Choreographer Ekaterina Belova talks about new workouts of Academy students

Ekaterina Belova, the former artist of the State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble named after Igor Moiseyev and the Academy choreographer, talked about January changes in girls’ training.

"The children returned after vacation, after the New Year and Christmas holidays. They had a rest. Of course, they trained, kept in shape, but still something left their legs, their arms, their muscle memory. As a rule, in choreography schools, in classical choreography education, a new class, a new barre, and a new middle are given from the second half of the year. The memorized and practiced elements at the machine are strengthened: exercise and so on."

The choreographer also described new training sessions in detail.

"So the girls and I were learning combinations: Batman tandu and Batman tandu jeté. I added athletic rubber bands to their legs for a deeper muscle workout needed for these elements, to properly open up the leg. That is, those deep muscles that are not engaged in their normal practice when they are training."

Ekaterina Belova also assessed achievements of Elvira Belyaeva and Ksenia Savinova.

"I see the progress of Elya and Ksyusha. I see, and the coach makes a note of it, and Alina Kabaeva noted it. I am very pleased that the girls’ feet and legs have become cleaner."