U.S. Women [#7]: Make Me a Believer!

[Allskate]

Sonja Hilmer has revealed her short program music and has posted a video clip of part of it. I love how she has choreographed it and how she is using the music. (Plus, as usual, reverse spins.) It's a Dave Brubeck medley, but she also added a recording of her own blades to make part of her footwork sequence resemble tap dance. She was inspired by a piece that Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, and Scott Hamilton did with microphones on their skates.

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[Vagabond]

Here's an old interview with Kalin's previous coach, who is not necessarily the person to whom she refers on Instagram.

“Our training approach is designed for longevity anyway, so new age minimum doesn’t make much of a difference to us when it comes to focusing on every day progress.” Vadim Shebeco, coach of Mia Kalin

Interview with Vadim Shebeco, coach of Mia Kalin. About quads, aga minimum and ice shows in America.

fs-gossips.com

That said, I did notice that Kalin's ISU biography, unusually, does not refer to any previous coaches.

ETA: New thread title suggestions  now, please. We will be at 1,000 posts very soon.

 

[PRlady]

Well given where the Olys are, La donna e mobile.

 

[Allskate]

Well given where the Olys are, La donna e mobile.

Meh. I don't love the sentiment. Also, I would like the thread to be inclusive of all American women, including those who have no chance of making the Olympics.

The Field Runs Deep.

 

[Vagabond]

• I'm a Believer!
• Meet Me in St. Louis
• An Abundance of Riches

Discuss.

 

[Debbie S]

Meet Me in St. Louis is a good one!

 

[Karen-W]

I agree - Meet Me in St Louis is great!

 

[shan]

Sonja Hilmer has revealed her short program music and has posted a video clip of part of it. I love how she has choreographed it and how she is using the music. (Plus, as usual, reverse spins.) It's a Dave Brubeck medley, but she also added a recording of her own blades to make part of her footwork sequence resemble tap dance. She was inspired by a piece that Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, and Scott Hamilton did with microphones on their skates.

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And she made the costume?! Wow, she's very talented!

Sonja Hilmer on Instagram: "Making this year's short program dress!! ✨ This design is heavily inspired by 1950s fashion, and uses mesh from Kikitextiles and spandex from Joanns 😢 As well as real buttons! What do you think my music is? 👇🤣 . #skatin

483 likes, 23 comments - gosanjaygo_03 on June 17, 2025: "Making this year's short program dress!! ✨ This design is heavily inspired by 1950s fashion, and uses mesh from Kikitextiles and spandex from Joanns 😢 As well as real buttons! What do you think my music is? 👇🤣 . #skating #skater...

www.instagram.com

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

And she made the costume?! Wow, she's very talented!

Sonja Hilmer on Instagram: "Making this year's short program dress!! ✨ This design is heavily inspired by 1950s fashion, and uses mesh from Kikitextiles and spandex from Joanns 😢 As well as real buttons! What do you think my music is? 👇🤣 . #skatin

483 likes, 23 comments - gosanjaygo_03 on June 17, 2025: "Making this year's short program dress!! ✨ This design is heavily inspired by 1950s fashion, and uses mesh from Kikitextiles and spandex from Joanns 😢 As well as real buttons! What do you think my music is? 👇🤣 . #skating #skater...

www.instagram.com

Wow, that is totally impressive, and the final product is really nice.

She can do everything. Reminds me of myself… Singer, actress, dancer, fashion icon.

 

[Allskate]

And she made the costume?! Wow, she's very talented!

I think she always makes her costumes. Not just comes up with the design, but actually makes them.

And, yes, she is multi-talented. Her choreography is awesome.

 

[kwanfan1818]

Hillmer had a film or story last season or the one before about designing and making one of her costumes. She is so talented on many fronts.

 

[Allskate]

Hillmer had a film or story last season

She's had some more recent IG stories and posts about not only making her costume for this season, but making wrap skirts for other skaters. She's really into it.

 

[Willin]

Honestly Sonja is the skater I wish I could be. She's just so cool.

 

[Allskate]

Alysa Liu knows we all want to know what music she is planning to use, so she's playing with us.

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[Aceon6]

Alysa Liu knows we all want to know what music she is planning to use, so she's playing with us.

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My iPad’s sound is acting up. What was playing?

 

[Allskate]

My iPad’s sound is acting up. What was playing?

Nothing. That was the point. Click to the next screen. She says #pranked and #thereisnosound.