Academy junior group gymnasts share their emotions from the first stage of the Cup of the Strongest

The Academy's junior group gymnasts won two gold medals and a silver medal at the first stage of the Cup of the Strongest in Kazan. They took first place in the all-around and the final with five balls, and second place in the final with five ribbons.

The team members are Anna Gryaznova, Alisa Kirpicheva, Alexandra Ponomareva, Vladislava Gaivoronskaya, Elizaveta Malashenko, and Kira Pryn.

After the performances, Anna shared her emotions from the tournament and thanked everyone who helped them prepare:

"We are very happy that we came to this competition. Of course, there were mistakes, but there were also good performances. We will continue to work so that with each tournament we become bolder and brighter. Most of all, we want to thank our coaches, Daria Olegovna and Anna Pavlovna. For their patience, for sitting with us in the gym every day, and despite everything, they always support us, believe in us, and provide guidance. We also want to say many thanks to Alina Maratovna, who gave us the opportunity to participate in such competition. She also provides us with very important advice. A big thank you to all the staff at the Academy. And we also want to say many thanks to our choreographer Elena Vladimirovna. She also works with us, motivates us greatly, and we feel indeed energized when we are with her. Many thanks to her!"

The gymnast also told how the audience should feel when they see each of their programs:

"In the balls routine, it seems to me that we should perform so brightly that everyone feels this Russian folk image and enjoys it very much. And in The Nutcracker — everyone should be completely immersed in this ballet. We also try to capture every dynamics, as Alisa says, to captivate everyone with our gaze. Sometimes we stand in front of the mirror and practice. But generally, sometimes it’s just based on our feelings."

Alisa revealed the secret of a spectacular gaze in the program with five ribbons:

"Daria Olegovna always gives us tips, telling us how to add our gaze each time. And with each time you do it, it gets better."

Kira told what was added to the exercise after the Russian Junior Championship:

"Irina Borisovna Zenovka helped us, adding accents to make the exercise clearer and brighter."

The gymnasts' coaches are Anna Ustsova and Daria Pirogova, and the choreographer is Elena Egorova.