“These rules have a great future!” Judge Natalya Grokhotova talks about the Sky Grace Association

Judge Natalya Grokhotova, who came to the Academy for a seminar, works at international competitions as part of the “Dynamo for Russia’s Children” festival in Barnaul.

Natalya spoke about what it's like to evaluate exercises.  

“The judging took place as always. All of our judges are qualified. There were no discrepancies, no approaches took place. That is, everything is very calm, everything is very amicable, friendly. Well, I really liked the kids. Especially those who participate in an international tournament. They are, of course, different from the children who participate in our regional competitions. These kids are the best. This is the elite of rhythmic gymnastics who came to us. And we are very happy to look at them. And you saw what a support group they have. Of course, it was a great honor and joy for us. We watch girls a lot. Of course, the Republic of Belarus and the girls from Sky Grace have many finds.  Our children will learn from this and watch something new. For us it is very important,” the judge said. 

The judge also shared her opinion about the rules of the International Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association. 

“Many thanks to Alina Kabaeva, because here are the children who, for example, do not fit into the Russian rules a little, they can go to Sky Grace or to the international rules. And Sky Grace, of course, gives such a huge boost to children. To develop, to do complex elements, difficult finds. And this is highly encouraged in the rules. That is, complex elements are much more expensive than in the FIG rules and in the Russian rules. Let’s say, for flexibility, the Alina Kabaeva nominal element. I think these rules have a great future,” she said. 

Natalya Grokhotova noted the influence of the Association on rhythmic gymnastics in Russia.

“This is an added bonus when children perform, when we look not at decorations and rhinestones, but when we look at the specific work of the coach and the child. This is a very good innovation. Personally, I really like it because not all parents have the same opportunities. When a child comes out there, a child in a leotard that costs 100,0000, sometimes it seems that this child will show the same amount of skill on the court. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case. So I think this child should earn maybe this leotard. They will have an incentive to strive to wear this leotard. They will try harder. If you tell them that if they train well, perform well, then then as a reward you will have a leotard like that. And I think this is a very good innovation,” she said.