Academy Coach Irina Dzyuba speaking about selection of preschool children for studies in the Academy

The additional educational program for preschool children will start in September in the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. Young gymnasts aged from three and a half to six will be chosen during the first week of the month.

1996 Olympic Games bronze medalist, Academy Coach Irina Dzyuba spoke about the review criteria.

"The selection criteria are pretty vast. Of course, as in any sport, you need a certain type of physique. Mobility of the child is important; how active she is. Of course, it is expressiveness, acting qualities. Maybe someone will show herself musically, with music, with dancing."

A special commission for selection and admission to the classes will identify girls that will be later distributed across small groups.

"The children that passed the selection will be contacted by our management and invited to the first training, to get acquainted with the coaches, and the girls will get into the work mode. The total lesson time for young children will be approximately two and a half to three hours. For children who are a little older, that is, five or six year old children, it will be from three to four hours. It will all vary because they will have many extracurricular activities alongside such as English, sensory skills, and all kinds of development activities."

According to Irina Dzyuba, the Academy has already received over 600 applications for the additional educational program for preschool children.