Shibutanis thread 3: Evolution

[chapis]

From the magazine, I guess:

“They were always incredibly close and were each other’s best friend,” Naomi, a stay-at-home mom, said. “As in any other sibling relationship, there was a bit of playful competitiveness, but they were definitely excited to be skating together. I remember being a little nervous when they first started to try lifts because they were both physically small. I also remember thinking that it was nice that they would no longer be alone when they were competing — they would have each other to depend on.”

http://us-ice-dance.tumblr.com/post/163774898856/they-were-always-incredibly-close-and-were-each

 

[VGThuy]

That's such an adorable picture of them.

 

[VGThuy]

You can read the latest issue of Skating Magazine here:

http://content.digitalpub.blue-soho.com/web/y5b2/0A1uvwc/AugSept2017SKATING/html/index.html

 

[chapis]

You can read the latest issue of Skating Magazine here:

http://content.digitalpub.blue-soho.com/web/y5b2/0A1uvwc/AugSept2017SKATING/html/index.html

It's great and awesome that their mom went to all their competitions and that their dad only missed Finlandia in 2011 . In the Worlds 2017 Vlog their dad was taking them to the airport, so, I thought he only attended the competitions very sporadically, maybe he joined them later.

¨ They were clearly trying to do well (when they were kids), not just joking around or pretending to do crossovers together¨: This is so Shib

¨We care about our skating just as much as we care about each other¨ I suppose it is not 100% necessary to succeed in ice dancing, but it is definitely an advantage they have, although sometimes it could be a disadvantage. I know that in past years there was a lot of drama in ice dance, but nowadays top teams are the same like Maia and Alex, they seem to give special importance to a healthy relationship outside of skating and not just forcing something for a medal.

 

[VGThuy]

Oldie but goodie. This KnC reaction never gets old:

https://youtu.be/3zsWUU6AzR4?t=407

I don't know what's the best part. Maia being the first to realize that they were in first place and her uncharacteristic shout of pure elation or Massimo's pure unadulterated joy and excitement or Marina, who's seen everything, being stunned at the result and probably had the biggest reaction she's ever had with any of her students or Alex looking as if he finally received the validation he's been waiting for after all of those years. Probably my favorite KnC moment since Kwan's 2003 Worlds or 2004 Nationals one.

 

[chapis]

Oldie but goodie. This KnC reaction never gets old:

https://youtu.be/3zsWUU6AzR4?t=407

I don't know what's the best part. Maia being the first to realize that they were in first place and her uncharacteristic shout of pure elation or Massimo's pure unadulterated joy and excitement or Marina, who's seen everything, being stunned at the result and probably had the biggest reaction she's ever had with any of her students or Alex looking as if he finally received the validation he's been waiting for after all of those years. Probably my favorite KnC moment since Kwan's 2003 Worlds or 2004 Nationals one.

I've seen that video so many times, haha, no matter what happens with them, we will always have that video , for me it is only comparable to Mao realizing that she won the gold in Worlds 2008. I can not wait to see their reaction when they become world champions, it will be soon .

 

[gk_891]

Oldie but goodie. This KnC reaction never gets old:

https://youtu.be/3zsWUU6AzR4?t=407

I don't know what's the best part. Maia being the first to realize that they were in first place and her uncharacteristic shout of pure elation or Massimo's pure unadulterated joy and excitement or Marina, who's seen everything, being stunned at the result and probably had the biggest reaction she's ever had with any of her students or Alex looking as if he finally received the validation he's been waiting for after all of those years. Probably my favorite KnC moment since Kwan's 2003 Worlds or 2004 Nationals one.

I too love their reaction in the KnC area at that competition. It's one of my favourites.

Another one I also remember well were Klimova & Ponomarenko's at the 1992 Olympics (they looked dismayed at the first set of marks but then then they looked extremely relieved and started crying tears of joy when the second set came up)

 

[VGThuy]

That whole season must have been extremely stressful for K/P. They were trying to get back in favor and really felt most of Europe (aka most of the panel) were supporting the Duchesnays.

 

[chapis]

They are doing questions and answers on twitter with TeamUSA today, 2pm East time . #AskTeamUSA
https://twitter.com/MaiaShibutani/st...24176389177344

 

[gk_891]

That whole season must have been extremely stressful for K/P. They were trying to get back in favor and really felt most of Europe (aka most of the panel) were supporting the Duchesnays.

Not only that but they had a major conflict with Natalia Dubova the season prior over the direction they wanted to take their skating. And it's to my understanding that they actually stayed with Dubova for a while longer after the 1991 Worlds. It wasn't until just 3.5-4 months prior to the Albertville Olympics that they switched coaches to Tarasova which was a pretty big risk. It could've been disastrous but they made it work for them which I think indicates how exceptional they were.

 

[VGThuy]

Not only that but they had a major conflict with Natalia Dubova the season prior over the direction they wanted to take their skating. And it's to my understanding that they actually stayed with Dubova for a while longer after the 1991 Worlds. It wasn't until just 3.5-4 months prior to the Albertville Olympics that they switched coaches to Tarasova which was a pretty big risk. It could've been disastrous but they made it work for them which I think indicates how exceptional they were.

I didn't realize that they didn't go to Tarasova until 3.5-4 months prior to Albertville. Did they have their programs only 3.5-4 months prior to Albertville?

 

[gk_891]

I didn't realize that they didn't go to Tarasova until 3.5-4 months prior to Albertville. Did they have their programs only 3.5-4 months prior to Albertville?

That's something I'm not sure of (whether or not they started working on their polka OD and Bach FD before or after they moved to Tarasova).

 

[VGThuy]

They are doing questions and answers on twitter with TeamUSA today, 2pm East time . #AskTeamUSA
https://twitter.com/MaiaShibutani/st...24176389177344

Awesome! I tweeted them a question using that hashtag. I hope they have a chance to answer it.

 

[chapis]

Awesome! I tweeted them a question using that hashtag. I hope they have a chance to answer it.

Where we will see the answers? Twitter too?

 

[VGThuy]

They're answering through the TeamUSA account here:

https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/with_replies

 

[VGThuy]

I like this tweet:

https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/894988076635881472

 

[chapis]

Q&A

Has your training approach changed over time?
Shibs: W/Experience, we´ve become more efficient while also learning that we´re capable of pushing ourselves beyond what we thought was posible


What made you guys decide to team up and why have you sticked with ice dance all these years?
Shibs: We decided we wanted to try ice dance because we hoped it would improve our skating skills. We´ve stuck with it because it has!

what is one song that you both would love to skate to someday?
Shibs: Starting 2 years ago, we decided we would only skate to music that we REALLY wanted to skate to. We're always open to music suggestions tho! I think this answer makes it clear that they were not very enthusiastic about some of the elections that they skated in previous seasons.

How many times you visited NYC?
Shibs: We´ve been to NYC 5x this year! It´s always for training or work, but we enjoy getting to see our friends for a nice meal when there´s time


What´re yáll looking forward to the most this coming season?
Shibs: Really looking forward to Pyeongchang2018 and seeing how strong we can be in February.


It is amazing how people figure skate
Shibs: We agree, haha


What is your favorite vlog to film?
Shibs: Hard to say. They are all so different. The Switzerland vlog was fun because it was our first time using a drone!


Favorite competitive program?
Shibs:The ones we´re working on right now!


Shibs, what are some tips to achieve great time management? How do you make it look effortless?
1. Come up with a plan

2. Delegate

3. Communicate

4. Have a sibling that Works as hard as you do


What´s the hardest and best parts about competing with a sibling? Do you fight? Does it make it that much sweeter?
Shibs: Best: We share amazing experiences together.
Hardest: No filter, and we´re stuck with each other when we are hangry.-M


Hi Maia and Alex! How do you guys decide on what music to use for your programs? I loved your free dance music last season!
Shibs: Thanks! We arranged last year´s FD music ourselves. We find/create music that we love while also making sure that it adheres to the rules.


How have you two prepared for this upcoming Olympic season compared to past seasons?
Shibs: We´ve never been in better physical shape and we`ve followed a very detailed and ambitious plan that we set before the off season began.


What´s your funniest travel experience?
Shibs: One time, I left our vlogging camera on a plane… And it was never returned to us! Hahaha We lost so much footage.-A


What´s the hardest part of ice dancing?
Shibs: Making difficult things look effortless!


If you two wouldn´t ice dance, what do you guys think you two would do then? You guys are amazing
Shibs: We would probably do something creative-some type of storytelling. We really enjoy making videos so maybe we would do more of that.


How do you balance your social/personal lives (vlogging, traveling, etc. )with your skating lives (training, dieting, etc. )?
Shibs: They´re all connected and related! Everything that we´re working on right now comes back to our skating.


Shedule?
Shibs. Wake up, Check twitter, Check instagram, Eat bfast, Skate, Skate some more, Eat lunch, Skate, Skate some more, work out, Eat dinner, Bed


Would you ever do a video collaboration with a fan?
Shibs: Is The Rock a fan? I will never understand their fascination with this guy


You two seem to have a really wonderful relationship. Do you ever fight?
Shibs: Yes. Arguments/disagreements are a natural part of the creative process. Especially because we´re both so involved and invested. Really Shibs? Did you prefer to answer the eternal question about sibling fights instead of my transcendental question?


What is the biggest difference in your preparation now for Pyeongchang and 4 years ago for Sochi?
Shibs: We´ve had 4 years to find our identity. We are stronger and more confident.-A


Is there a special thing you like to do before you perform?
Shibs: We like to stand by the ice before the competition starts to visualize our performance.-M


What are your inspirations for this Olympic season? What are your favorite ways that fans show their appreciation? Do you guys like fan art?
Shibs: We inspire each other and the support we´ve received from people along the way means a lot to us!
Yes! Fan art is really cool.

 

[VGThuy]

The Shibs have now added Minute Maid to their list of sponsors:

https://twitter.com/ShibSibs/status/895273860844716033

I had a post about athletes shilling things that are actually bad for people, but I'll skip it and just congratulate them on getting another endorsement. Skating is expensive and they need to continue to publicize their brand.

 

[sap5]

The Shibs have now added Minute Maid to their list of sponsors:

https://twitter.com/ShibSibs/status/895273860844716033

I had a post about athletes shilling things that are actually bad for people, but I'll skip it and just congratulate them on getting another endorsement. Skating is expensive and they need to continue to publicize their brand.

Is orange juice actually bad for you if you drink it in moderation? It's not the best thing, but I wouldn't say it's a "bad" thing.

 

[VGThuy]

Is orange juice actually bad for you if you drink it in moderation? It's not the best thing, but I wouldn't say it's a "bad" thing.

It's as bad as soda with its high sugar content, lack of fiber making a lot of the nutrients it advertises (like vitamins) in it useless, and some times has more calories than soda. The store-bought brands like Minute Maid also process the juice and store the juice (for years) in ways that are actually pretty gross. Plus, calorie-laden liquids have unique dangers. That said, like everything, having it once-in-a-while isn't bad.

 

[chapis]

But it has vitamins and minerals . I don´t like the taste but my mom truly loves it. Congrats Shibs

 

[chapis]

Well, so what tango would you like they skate the next season?

I was listening Tango Agonie of Alfred Schnittke https://youtu.be/fWK7Y7ADjD0?t=159 it is great, I love it. Mao skated in 2010-11 https://youtu.be/MU_SHXAxyik?t=63 , though she did not do a very good job , her mom was very sick in that time and died some months later.

I really love Invierno Porteño (Piazzola) too, I love this part https://youtu.be/Vhv3yP7dKSY?t=247

 

[teacakes]

What's the likelihood that they'll hit up a Senior B before the GP? (I think it could help, since they're doing the first GP and it's Russia lol).

 

[chapis]

What's the likelihood that they'll hit up a Senior B before the GP? (I think it could help, since their doing the first GP and it's Russia lol).

I think the odds are high, if they decide not to, then I'll assume they have killer programs and are more prepared than ever.

 

[VGThuy]

I hope they do a senior B since their first GP event is at Rostelecom Cup, but I guess it won't be too big of a deal if they don't do it.

 

[VGThuy]

Maia and Alex have a cameo in Wongfu Production's new video Just Another Nice Guy Part 1. I like how it went one way in the beginning and then turned the whole concept of being a "nice guy" around. It's not the most original concept, but I appreciate it when people make that point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU58jrx4pXs

 

[chapis]

I hope they do a senior B since their first GP event is at Rostelecom Cup, but I guess it won't be too big of a deal if they don't do it.

When will we know if they are going to participate? When is that announced?
By the way, at September 3 is the show of Kristi Y., about 3 weeks left from now . I guess they will debut their new exhibition program.

 

[Dobre]

When will we know if they are going to participate? When is that announced?

I very much hope they will do a Challenger and one that is early enough that they will have time to respond with Marina & Massimo's help to the technical feedback prior to Rostelecom.

We will either know when the Shibs' names turn up on an entry list or when all the Challenger events prior to Rostelecom have been posted. The lineups for each Challenger are announced at different times. The U.S. Classic list is the only one that has been announced thus far. That leaves: Lombardia, Nebelhorn, Autumn Classic, Nepela, Finlandia.

I would think that Finlandia would be too late for a North American team hoping to gain feedback & respond to it prior to Rostelecom. There is supposedly a big press gathering shortly before Nebelhorn with all the top three U.S. teams signed up to attend the press conference (no idea if this will keep those teams from going to Nebelhorn).

 

[VGThuy]

I very much hope they will do a Challenger and one that is early enough that they will have time to respond with Marina & Massimo's help to the technical feedback prior to Rostelecom.

We will either know when the Shibs' names turn up on an entry list or when all the Challenger events prior to Rostelecom have been posted. The lineups for each Challenger are announced at different times. The U.S. Classic list is the only one that has been announced thus far. That leaves: Lombardia, Nebelhorn, Autumn Classic, Nepela, Finlandia.

I would think that Finlandia would be too late for a North American team hoping to gain feedback & respond to it prior to Rostelecom. There is supposedly a big press gathering shortly before Nebelhorn with all the top three U.S. teams signed up to attend the press conference (no idea if this will keep those teams from going to Nebelhorn).

Thanks for the info! You're right about Finlandia not giving much or any time for a team to use feedback in time for Rostelecom Cup. Finlandia is on October 6-8 while Rostelecom Cup starts on October 20. When the Shibs did a revamp for "Fix You" they had about thirty days in-between Nepela and Skate Canada.

 

[Sylvia]

There is supposedly a big press gathering shortly before Nebelhorn with all the top three U.S. teams signed up to attend the press conference (no idea if this will keep those teams from going to Nebelhorn).

Most likely, yes - the Team USA Olympic media summit in Park City, Utah is Sept. 24-27 and Nebelhorn Trophy is Sept. 27-30. 2017.