The Mao cheer thread #3 - "For the love of skating"

[tdl]

The short I could live without. That free, PLEASE keep it. I wonder if she enjoys the challenge of creating 2 programs. Or, since she struggled to perform that free skate to its fullest maybe she will want to give it a go.

I think she might keep both programs eventually. She likes to do her programs justice and this season she hasn't really.

She was even considering keeping Madama Butterfly for this season because she felt she hadn't skated it well enough, until Daisuke sort of talked out of it.

And since Lori has also mentioned that these programs (especially the FP) were Olympics worthy, the likelyhood of her keeping both is pretty high, imho.

She has kept or recycled programs before, and although I generally like to see new programs every season, this time I'm all for keeping them.

 

[Miki89]

As much as I love her programs this season, I'd still wish her to have new programs next season. Her programs this season were intriguing and gorgeous, but unfortunately they are now associated with what many would consider her worst season ever. Therefore, I think it might be better to start next season with a clean slate, so to speak, with two new programs. Also, Mao mentioned in an IFS magazine interview last year that she would choose her Olympic season programs herself because it would be a very special competition for her if she is selected. She added that it will be something "deeply emotional", so I am really curious to see what she ends up of choosing. Here is the link to that interview. https://www.ifsmagazine.com/mao-asada-no-illusions/

As for her exhibition, I wouldn't mind if she performs Chopin Ballade again (in the white dress!). This is the program I always go back to watch, especially during periods when she is really struggling in competitions. Ballade showcases Mao in all her glory. Although Mao became famous for triple axels and difficult layouts, her true strength is the aesthetic quality of her skating. Here lies the paradox and why she is arguably the most misunderstood skater. Her idol may be Midori Ito but there are few resemblances other than the 3A and a fearless attitude. Mao's attention to beautiful positions, posture, stretch, and lines is actually reminiscent of the classic style of US ladies during the golden era. Her lightness also reminds me of Gordeeva. Ito was her inspiration but her mother was probably the most influential figure in her life, which is so intertwined with skating. Her mom loved ballet very much, and this was passed down to Mao. Mao is a very special skater and I pray that she can end her career on a happy note at the Olympics.

Here are the best performances of Ballade in my opinion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPqHSdHEQZ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o4f1InV10c

 

[chapis]

As much as I love her programs this season, I'd still wish her to have new programs next season. Her programs this season were intriguing and gorgeous, but unfortunately they are now associated with what many would consider her worst season ever. Therefore, I think it might be better to start next season with a clean slate, so to speak, with two new programs. Also, Mao mentioned in an IFS magazine interview last year that she would choose her Olympic season programs herself because it would be a very special competition for her if she is selected. She added that it will be something "deeply emotional", so I am really curious to see what she ends up of choosing. Here is the link to that interview. https://www.ifsmagazine.com/mao-asada-no-illusions/

As for her exhibition, I wouldn't mind if she performs Chopin Ballade again (in the white dress!). This is the program I always go back to watch, especially during periods when she is really struggling in competitions. Ballade showcases Mao in all her glory. Although Mao became famous for triple axels and difficult layouts, her true strength is the aesthetic quality of her skating. Here lies the paradox and why she is arguably the most misunderstood skater. Her idol may be Midori Ito but there are few resemblances other than the 3A and a fearless attitude. Mao's attention to beautiful positions, posture, stretch, and lines is actually reminiscent of the classic style of US ladies during the golden era. Her lightness also reminds me of Gordeeva. Ito was her inspiration but her mother was probably the most influential figure in her life, which is so intertwined with skating. Her mom loved ballet very much, and this was passed down to Mao. Mao is a very special skater and I pray that she can end her career on a happy note at the Olympics.

Here are the best performances of Ballade in my opinion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPqHSdHEQZ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o4f1InV10c

In that case she should get those new programs

 

[tdl]

Yeah, that kind of changes the situation!

Anyway, I'll be ok with whatever decision she makes. I just hope that if she goes for 2 new programs, they'll be at least as good as those she had this season.

 

[gotoschool]

My main hope is that like my friends and family I have showed Mao's performances to that people will look at how Mao's future performances are able to move their emotions and inspire them with a great sense of beauty and filter out an evaluation of her based on scores and that Mao can be satisfied with her performances. She has always been on the cutting edge in her jump selection and her unique balletic execution of them, step sequences with such fluid and captivating dance moves which are such a natural expression of her soul whether they be jazz or ballet, prima ballerina spirals and even the execution of her spins and skating skills which emphasize great rink coverage, plentiful one legged and swaying movements and using her blades to build smooth, elegant and deceptive speed. And whether she has made mistakes or not, these qualities have not been rewarded properly in my eyes and in the opinion of those I have shown her performances to. And I want that to be remembered because she deserves better for her hard effort and rare talent. I trust Mao to choose the right programs because I wouldn't be on this journey I never intended to begin without her and she is leading the way and hopefully it will result in more legendary performances. I am already confident her future programs will be very beautiful and memorable.

 

[gotoschool]

I wonder if anyone could help translate some of this article to see if Mao is doing the training described in the article now or not:
http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/12605261/

 

[tdl]

I'm not a Japanese native speaker, so please feel free to correct me, but it seems to me the article doesn't say she is working with him now, only that she did in the past.
Sara Takanashi is working with him now and Mao is only mentioned as one of the athletes he has worked with.

If I remember correctly, he is the Wieder guy, generally considered an ikemen, who was helping Mao with some balance training and making sure she doesn't overstrain just one side of her body etc.

I quite liked them as a team then.

 

[gotoschool]

I'm not a Japanese native speaker, so please feel free to correct me, but it seems to me the article doesn't say she is working with him now, only that she did in the past.
Sara Takanashi is working with him now and Mao is only mentioned as one of the athletes he has worked with.

If I remember correctly, he is the Wieder guy, generally considered an ikemen, who was helping Mao with some balance training and making sure she doesn't overstrain just one side of her body etc.

I quite liked them as a team then.

Thanks for the information. I think I will edit the post to see if anyone can verify.

 

[gotoschool]

I know I have posted this video before on an earlier Mao thread but I forgot how much I love this performance. It passes through my mind like a fanciful dream drifting away on a summer breeze. I must say Mao is very rare and exceptional in moving my emotions and inspiring such a profound sense of beauty, especially from such a young age as she does here. My mind strays so far away from a mere competition like I am eavesdropping on a genuine expression of the soul that arose specially at that very moment.

One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Every movement light, elegant, athletic, ethereal and so incredibly emotional as if an angel had descended to earth and every motion, extension and air-borne revolution was a moving sculpture of perfection. The subtle knee bends at the end of each jump are marvelous. Nostalgic wonder for childhood innocence gone by that made me cry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVxwDIW-qzs Nationals 2003 SP

 

[chapis]

I know I have posted this video before on an earlier Mao thread but I forgot how much I love this performance. It passes through my mind like a fanciful dream drifting away on a summer breeze. I must say Mao is very rare and exceptional in moving my emotions and inspiring such a profound sense of beauty, especially from such a young age as she does here. My mind strays so far away from a mere competition like I am eavesdropping on a genuine expression of the soul that arose at that moment.

One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Every movement light, elegant, athletic, ethereal and so incredibly emotional as if an angel had descended to earth and every motion, extension and air-borne revolution was a moving sculpture of perfection. The subtle knee bends at the end of each jump are marvelous. Nostalgic wonder for childhood innocence gone by that made me cry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVxwDIW-qzs Nationals 2003 SP

I know, that performance is soooo beautiful .

gotoschool, did you study literature or something like that? because you always express yourself so well and beautiful.

 

[gotoschool]

Thank you. I did study literature and wrote a lot at university, but I also listened to and remembered a lot of old songs which made me also sense that words expressed in the right way carried a lot of feeling, and the power of Mao's performances pushes me to try and express at least to some degree the great depth of emotions I feel.

 

[chapis]

Thank you. I did study literature and wrote a lot at university, but I also listened to and remembered a lot of old songs which made me also sense that words expressed in the right way carried a lot of feeling, and the power of Mao's performances pushes me to try and express at least to some degree the great depth of emotions I feel.

Oh, that is very interesting. I hope one day I can write like that. I am sure she loved your letter.

 

[rosewood]

Thanks to the awesome youtube user.

Mao's 14 exhibition numbers from 2006-2007 season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4BhyROlVNk

Compilation of encores in galas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcOhBkFai-4

 

[chapis]

Thanks to the awesome youtube user.

Mao's 14 exhibition numbers from 2006-2007 season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4BhyROlVNk

Compilation of encores in galas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcOhBkFai-4

The first link is geo blocked . The encores . I am still amazed to think of all the effort she puts into her exhibitions.

 

[gotoschool]

Here is a tweet that says Mao will have an invitational ice party in Nagoya in August:

https://twitter.com/goddessofstsq

Yui Noguchi Atto Arsoaligare Feb 3
More
Also held decision this year # Arusoa # Mao Asada # IceParty2017 # Nagoya # August # this year also meet Mao-chan # 2000 persons invitation

One reason I would like to see Mao skate and define herself outside the ISU whenever she decides to retire is because of the great beauty, intricacy and artistry of her exhibitions which are the best I have ever seen, and I am confident she will continue to display these qualities in her exhibitions while she is still competing as this season's masterful and marvelously graceful Bach exhibition demonstrates. But outside the ISU, I think Mao could more fully develop her skills as an artist, express herself more freely, and have more opportunity to display her great and intricate skating skills the way she wants hopefully with her fabulous spirals drawn out in long, beautiful and flexible lines that last a long time like gliding lightly through the sky. This may also give Mao more time and incentive to contribute more to the creation of the choreography in her own programs as she did so beautifully in the New Jupiter. I can't think how many times I have listened to documentaries about musicians who sought freedom to write and perform music outside the tight confines of one type of music and it is my hope that Mao will do the same one day. I love Mao's competitive programs but as I said before I get a lot of joy out of watching Mao skate without being scored in an empirically based system that gives her no advantage in her mastery of skating skills, artistic expression and skating skills, especially since it gives me a rare and lovely glimpse of the infinite.

 

[gotoschool]

Here is a 1080 copy of Mao's outstanding 2007 Worlds LP performance nearing its 10th anniversary which was uploaded recently. This performance is extra special for me because it was the first time I saw Mao's exceptionally beautiful, graceful and emotionally moving skating live on TV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVxYiITTs18

 

[gotoschool]

Here is very high quality copy of Mao's Swan Lake at the Japan Open in 2012 that was just posted. Such a lovely, subtle and beautifully expressive performance to see in such high quality. I miss Mao's skating already.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNOqrQeYs18

And more beautiful performances. Here are Mao's SP and LP from Skate America in high quality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDVhJoLnAC8

 

[rosewood]

I think it's OK to post this info now since probably she's already left the place. Seems Mao visited Sri Lanka for about a week and enjoyed Ayurveda. (IIRC she mentioned about her dream of visiting Sri Lanka for Ayurvea a few years back.)
https://www.facebook.com/jetwing.ayurveda.pavilions/

ETA:
Direct link to the post

We were privileged to host Miss. Mao Asada at our hotel for six nights from 29th January 2017.

Mao Asada is a Japanese competitive figure skater. She is the 2010 Olimpic silver medalist. A three time World champion (2008/2010/2014) A three time four continents champion (2008/2010/2013) and four time Grand Prix final champion.
She is the only female figure skater who has landed three triple axel jumps in one competition which she achieved at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

We wish her all the best on her future endeavours and wish her good health to perform well in her events. — at Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions.

 

[chapis]

I think it's OK to post this info now since probably she's already left the place. Seems Mao visited Sri Lanka for about a week and enjoyed Ayurveda. (IITC she mentioned about her dream of visiting Sri Lanka for Ayurvea a few years back.)
https://www.facebook.com/jetwing.ayurveda.pavilions/

Wow, sooo cool. I am glad she is enjoying life outside figure skating

 

[gotoschool]

Thanks rosewood for the update on Mao. I guess Mao went by herself? I remember reading about Mao wanting to go on a trip alone to an island several times so I am glad her dream finally came true.

Here are some more very high quality video (1080 60 fps) of Mao's performances:

Claire de Lune at WTT 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xzQiw8019A

Scent of a Woman Worlds 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDO8x78o5xQ

2012 NHK Tophy SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNfS-7asNlg

 

[gotoschool]

Here are some beautiful photos of Mao I found from this season

http://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/assets/201612/EN-450905.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBxeMt0r...skgCLcB/s1600/Mao_Asada_Red_Fotor_Collage.jpg

And from last season:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/sp-skate-b-20151107.jpg

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/42/02/42/8923302/3/rawImage.jpg

http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/R...077335_RTRMADP_3_FIGURE-SKATING-ISU-JAPAN.JPG

 

[tamms]

Here are some beautiful photos of Mao I found from this season

http://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/assets/201612/EN-450905.jpg

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBxeMt0r...skgCLcB/s1600/Mao_Asada_Red_Fotor_Collage.jpg

And from last season:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/sp-skate-b-20151107.jpg

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/42/02/42/8923302/3/rawImage.jpg

http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/R...077335_RTRMADP_3_FIGURE-SKATING-ISU-JAPAN.JPG

Thanks for sharing these, @gotoschool! I really like her makeup for this season.

 

[gotoschool]

There may be a couple of repeats but I tried to put a lot of photos in one place.

Some more great photos of Mao's SP from this season:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c9/6a/8c/c96a8c059f6d8008c3af971ed7e9cad4.jpg

http://stat.ameba.jp/user_images/20161227/09/zoe1979/8b/a3/j/o1365204813831015986.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/cc/65/a8/cc65a83590e267860621cb3ab2ac6f3a.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvXwVN5VMAAHjlo.jpg:large

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inq8eZ-s...LikQCLcB/s1600/Mao_Asada_SP_Fotor_Collage.jpg

http://68.media.tumblr.com/38ac61280ded78f4585920ffa7e8a449/tumblr_oiok8hJ1aK1v4ru7do1_1280.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/40/c6/a4/40c6a497119d1887e884caa2d0d27ba0.jpg

http://68.media.tumblr.com/23761e9997fccde6116654d4a06d5596/tumblr_oiok8hJ1aK1v4ru7do2_1280.jpg

http://68.media.tumblr.com/268d8ce27261f00bc02c09e95a6025f7/tumblr_oin6aequL61v4ru7do1_1280.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cvdk_vVUsAADNsV.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0cRoMSUsAAe1fk.jpg


Both SP and LP: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/73/8f/d9/738fd906840ac64c9361bbac82f697b5.jpg

More great photos from this season's LP:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/sp-jack-b-20161116.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c5/b1/c0/c5b1c0b118bfa803f8c3cee97016903d.jpg

http://68.media.tumblr.com/5d41157e508941cad6af09335a4765a7/tumblr_oewh31ITfv1v4ru7do1_1280.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CxQOTu1XgAAke1d.jpg:large

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/73/eb/e7/73ebe79044977dd6abc8878232067730.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/0b/3f/17/0b3f178099dcdf301e831bec99cd1d55.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/sp-figure-d-20161226.jpg
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/sp-jack-a-20161012.jpg

http://68.media.tumblr.com/898a4cebe7f669f7bdb083bffc84c7a7/tumblr_oewh31ITfv1v4ru7do6_1280.jpg

http://68.media.tumblr.com/88f6b4f95051dafe934d36a3d3dbdd4e/tumblr_oewh31ITfv1v4ru7do2_1280.jpg

http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/2016-skate-america-day-2-20161022-223239-487.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/59/fb/e9/59fbe9dc952c6e6b393b8559710078bb.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f6/d0/db/f6d0dba518523d485fc816b5e5d49d46.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuMhhDAWgAAE2F5.jpg

https://i37.servimg.com/u/f37/17/86/40/20/c0hr1a10.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CxQOWx7WgAA_0o9.jpg

http://cdn-finspi.com/image/00288/850/46050c9cc/mao-asada-of-japan-performs-during-the-women-039.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CxQMxs8XAAAuBCy.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/92/30/78/9230788a3825cd20d299a8deaa2c34e5.jpg

From Practice:
http://68.media.tumblr.com/80bb646c6835b715b6d7e2973a62415c/tumblr_ofea3q4s7x1v4ru7do4_1280.jpg

And from Rach II:
http://up.gc-img.net/post_img/2017/02/5IFr4njYBwo1Ifr_B3PVK_15.jpeg

Here is a funny shot I found of Alexei Yagudin and Evgeni Plushenko working together to try and simulate Mao's position in an advertisement.

http://art58.photozou.jp/pub/229/168...085946_624.jpg

 

[gotoschool]

Happy 3rd anniversary to Mao for her Sochi LP which is the greatest performance I have ever seen and the reason I am on this forum. Every time I watch, the great ebb and flow of emotions are an awe inspiring tidal surge washing in from the ocean which mix turbulence and tranquility into a grandiose synergy that make tears well up in my eyes like the swelling tides. February 20, 2017

 

[chapis]

Tatiana celebrated her 70 birthday and she had a skating show as homage, Elena R., Evgenia, Nikita and Victoria, Yagudin etc. were invited to participate. I wish they had invited Mao , she loves her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvHGa8wmC1k

 

[gotoschool]

Here are some beautiful, miscellaneous photos of Mao recently posted:

Natural look backstage at Ice Legends
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...8c3af320c2.jpg

A reflective moment at the Japan Open:

http://d1.yimg.com/sr/imgv1/1/6ac209...1-8460e89863ae

Another from Japan Open

http://d1.yimg.com/sr/imgv1/1/3c9ade...1-edcf4d3bd930

From So Deep is the Night

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...a1eb9aa690.jpg

From 2005 / 2006 SP I believe

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...f102d08835.jpg

2015 Cup of China

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...ce56835c22.jpg

2007 Worlds

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...a20cd4e212.jpg

2015 Cup of China

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...1311fa9e5f.jpg

2016 Worlds

https://s.yimg.com/sr/imgv1/1/3d9c55...1-78d7a1bd163a

https://s.yimg.com/sr/imgv1/1/8de9c7...d-94077f9fa334

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...b0c9f2e8a9.jpg

Puttin on the Ritz

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...79ed4e6d79.jpg

 

[gotoschool]

Here are some more beautiful photos of Mao

http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/g...d-prix-figure-skating-20121124-052613-323.jpg

http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/201212/15/79/d0052679_1017407.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/sp20130414f1b.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/sp20121224f1b.jpg

http://www.foto4ka.com/wallpapers/6/mao-asada-hq-picture.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sp20111223f1a.jpg

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...free-program-at-the-skate-picture-id617667434

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/sp20121224f1b.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/sp20130211f1a.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/2011_WFSC_5d_306_Mao_Asada.JPG

http://img.rtve.es/imagenes/mao-asada/1265919498716.jpg

http://jto.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sp20111226f1a.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sp20111109ita.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/cd/db/60/cddb609b3361c9ce701a29857e7b795c.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/sp20120208ita.jpg

http://www.semanticsys.org/wallpaper/mao-asada/mao-asada-16938.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c2/3e/f1/c23ef132641b81592a48f69aa45c90ac.jpg

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...s-free-skating-competition-picture-id98084493

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...ng-the-ladies-free-skating-picture-id95414656

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/73/02/f7/7302f73647e1fd9cdc596d07fc3c9197.jpg

http://jto.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/sp20121209f1a.jpg

http://jto.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/sp20130210f1a.jpg

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/sp20130208f1a.jpg

 

[gotoschool]

Mao Asada Nocturne

I love her massive ice coverage while setting the stage for her triple axel, going from an arcing curve in one corner of the rink to another arcing curve near the opposite corner. She displays a deceptive speed carved with fine control of her blade and edges and no extraneous pumping, as she glides smoothly and rapidly with a delicacy fitting the meditative mood of the music. On the final entrance to her triple axel, she punctuates the pensive sense by lifting her extended palms and giving a slight, dreamy smile which is a nice counterpoint to the suspense of her biggest element.

I love the transition in which she does a bird-like glide of her arms out of the big but beautifully light and delayed rotation of the triple axel with a couple of deft and seemingly effortless 180 degree turns accompanied by a windmill motion of her arms. I also love the repetitive actions of picking up one skate and crossing it back and forth quickly and smoothly in an elegant embellishment as she gains speed in between elements. It is also wonderful the way she gracefully extends her arms and one leg into the air in a gliding motion as a transition into the triple flip, with a variation into a kind of sideways veering motion on exit, as she skates with the opposite leg while doing the same kind of deft and seemingly effortless turns on exit that she did after completing the triple axel.

Another really memorable moment for me is when she extends her arms out and wheels around to the audience in a welcoming gesture as if inviting the viewer into her own personal world with a look full of wonder, after completing a number of pirouettes and quick, light leaps with semi-circles in the air on the exit to her triple flip and double loop. Then, she sets herself free with a winsome smile while combining all the previous motions into a final medley, with a brief crescendo and increase in tempo that ends with a one-leg extended glide into her final Biellmann spin. The grace, extension, articulation and fluidity in each movement mirror the tempo and flow of the music beautifully like a prima ballerina stretching out the feeling of each note just the right length of time, so that the music and Mao’s skating performance merge two forms of expression into a synergy that magnifies the emotional resonance of the composition immensely.


Worlds Nocturne

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

 

[gotoschool]

Here is a great new high quality photo from Mao in her Rach II Sochi LP:
http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140220_jtl_usa_696-72b5ac1352104539c5cba00870e75475


and here is a great high quality photo of Mao doing a half Biellman spin in Madame Butterfly at Cup of China: http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/858...635824886272855918-AFP-546161774-77347026.JPG

Here is a super cute collage of Mao when she was a lot younger: http://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/7f/48/cafa642dca903db9c0e10fc42e91b1c1.jpg

beautiful Arsoa photo: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C55ralrU4AASnn2.jpg

Bach Cello Suite Exhibition: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5yrKHjUsAATiO7.jpg

Finlandia Podium: http://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/30/0d/64c92f21c872cb5ae1da2b07ebafc5de.jpg

Happy moment with Coach Sato at Finlandia Trophy: http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu2r4FfUkAAtr6l.jpg

 

[gotoschool]

Here is a magnificent ultra HD (1440) copy of Mao's Cello Suite at Skate America:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81TbYtaUXnE

JSC 2011 Ballade (1440): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de_zQMmhDhY