Lara Naki Gutmann: “The short program tells the story of Lidia Poet’s courage and strength as she fought to become a lawyer in a society where women weren’t allowed to do so. It’s about strength, bravery, and femininity.”
Lidia Poet – A Bold Theme for the Short Program
original source: oasport.it dd. 20th Octobre 2025 by Fabrizio Testa
In an interview with OAsport, Lara Naki Gutmann spoke about her programs for the Olympic season. Here’s a translation of her comments.
“Q: Speaking of programs: last year’s ” Squid Game” received widespread praise. This season’s, however, is no exception. The short, for example, focuses on a key figure in Italian history: Lidia Poet. Can you tell us about it?
Lara Naki Gutmann: We always try to choose unique programs, and sometimes the additional attention comes when higher scores and strong technical performances enhance them. Squid Game marked the first time I worked with Stephane Lambiel as a choreographer; before that, it was strictly my coach. I loved that program so much that I chose to change it reluctantly, as I didn’t want to risk becoming tired of it.
This year, I worked with Stephane again for the free skate, but for the short program, I collaborated with Lori Nichol for the first time. Previously, I worked on my programs exclusively with my coach, Gabriele Minchio. Carolina Kostner introduced me to Lori, and that’s how the collaboration started. Lori has a different approach compared to Stephane or other professionals I’ve worked with. She pays attention to every tiny detail, which made it challenging but rewarding to truly make the program mine.
I love the short program. Lori suggested the music, which is from the Italian Netflix series The Law According to Lidia Poet. I watched the series in just three days and loved it. The program includes so many intricate details – not just in the choreography but in the costume and makeup too. Matilda De Angelis, who plays Lidia Poet in the series, has a small mark near her eye, so I tried to replicate that in my look. In the show, Lidia also has insect-shaped jewelry, so we incorporated dragonflies into the costume design.
The program tells the story of Lidia’s courage and strength as she fought to become a lawyer in a society where women weren’t allowed to do so. It’s about strength, bravery, and femininity. There are even references to justice woven into the choreography through specific hand movements and gestures. After choosing the music, I contacted composer Massimiliano Mechelli, who was thrilled that we were using his work. We keep in touch on social media, and he hopes to see me perform live someday – he even shared his enthusiasm when I sent him videos of the program to ensure he liked the music mix.
Q: And the free program?
Lara Naki Gutmann: The music for my free skate was chosen by Gabriele Minchio, who had the idea even before last season ended. The program begins with a focus on The Shark and transitions into pieces that represent the ocean and its waves toward the second half.
When I skate to this music, I feel free – the music builds and grows, creating the sensation of moving through an infinite ocean, carried by the waves. It gives me a lot of strength, especially during the last section, where the choreographic sequence helps me connect deeply to the emotions of the program at its conclusion.”
Related topics: Lara Naki Gutmann
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