"For me, each production is a whole life." Evgenia Kanaeva talks about creating exercises for gymnasts

The gymnasts presented a lot of bright and memorable exercises at the Russian Championships. Some of the characters were created by two-time Olympic champion Evgenia Kanaeva — for example, Arina Kovshova's clubs routine and Eva Kononova's ribbon performance, with which the gymnasts won silver medals.

The specialist told what it was like to see the results of her work as a choreographer at the main national competition:

"It's an interesting process. And, of course, I am grateful to the whole team, and I am grateful to Alina Kabaeva for her confidence, because Irina Zenovka, my choreographer, and Natalia Belugina also work with the girls of the Sky Grace Academy. Wonderful choreographers, from whom I also learn. This is because for me, every production is like a whole life. Arina Kovshova performed with the hoop and the ball. Some things worked out, some didn't. And I see what she is capable of. Her potential is great. And today she did an exercise with a hoop, ‘The Matrix.’ I saw her in The Matrix because for me, she's the Matrix girl. She is unique. She wants to be even better. That's also a good feature. I also staged for Anna Vakulenko. Also Eva Kononova, I composed the ribbon routine for her." 

She shared the details of the process of working with athletes:

"Of course, I am grateful to children because they embrace challenges and sometimes resort to a kind of an extraordinary vision. I said, ‘Why not give it a try? Let's do it!’ Because, after all, sport must be moved forward, there is no need to be afraid. The champions in any case are those who know how to take risks, those who are bold."