Okay, so I was going through some of Shoma's junior programs and I am absolutely baffled by the costumes he wore at the 2013 Junior Grand Prix in Riga. Like, he only wore them for this one competition and then never again. The short program costume is kinda ugly imo, but that blue costume he wore for Steps is gorgeous! Probably my favorite of all of his junior costumes and he only wore it one time! The blue boot covers were a statement too! That Steps costume is way better than the one he replaced it with which just reminds me of Bluebird costumes from the Sleeping Beauty ballet (idk if there are any other ballet fans out there lol). Sorry, this isn't really even a question, I just think that the Riga Steps costume is extremely underrated! (My only complaint is the unnecessary illusion mesh at the neckline, but at least it matches his skin tone nicely.)
I'd also just like to appreciate for a second the unusual changes of time signature in Steps. The first section is in 5/4 meter, then it changes to a standard 4/4 during the slow part with the step sequence, and finally, the last part is in 6/8 (as best as I can tell, I'm still kinda bad at distinguishing 6/8 from 3/4). It took me until like the 8th viewing of this program to notice this which I guess speaks to the fact that these changes in metre don't look the slightest bit clunky on Shoma's skating. I guess it helped that he kept this program for two season, too. I wish more skaters would use music with funky metres, though I realize that could make timing jumps more difficult. If there are any other skates you know with funky time signatures, please recommend! :D
Hey anon, thanks for the detailed "ask"
I think more ppl should go back to watch Shoma's junior programs, it's astounding how good he already was at such a young age.
Here is the JGP Riga 2013 "Steps" costume in question
Shoma always had many costumes for his programs, I really cannot tell why we see costumes many times and some only for once. I guess it has to do with how comfortable Shoma feels in his costumes back then and now too.
"Funky" music is seldom I think because it's very difficult to skate to it and also it's difficult to make judges like something so extraordinary. In general I think skaters mostly remain in a comfort zones of music. I can't recommend any other "funky" program though I am sure there are some, but I can't remember.
