Shoma Uno: “Although I performed ‘Loco’ solo, skating alone felt lonely. What really excites me now is creating something with others, working together toward a shared vision.”
Shoma Uno’s “Ice Brave”: A New Chapter in Ice Dance and Artistic Expression
original source: sportiva.shueisha.co.jp dd June 17th by Komiya Yoshiyuki
On June 14, Shoma Uno’s debut self-produced ice show “Ice Brave” was held at the Ai-Chikyu Haku Memorial Park Ice Skating Rink in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture. Here’s a translation of an article posted on Web Sporttiva.
“Ice Brave” is a deeply personal project that Uno meticulously curated, composing almost all the routines with programs from his competitive years. From conceptualization and music selection to choreography and casting, Uno had his hand in every aspect of the show.
Reflecting on the themes of “Ice Brave,” he explained:
“Most of the programs revisit my competitive career, showcasing how my past performances align with who I am today. At the same time, I’m taking on entirely new challenges. In my competitive years, I focused solely on perfecting technical skills, but with this show, I wanted to confront areas I had neglected, embarking on new first steps. That’s the essence behind ‘Ice Brave’.”
Each piece held a special memory for Uno:
“For example, I placed ‘Bolero’ at the end because it’s the program that felt most complete during that season. ‘See You Again’ was an old exhibition piece, but because it’s so meaningful to me, I wanted to include it here too.”
For the numbers performed by other cast members, Uno relished the opportunity to teach:
“Explaining how I approached the choreography and recalling the challenges I faced offered valuable new insights. It was a learning experience for me as well.”
One of Uno’s solo highlights was his return to “Buenos Aires Hora Cero/Balada para un loco,” his free skate from the 2016–2017 season. Reflecting on the decision, Uno shared:
“I’ve always been fond of the original ‘Loco.’ At the time, I felt I couldn’t replicate its quality, but now, I thought I might bring something new to it. This program, like ‘Ice Brave,’ represents various milestones from my career, showcasing both my memories and programs meaningful to the audience.”
When asked if performing in “Ice Brave” made him nostalgic for his competitive days, Uno answered decisively: “Not at all.”
Reflecting on the experience, Uno continued:
“While I know I have room to grow, I also feel we’ve worked incredibly hard and achieved so much. The audience’s applause felt like an acknowledgment of our efforts—it was genuinely rewarding. Unlike singles, where my focus was solely on my years of preparation and results, here the cheering and clapping brought me real joy. I skated with a deep sense of satisfaction.”
Even in a demanding show with little downtime, Uno found fulfillment in creating something meaningful with his ensemble:
“Although I performed ‘Loco’ solo, skating alone felt lonely. What really excites me now is creating something with others, working together toward a shared vision. That’s what I find most rewarding, and it’s something I truly enjoy.”
Related topics: Shoma Uno
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