Figure Skating: Uno Shoma on Being a Producer, His Ice Dance Challenge and What Lies Ahead – Exclusive Interview
Some people change. Others don’t. Uno Shoma is a bit of both. After a year since he announced his retirement from competitive figure skating, the three-time Olympic medalist is back in the spotlight, igniting excitement with his self-produced show, Ice Brave, which wraps this weekend in Niigata, following successful performances in Aichi and Fukuoka.
At 27 years old, Uno now sports a fresh blonde look and has embraced his role as a producer while exploring the world of ice dance alongside his partner and on-ice counterpart, Honda Marin. “After retiring, I wasn’t skating much until I started practicing for this show,” Uno shared during our exclusive interview.
He acknowledged that diving into ice dance is a new challenge. “The basics of ice dance are the polar opposite of what I’ve done as a singles skater. I didn’t want to approach this half-heartedly. I aimed for a complete product,” Uno stated. His transition to ice dance has been well received, with enthusiastic responses from audiences eager to see his evolution.
On another note, the competitive spirit seems to linger in Uno’s mind. Questions about a potential return to competition arose following the show’s opening. He noted, “I think of that seriously; it’s about delivering quality and not just an experiment.” However, he’s candidly aware of his beginner status in ice dance, realizing he has much to improve before considering a return.
Uno’s journey as a performer has introduced him to new perspectives within the sport. “Working on Ice Brave has been liberating. It’s no longer just about individual routine but about creating a shared experience,” he emphasized. He has shifted his focus from competition’s pressures to enjoying the creative aspects of performance.
As Uno’s adventure unfolds past the weekend, his driving force remains clear: the joy of skating. He noted, “It’s important to enjoy what I do. If I feel a stronger direction to aim higher, then I will adjust my focus. Ultimately, my goal is to feel fulfillment in my journey as a skater.” Uno Shoma’s evolution as a performer continues to excite fans and keeps the figure skating world eagerly guessing what’s next for this dynamic talent.
