bronze medal.' Does this writer post in this thread?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...27a6ccb38eb_story.html?utm_term=.8a9af128f07d

hi, can you upload the article here? i can't view it because i have to "subscribe" to the wash. post :/

 

[VGThuy]

Asians not having emotions or have repressed emotions is a big stereotype Asians have.

 

[Sylvia]

hi, can you upload the article here? i can't view it because i have to "subscribe" to the wash. post :/

FYI, we're not supposed to copy-and-paste entire articles (copyright violation).

Was this cute Today Show video posted here earlier? What Maia and Alex Shibutani would tell their younger selves: https://www.today.com/video/what-ma...would-tell-their-younger-selves-1165803075745

 

[sk9tingfan]

There's an adorable tweet with picture with Alex making a face when it was implied that Maia was the preferred child! I offered to adopt Alex if he is feeling neglected!

 

[Spun Silver]

found a tumblr post and thought i should share:

i'm not sure about the "asians aren't seen as having emotions" when i mean the trope of asian films is that someone is always crying and/or screaming lol, but the rest i can agree with.


hi, can you upload the article here? i can't view it because i have to "subscribe" to the wash. post :/

Kris, we're not supposed to upload whole articles so I'll just give a couple quotes. I don't know if it works for you, but the other day when I hit that paywall I noticed they were offering a short term subscription for $1. So I did it. I will unsubscribe in 2 or 3 days. I did the same with the NY Times, subscribing just for 2 wks for about $5, for the Olympics.

First article, by Robert Samuels, was the first one I've ever seen that put the Shibs on the same level as VM and PC:

Maia and Alex Shibutani of the United States should have won the Olympic ice dancing gold medal.

France’s Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron should have won gold, too.

And Canada’s Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir? Unquestionably the gold.

The finale to the Olympic ice dancing competition was such a beautiful thrill that each of the couples deserved to be the champions. Those three teams ended up winning bronze, silver and gold, respectively.

Second article, by Chelsea Janes, is called "Ice dancing is sensual. The Shibutanis try to portray passion of a different kind," and deals with the lack of sibling and Asian-American teams in ice dance until now. Alex puts a cute spin on the issue:

The ShibSibs are the second set of siblings to win an Olympic ice dance medal, first in more than 25 years. Over the years they’ve heard the comments from those who don’t understand, or even the concerns of those inside the sport who do. Can siblings really succeed in this sport? Should they? Aren’t they limited from the steamier showings of those who tend to climb the podium? And in those moments of close physical proximity and high emotional intensity, is something just … off?

“With ice dance, it’s just generally grouped into ‘oh, it’s romantic. Oh, it’s sensual.’ That’s not fair to ice dance. You’re probably hurting ice dance’s feelings,” Alex Shibutani said. “Ice dance wants to be whatever it can be … We’re all put here to hopefully find something that we’re passionate about, and hopefully connect in some way to the people around us. We found ice dance. We’re siblings. We’re doing it the way we know how to do it.”

The third piece was a report on the FD and I already quoted the most interesting line IMO. In this thread we have often commented on how underrated and underscored the Shibs are, partly because they are not super-popular on FSU, so I was surprised to see a mainstream writer (Chelsea Janes again) speak of them as if everyone admired them as much as we do.

I like where the Washington Post is going with ice dance!

Thanks for sharing that Tumblr post. The writer must be pleased now. I liked her description of watching the Shibs.

 

[Kuurisu]

FYI, we're not supposed to copy-and-paste entire articles (copyright violation).

Was this cute Today Show video posted here earlier? What Maia and Alex Shibutani would tell their younger selves: https://www.today.com/video/what-ma...would-tell-their-younger-selves-1165803075745

Kris, we're not supposed to upload whole articles so I'll just give a couple quotes. I don't know if it works for you, but the other day when I hit that paywall I noticed they were offering a short term subscription for $1. So I did it. I will unsubscribe in 2 or 3 days. I did the same with the NY Times, subscribing just for 2 wks for about $5, for the Olympics.

First article, by Robert Samuels, was the first one I've ever seen that put the Shibs on the same level as VM and PC:


Second article, by Chelsea Janes, is called "Ice dancing is sensual. The Shibutanis try to portray passion of a different kind," and deals with the lack of sibling and Asian-American teams in ice dance until now. Alex puts a cute spin on the issue:



The third piece was a report on the FD and I already quoted the most interesting line IMO. In this thread we have often commented on how underrated and underscored the Shibs are, partly because they are not super-popular on FSU, so I was surprised to see a mainstream writer (Chelsea Janes again) speak of them as if everyone admired them as much as we do.

I like where the Washington Post is going with ice dance!

Thanks for sharing that Tumblr post. The writer must be pleased now. I liked her description of watching the Shibs.

thank you guys for sharing. since we can't post fully here i just realized i can read to all my delight using incognito mode
-----
on a side note: what song would you guys like the shibs to dance to or find a song that would fit them perfectly? as for me i would love to see them dance to out of my mind by erykah badu. great emotional song.

 

[Dobre]

For them to get L4 on both Steps, was amazing. I'm not sure they've ever achieved that? Maybe Boston Worlds?

Internationally, 2016 Boston Worlds in the free dance.

And this year's GPF in the short dance.

In 2016, the Shibs had perfect levels in the SD at both 4CCs and Worlds; but there were two patterns rather than two step sequences in the SD then).

I haven't read the article yet, just had time to look at the headline of the Robert Samuels piece

He is wrong about the Duchesnays' West Side Story. They didn't portray Tony & Maria. They portrayed the brother & sister, Maria & Bernardo.