Russian national team choreographer Irina Zenovka spoke about preparations for the Alina-2024 festival

The  choreographer of the Russian national team Irina Zenovka revealed the secret of the performance that will open the Alina-2024 festival.

“I am preparing four performances. This is the opening performance dedicated to the 90th anniversary of rhythmic gymnastics in Russia. As you know, rhythmic gymnastics originates from Russia and we have the anniversary this year — 90 years. This is what the routine is dedicated to, starting from ancient Greece and ending with modern gymnastics. Several segments will be there: Ancient Greece, a segment about Isadora Duncan, the forerunner of rhythmic gymnastics, and a segment dedicated to the emergence of rhythmic gymnastics objects — a dance with the ribbon. And modern gymnastics, where we will try to show all the ultra, all the elements at the moment,” she said.

Irina also spoke about other productions for the festival.

“There will also be a middle-eastern performance. And a performance where gymnasts, the participants of the Sky Grace competitions will take part. They will come from a variety of countries. And incredible little children of the Academy that are three years old, and five years old. And plus a performance about the friendship of Russia and Belarus. We are like sisters: Russia and Belarus,” the choreographer said.

The choreographer of the Russian national team explained in detail what the Alina festival means to her personally.

“First of all, this is, of course, creativity. And a great joy, and a great opportunity for me to make some new unique compositions. Inspiration, first of all, of course, comes from the gymnasts themselves, from the participants of these performances,” Irina said.

She also shared her impressions of rehearsals at the Academy with the students and the youngest athletes from free early development groups.

“I am very happy and pleased to work with the girls from Sky Grace. We have established a creative union. And working with young children is an extraordinary happiness. They are absolutely wonderful and  cheerful children. And we handed them each a ball and we even managed some elements with and without a ball. I am very pleased. I hope it all works out, “ she said.

This year the Alina festival will be held for the 13th time, but for the first time in two countries. On March 2 it will be hosted by the Academy in Sochi, and on March 5 by the Belarusian Minsk Arena.