20 of the Best Skating Programs from the Fall of 2016
By Isobel Moody
17. Maia & Alex Shibutani (USA): Free Dance
Maia & Alex Shibutani have had a few programs in their past which have been crowd favorites. Their Coldplay free dance last year especially attracted accolades, along with competitive success, as least once they tweaked the original version of it. This did raise one concern about this season. How were they, main coach Marina Zueva, and her coaching team going to top that?
The answer: take on the composition by Estonian composer Arvo Part called “Seigel im Speigel,” add another piece arranged by Alex, title the program “Evolution,” and go for the sublime. This dance takes the Shibutanis to an emotional depth they’ve never quite been to before. From the showcasing of their bond as brother and sister, to one innovative lift that works perfectly with the program, to the quiet climax at the end. The program is like one single, long breath of air. There are some terrific free dances this year, but this one might just be the best of them all.
Who knows how they’re going to top this one for the Olympic season. But during this one, they can continue to bring the house down, especially as they are now favorites to defend their National title, and their chances at repeating as World medalists aren’t too shabby either.