Figure Skating – Uno Shoma Unveils ‘Ice Brave’ – A New Era in Ice Dance
Professional figure skating just got a thrilling new headline as three-time Olympic medallist and two-time world champion Uno Shoma makes the leap into couples figure skating. This unexpected venture marks a pivotal moment in his career, especially as he showcases his new chemistry with girlfriend Honda Marin in his self-produced ice show, titled Ice Brave, in Aichi Prefecture.
On the opening night, held on June 14th, Uno expressed his disbelief at performing for a crowd larger than those he experienced during his championship-winning moments. “I wanted it to be a proper program,” he stated with pride. “I’m thrilled at the reception of my first production and believe I have ample room for growth,” he added, offering a glimpse into his evolving artistic ambitions.
Uno transitioned from competitive skating a mere 13 months ago, following an emotionally charged performance in the world championships where he failed to medal. Not emotionally burdened by his departure, he acknowledged a pressing need for change after witnessing the retirements of his rivals, Nathan Chen and Hanyu Yuzuru, post Beijing 2022.
Now, at 27, Uno seems to have found new purpose. Ice Brave features an exciting line-up of 18 routines, richly laced with his historic performances like Bolero IV. The show plans to tour through mid-July, including stops in Fukuoka and Niigata.
The spectacular 90-minute performance included a star-studded cast composed of former world junior champion Honda and his ex-coach, Olympic silver medallist Stephane Lambiel. The moment that captivated audiences was Uno’s revealing ice dance performance with Honda choreographed to the spirited track “Wild Side.”
Facing a new discipline was no walk in the park; Uno informed fans that the transition from singles to ice dance was steep, with only 10 to 20 percent of his rhythmic skating skills carrying over. It’s a demanding journey he started last autumn when he switched to ice dance. “There were many difficulties along the way,” he noted.
As speculation mixed performance reviews, questions about potential comebacks started swirling. But Uno was quick to dismiss a possible return to competitive ice dance, emphasizing, “Right now, I’m simply focused on my upcoming performances in Fukuoka and Niigata.” While embracing his past quest for competition, he longed for a sense of community, which the realm of couples skating provides. “This is just the beginning,” Uno asserted, determined to craft a remarkable future in the art of ice dance.
