Asada's Olympic Trail Begins: Music Choices Revealed!

Photo credit: Universal Sports

2013 World Bronze Medalist and my favourite skater Mao Asada has finally revealed her music choices for the upcoming Olympic season. The 2014 Winter Games which will be hosted by Sochi is less than a year away, and as the world head into the summer season, so has Asada with her busy schedule- juggling upcoming ice shows and mastering new programs for her 'seemingly' final competitive season.

The announcement of programs usually start around this time of the year but the big skaters tend to save it nearer the fall for a much more big reveal. Tumblr blogger tokitama posted today what Mao officially confirmed at a recent press conference, that she has in fact chosen musical pieces for the season. For her short program, Mao will be skating to Chopin's iconic Nocturne No.2 in E-Flat Major Op.9-2. Now many of you will be aware that this is a program that she has skated in the past therefore making it a repeat. It was Asada's short program in the 2006-2007 season, also choreographed by Lori Nichol, and so what will this mean?

Many skating fans are currently on the fence with this choice. How do you top what was an amazing original program? How will this play out in the new code of points? Many elements have changed since Asada's debut, and her original program mastered the music to the final note. Is it possible to out do what was already one of the best short programs in the last ten years?

Asada Pays Tribute To Japan With New Programme

Finally! I have been waiting for weeks to see the whole programme! Mao-chan's new Gala Programme is to the tune 'Jupiter' by Libera and once again, choreographed by her longtime collaborator Lori Nichol. The programme goes back to Asada's lyrical roots while also paying tribute to Japan and the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami. While her jumps are looking solid and improved (that triple flip was fabulous!), it's her display of emotion through her body that deserves the applause. I guess because this is an emotional programme for her and the nation that she wants to convey as much passion and love and comfort as possible, and you know what? it was nothing short of spectacular. She may as well scratch that horrid transitional season behind her. Can't wait to see her new short programme!

xoxo

P.S. Rumours are swirling around that Mao also has another EX Programme chreographed by her ex-coach Tatiana Tarasova. No words on whether Mao plans on using one or the other, but I'd like for her to stick with this one. As much as I loved Tatiana's pieces for Mao, I think she needs to take a more softer and lyrical approach for now. She's at her best when she does this, although to be fair, her performance at the Olympics was a credit to Tatiana as well.