"They all have legs like ballerinas." Bolshoi Theatre soloist Anna Tikhomirova shared her impressions of the training session with the Academy gymnasts

Anna Tikhomirova, the First Soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, shared her impressions of conducting a masterclass for the gymnasts of the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy: 

"I am very happy that I finally made it here, because this is my first time in Sirius. I’ve heard so many amazing reviews about this place from my colleagues, but I am truly inspired by the girls. A year ago, I noticed them on the 'Big and Small' project on the Kultura TV channel. I was absolutely captivated by their professionalism and grace, and I wanted to share my own experience and knowledge with them, so I gifted them a master class certificate back then."

 The ballerina shared details about how the training session went and what she wanted to emphasize:

"We did ballet barre exercises, center work, and jumps. At the end, I even showed them a piece from a global masterpiece. It was Mikhail Fokin's 'The Dying Swan,' which was danced by Anna Pavlova and Maya Mikhailovna Plisetskaya. I realized that they are, without a doubt, fantastically well-trained, they all have legs just like ballerinas, with pointed feet, extended knees, and amazing lines. But I noticed a bit of stiffness, probably because they are always under such pressure and carry such a heavy workload. So, I wanted them to open up in their dance, to feel that movements can be done with ease and enjoyment. It really is possible." 

Anna Tikhomirova also recalled the performances of Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva and explained why her exercises remain the gold standard of rhythmic gymnastics:

 "This is exactly what always made Alina Kabaeva stand out — you simply couldn’t take your eyes off her on the carpet because she was truly dancing. She performed the incredibly complex movements, yet you saw was that unbelievable smile and that really sheer drive on the stage. Just talking about it gives me goosebumps now. I remember those routines, and that is truly the gold standard of rhythmic gymnastics, how it should be. And I really hope the girls, they watch all of this too and absorb it." 

The First Soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre noted that she would like to return to the Academy: 

"I hope I will find the time to come back here again. The comfort is incredible. All these light tones and the quality of the training halls. The people are so welcoming. If I were a child, this would have probably been my dream."