In light of the recent disasters, I have been thinking a lot about the people of Japan. My heart goes out to those who are experiencing heartbreak and hardship, as a result of the tragedies. I wish and hope that Japan will have a successful recovery.
I want to use my blog for the next week or so to pay tribute to Japan through showcasing the talent, beauty, grace, and heart of Japanese figure skaters, who are a true testament to their extraordinary country.
In today's post, I'm highlighting the reigning Olympic bronze medalist and World Champion, Daisuke Takahashi. Born March 16, 1986 (happy belated birthday!), this 25-year-old is the first Japanese man to win an Olympic medal in singles. What's so wonderful about Daisuke is that not only is he a wonderful athlete, capable of quadruple jumps--in fact he attempted the never-been-done quadruple flip in competition last season--he's also a fantastic artist. The level of passion that he brings to his competitive and exhibition routines is unmatched.
Daisuke first caught my attention in 2006 when he skated in the Olympic Games to one of my all-time favorite pieces of music, Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No.2". Commentator Dick Button brought my attention to Daisuke's pure edge control as he caresses the ice in his back crossovers. His beautiful skating style and musicality makes his presentation sparkle.
Daisuke is a 4-time Japanese National Champion, a 2-time Four Continents Champion, and the 2007 World silver medalist. The latter performance is one of my favorite Worlds skates in recent memory. Talk about uninhibited joy! Daisuke really stole the show and nearly snatched the gold from eventual winner, Brian Joubert of France.
This routine I am posting today is to "Tango de Roxanne" from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, which Daisuke skated in the exhibition following the 2007 World Championships. It's clear that Daisuke was still on fire from his silver-medal win because this performance was charged with energy, speed, attack, and his trademark passion! I remember the first time I saw this on TV from my living room in State College, and I was completely blown away. His straight-line footwork sequence and spins toward the end give me chills! If there was an exhibition competition here, Daisuke would win because he really threw down the gauntlet!
I hope you enjoy Daisuke's "Tango de Roxanne" as much as I do!
To see Daisuke's stunning "Phantom of the Opera" freeskate from the 2007 World Championships, click HERE to view my post from December.
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