Mao News - Off-Season 2012!

polosatik wrote:

I agree that she's not very familiar with COP system at least she was. But my biggest concern is that you're faster then the things are coming Let's wait , there must be a reason for Mao to keep her choices in secret. I guess it's for the best. I want to stay positive, every off-season we're speculating about Mao technique and programs. We all wish Mao the best, so let's be more optimistic!

I agree that we should all be more optimistic! We all probably just miss Mao, that's why we're having these discussions that include guessing her music or speculating program components.

MaoChan756 wrote:

Fans rarely criticize skaters teams because they usually do a decent job - I mean who would even dare to question Yuna's immaculate team...
In Mao's case - it's different - You kinda had to question those awkward costumes - Mao's weight loss -
I am still hoping for Tat to just showcase Mao's talents and give her another masterpiece!

I don't like Mao's costumes but I think I've read somewhere that she liked her costumes from TAT... oh dear, maybe it's our Mao who needs a fashion lesson!

Anyway, as for teams, it's not only Mao's choices and decisions that gets some eyebrows raised. Sometimes you've got to experiment to see what works for you. I'll give you hints: the Orser-Hanyu tandem plus Dai-Morozov combo revival.

klarification wrote:

Whoa there polosatik. No one's bashing anybody, as far as I can tell.

Yes, I do agree that most of us here in the forums could be a little bith harsh on TAT, but IMHO it's probably because she graces us with beautiful EX programs while her competitive ones fall flat in comparison. So of course people can't help their wishful thinking right? Not to mention, there's also Mao's own issues to consider when searching for a reason why her recent programs are less than stellar. But TAT's programs aren't very COP efficient (as noted by some posters here in the forum already) and the music cuts could be better. Those are the things most people here, me included, are discussing. Personally, Bells sounded like a death march to me the first time I heard it, but after Worlds 2010 it finally sounded like a victory song.

Yes, you're right, the first time I watched Bells my reaction was , but I learned to love it watching her performing it so wonderfully! However, my favourite Mao-TAT's program remains Masquerade Waltz! And I am sorry to say that I din't like the Tango program and Sheherazade, both the music and the choreography could have been better, I really hope she created something this time; I think TAT is an amazing technical coach, but as choreographer

Any idea where this is from?

Mao looks amazing here!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing klarification! May be it's some kind of photoshoot?

What is the next big competition Mao will be competing in?
Sorry, I just haven't been following FS news lately.

klarification wrote:

Whoa there polosatik. No one's bashing anybody, as far as I can tell.

Yes, I do agree that most of us here in the forums could be a little bith harsh on TAT, but IMHO it's probably because she graces us with beautiful EX programs while her competitive ones fall flat in comparison. So of course people can't help their wishful thinking right? Not to mention, there's also Mao's own issues to consider when searching for a reason why her recent programs are less than stellar. But TAT's programs aren't very COP efficient (as noted by some posters here in the forum already) and the music cuts could be better. Those are the things most people here, me included, are discussing. Personally, Bells sounded like a death march to me the first time I heard it, but after Worlds 2010 it finally sounded like a victory song.

Agree!

With Mao's choices still a secret we can't help but voice our hopes.

OTOH, 1 month left till Japan Open. In I think less time than that we'll finally know what her music is. If they're not going to announce then we'll know during practices. *excited!*

Ok,ok I'm just nervous like you guys, and I want to see Mao skating finally!

klarification wrote:

Any idea where this is from?

It was in the Yamanashi Prefecture. She mentioned the trip briefly in her blog.

CraZsk8r wrote:

What is the next big competition Mao will be competing in?
Sorry, I just haven't been following FS news lately.

Japan Open, then the GP: Cup of China and NHK Trophy... Just a month to wait for JO!

Is it just my imagination or do most people reveal their music choices by now, not just Mao? I really haven't heard from too many other skaters, either. Hm.

Alokya wrote:

Is it just my imagination or do most people reveal their music choices by now, not just Mao? I really haven't heard from too many other skaters, either. Hm.

I have the same feeling. I haven't heard of official new music choices by my favorite skaters like Liza and Akiko

pearlyriver wrote:

Alokya wrote:

Is it just my imagination or do most people reveal their music choices by now, not just Mao? I really haven't heard from too many other skaters, either. Hm.

I have the same feeling. I haven't heard of official new music choices by my favorite skaters like Liza and Akiko

Akiko and Liza already announced their music and Liza even showed her new programs)
Akiko
SP:Kill Bill
LP:O from Cirque du Soleil
Liza
SP:Lovestory
LP:Dark Eyes

Thank you pearlyriver for answering my question. Indeed, the pictures do seem to be from Yamanashi!! Ah, it looks like Mao had a wonderful time, don't you guys think? I can't help imagining Mao as a cute character in Harvest Moon haha

polosatik wrote:

pearlyriver wrote:

Alokya wrote:

Is it just my imagination or do most people reveal their music choices by now, not just Mao? I really haven't heard from too many other skaters, either. Hm.

I have the same feeling. I haven't heard of official new music choices by my favorite skaters like Liza and Akiko

Akiko and Liza already announced their music and Liza even showed her new programs)
Akiko
SP:Kill Bill
LP:O from Cirque du Soleil
Liza
SP:Lovestory
LP:Dark Eyes

Actually, I think Mao had been very secretive of her choices lately. I think I know 90% of the selected music of the skating community already, but Mao's is still a big . This is why the big reveal makes me so anxious.

Anyway, while browsing random sites, I found a site on tumblr with some good recent pictures of Mao.



If you guys want to see more pictures, you can go to THIS SITE. Don't forget to thank the contributor!

Wow!!! A Great find Klarification! Mao is such a swettie) Don't know if it's only me but Mao looks more fresh last days, like she's glowing inside)))

polosatik wrote:

pearlyriver wrote:

Alokya wrote:

Is it just my imagination or do most people reveal their music choices by now, not just Mao? I really haven't heard from too many other skaters, either. Hm.

I have the same feeling. I haven't heard of official new music choices by my favorite skaters like Liza and Akiko

Akiko and Liza already announced their music and Liza even showed her new programs)
Akiko
SP:Kill Bill
LP:O from Cirque du Soleil
Liza
SP:Lovestory
LP:Dark Eyes

thanks Polosatik for the clarification. Has Mike announced her new programs?
I've noticed since The Ice that Mao looks a lot happier. It feels like she is happy from inside and enjoys whatever she is doing. This is good news.

thanks everyone for links and news.

re: yamanashi pictures. the blouse is super cute too

it's heartwarming to see mao's smile.

official blog update
http://maimao-asada.com/mao/performance/2012/09/07/442/
new CM for Stona ~ this time is with my sister, Mai.

ETA: for ppl who asked, Miki's SP is "Lawrence of Arabia", she performed in FaOI.

The beautiful pic is for the soap she uses all the time...you can check vids here http://www.arsoa.net/aqs/index.html

sorry, i am freaking busy and can't repost pic or vids for you.

I was thinking that Mao would be wonderful with a Flamenco SP, Lori choreographed a Flamenco masterpiece for Kostner two years ago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ073LMmryk), maybe she could have done something like this for our favourite skater, it would certainly be something new for her!

Mao2012 wrote:

I was thinking that Mao would be wonderful with a Flamenco SP, Lori choreographed a Flamenco masterpiece for Kostner two years ago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ073LMmryk), maybe she could have done something like this for our favourite skater, it would certainly be something new for her!

It would be really nice if Lori comes up with something more exciting that her usual 'flowers and love' aesthetic. Although, Kostner's SP seems quite slow...
I really think that speed will help Mao rotate all her jumps!

Oh my! This is getting crazy! WE NEED TO KNOW MAO'S MUSIC!

MaoChan756 wrote:

Mao2012 wrote:

I was thinking that Mao would be wonderful with a Flamenco SP, Lori choreographed a Flamenco masterpiece for Kostner two years ago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ073LMmryk), maybe she could have done something like this for our favourite skater, it would certainly be something new for her!

It would be really nice if Lori comes up with something more exciting that her usual 'flowers and love' aesthetic. Although, Kostner's SP seems quite slow...
I really think that speed will help Mao rotate all her jumps!

Oh my! This is getting crazy! WE NEED TO KNOW MAO'S MUSIC!

A lot of top-skaters haven't announced thair music(s) yet: Volosozhar-Trankov, Dai's FS, Miki's FS, Davis-White FD, Bobrova-Soloviev FD, Leonova FS, Makarova, Kavaguti-Smirnov, Shibutani SD, Kostner... I obviously want to know mao's choices but I think it's wonderful speculating basing on what she said... when we'll know, we'll be a lot happier because right now we're so anxious!

Carolina Kostner withdrew from both the Cup of China and Trophee Eric Bompard so it would probably a while until she announces her music.

pearlyriver wrote:

Carolina Kostner withdrew from both the Cup of China and Trophee Eric Bompard so it would probably a while until she announces her music.

I just wanted to make the list longer...

pearlyriver wrote:

Carolina Kostner withdrew from both the Cup of China and Trophee Eric Bompard so it would probably a while until she announces her music.

What happened?

She said it was due to fitness incompetency, but maybe it also has to do with the scandal surround her boyfriend.
On a side note, we're all overtly concerned about Mao's new music because we know this season is a make or break time for all skaters, paticularly Mao. Sochi is less than 2 years from now and they have to pull it off if they want to medal. Sometimes I feel so worried about Mao, seeing all she's been through. I've never followed an athlete so enthusiastically and I've never wished someone to get a gold medal as fervently as Mao. I want to see her becoming an important part of FS history.

pearlyriver wrote:

She said it was due to fitness incompetency, but maybe it also has to do with the scandal surround her boyfriend.
On a side note, we're all overtly concerned about Mao's new music because we know this season is a make or break time for all skaters, paticularly Mao. Sochi is less than 2 years from now and they have to pull it off if they want to medal. Sometimes I feel so worried about Mao, seeing all she's been through. I've never followed an athlete so enthusiastically and I've never wished someone to get a gold medal as fervently as Mao. I want to see her becoming an important part of FS history.

She already is! First girl to land a 3A in a World Junior Championship, first lady to land two clean 3As in the same program, first lady to land three clean 3As in the same competition, first (and only) lady to land a 3-3-3 combo (even if in a national competition), two times world champion, two times 4CC champion, five time Japanese champion, two times GPF champion... hmm, I think it's enough! And, about Kostner, she retired beacuse she didn't have enough time to prepare well for the GPs, having decided to compete next season just in early July...