Alexander Enbert Praises Kamila Valieva’s Wakanda-Themed Free Program
Alexander Enbert, a silver medalist in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Games, spoke with socialbites.ca to share his impressions of Kamila Valieva’s new free skate. He emphasized that Valieva fully embraced the character she portrayed, presenting the routine as a self-contained on-ice production rather than a mere display of dance styles. From start to finish, Enbert felt the performance carried a cohesive artistic vision, with every moment feeling authentic and purposeful.
Watching the program live, Enbert noted that the choreography maintains a steady rhythm without excessive or chaotic transitions. The tempo shifts and quiet moments are handled with precision, allowing the four-minute free skate to unfold smoothly while still conveying variety in mood and pace. In figure skating, such a structure often serves to demonstrate different tempos, speeds, and tonalities; the purpose is to sustain narrative flow even as the routine evolves. According to Enbert, a shorter free skate leaves little room for a narrative, so music and movement must be harmonized to create continuity and momentum.
Valieva’s free program is built around memorable musical choices, including Ludwig Göransson’s Wakanda soundtrack and Rihanna’s Lift Me Up. The combination of these pieces contributes to the overall texture of the performance, reinforcing the Black Panther-inspired character with a dynamic mix of orchestral and contemporary elements. The result, as described by Enbert, is a compelling mini-production on ice that resonates with audiences and judges alike.
The discussion around Valieva’s program reflects broader questions in the sport about how program design influences interpretation and scoring. When skaters adopt a strong thematic identity, the choreography, musical structure, and pacing work together to tell a story within the four-minute framework. Enbert’s assessment highlights the value of a well-integrated concept that remains organic to the performance rather than feeling imposed by external influences.
In related reflections, another former skater, Kunica, commented on the evolving approaches to program development and the ways athletes explore narrative potential on the ice. This perspective adds context to ongoing conversations about how skaters connect personal style with audience perception and competitive criteria, including Kostornaya’s experiences and performances that have sparked discussion among coaches and fans alike.