The Shibutanis Thread 7 . . . Years Later

[VGThuy]

Just thought it was time to start a new thread as the other had over 1000 posts, and had 2018 energy.

The other thread was over 1000 posts, so I figured now is the best time to make the 6th ShibSibs thread. It looks like the Shibs found their paradise with the best performances of their career and came away with a bounty of two Olympic medals.

Thanks to @Sylvia, we have links to 5 Shibutani threads:

Prologue: @Vash01's first ShibSibs fan thread back in June 2009 --- link to the archived thread: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/maia-alex-shibutani.66656/

#1 (March 2014-Jan. 2016): The Shibutanis Thread

#2 (Jan.-Dec. 2016): Lights Will Guide You Home

#3 (Dec. 2016-Oct. 2017): Evolution

#4 (Oct. 2017-Jan. 2018): Ready for Paradise

#5 (Jan. 2018-Feb. 2018): Cinco...Mambo!

#6 (Feb. 2018-Mar. 8, 2025): Paradise Found

 

[Baby Yoda On Skates]

This waltz SD is my absolute favorite program from the Shibs. My hope is their new FD is along similar lines.

- YouTube

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youtu.be

 

[VGThuy]

This waltz SD is my absolute favorite program from the Shibs. My hope is their new FD is along similar lines.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I always thought that dance was so underrated because it was overshadowed by their Coldplay free dance that was their resurgence back onto the podium. It was actually probably the most content filled dance that they had and everything was just so on point and on beat and fit them perfectly. Every body position was just exquisite.

 

[clairecloutier]

I am bemused by the takes in other threads about the Shibs' strengths being all technical and performance level being an afterthought for them. Not sure how that narrative took hold? And someone actually mentioned their posture, which I always considered a strength--and heard mentioned as such by Judy Blumberg, when she was commentating. No doubt these misperceptions will dissipate upon their actual return.

 

[VGThuy]

I am bemused by the takes in other threads about the Shibs' strengths being all technical and performance level being an afterthought for them. Not sure how that narrative took hold? And someone actually mentioned their posture, which I always considered a strength--and heard mentioned as such by Judy Blumberg, when she was commentating. No doubt these misperceptions will dissipate upon their actual return.

I also think it’s funny that spectators think they know ice dance culture more than the Shibs do, as if they had won national titles and World and Olympic medals and the Shibs haven’t. Even if the Shibs don’t replicate their past success and ice dance program composition and judging has changed, I think they know what they’re entering and are choosing to do it anyway. I will say, the Shibs have always succeeded much to the confusion and frustration of conventional fan wisdom and tastes.

 

[VGThuy]

Going down memory lane. This video of the 2005-06 Intermediate level dance at the Junior Nationals is probably the earliest video of them competing as I don’t think there’s a video of their 2004-05 silver medal winning Juvenile dance.

 

[Cayuse]

This waltz SD is my absolute favorite program from the Shibs. My hope is their new FD is along similar lines.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

This dance was perfection! Maia's doll characterization was on point, the humorous touches made you smile, thiir love for each other shone through in this dance. It's a favorite of mine too.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

My absolute favorite program of theirs is Nat King Cole’s Let’s Face the Music and Dance, also gives me Torvill and dean vibes and I love it.

My next favorite is Cinco mambo.

 

[manhn]

I also think it’s funny that spectators think they know ice dance culture more than the Shibs do, as if they had won national titles and World and Olympic medals and the Shibs haven’t. Even if the Shibs don’t replicate their past success and ice dance program composition and judging has changed, I think they know what they’re entering and are choosing to do it anyway. I will say, the Shibs have always succeeded much to the confusion and frustration of conventional fan wisdom and tastes.

The Shibs were also seen as not having chemistry in the way some of their competitors were seen to have. Fortunately for them, none of the current top teams have much chemistry either.

 

[SidelineSkater]

The RD/SD was a strength for the Shibs - especially in their last quad leading up to Olympics 18. Each short was a really nice step forward.

While they are known as technicians, they didn't always get the top levels on the pattern/steps, and they'd occasionally lose levels on lifts. I feel like once you are boxed in as 'something', it's hard to break the reality vs perception.

The more I think about it, the more interesting ID is going to be this season.

 

[my little pony]

The Shibs were also seen as not having chemistry in the way some of their competitors were seen to have. Fortunately for them, none of the current top teams have much chemistry either.

this. I feel like even the married couples skate like siblings now.