“This isn’t the kind of season where we need to showcase something extraordinary” Elizaveta Tukramysheva is keeping her last seasons’ FP and will remake her exhibition program ‘La cumparsita’ into a SP
Interview with Elizaveta Tuktamysheva.
source: Sport24 dd. 29th August by Anastasia Loginova
This year, figure skater Elizaveta Tuktamysheva has had an exceptionally active off-season. First, she had training camps in Mexico, Turkey, and Switzerland with Alexei Mishin. Then, she participated in several shows by Tatiana Navka and toured with Ilia Averbukh in Sochi. However, this doesn’t mean that she’s not preparing for the upcoming season. In September, Elizaveta plans to perform in the open test skates of Russian national team in Moscow.
Sport24 correspondent Anastasia Loginova met with Elizaveta after the premiere of ‘Love Letters’ at the Iceberg Skating Palace. They discussed all the latest news, including her programs for the 2023/24 season, her vlog from Mexico, and even her encounter with shamans.
How did you choose the programs for the shows?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: This is the first time I’m participating in a tour on such a large scale. The exhibition program ‘La cumparsita’ with the ballet barre, I haven’t performed it anywhere except at the ‘Russian Challenge,’ and it was very well received. We decided to include it in the first act and rehearse it. ‘Snow’ was choreographed last year and worked really well with live vocals. Overall, there were no doubts about using these programs.
You mentioned that elements from previous exhibitions will be used for the short program. Is that what we saw today?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: My plan is to create a short program from the tango ‘La cumparsita.’
How is the preparation for the season going?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: It’s in a calmer mode than usual.
Coach Tatiana Nikolaevna Mishina mentioned that you missed the training camp in Kislovodsk due to medical reasons. Was it something serious?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: Knowing me, it was definitely a precaution. I never let things become serious. I’m very careful about my health. If something is even slightly off, I immediately give myself some rest.
After that, there were training camps in Turkey and Switzerland. Were they full-fledged preparatory camps or more like workshops?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: In Turkey, there was a camp with Alexei Nikolaevich [Mishin], where I was skating myself and also assisted him with the groups, just like in Mexico. It wasn’t just a workshop; I trained and helped Alexei Nikolaevich.
Sometimes you change your programs even in the middle of the season. Why didn’t you opt for a new free program this time?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: It’s a good program, quite unusual for me. Sometimes, perfection is the enemy of progress. We decided that this isn’t the kind of season where we need to showcase something extraordinary, so we kept it.
Can the free program change in the middle of the season?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: We always have that option (laughs).
Fans are worried that shows might affect the competitive season. How do you manage to balance?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: When you perform in shows with fairy tale themes, your form can actually deteriorate because the demands are not quite the same as in professional sports. In Ilia Averbukh’s shows, we skate two full-fledged programs, and I can alternate – sometimes perform the short, sometimes the free. Overall, you can maintain and build your form because you perform those same three to four minutes.
How did your coach react to your participation in a large number of shows?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: He reacted well, with understanding. He didn’t forbid it; on the contrary, he was glad that I’m in demand and being invited.
This year, you spent a lot of time in Mexico with Mishin. Were there any amusing stories?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: When we were out walking, Alexei Nikolaevich turned to local shamans. They have local shamans who cleanse the aura and the soul. It was interesting to observe what they did to Alexei Nikolaevich and with what instruments.
Did they cleanse his aura sufficiently?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: I think 100 percent. Like he was reborn.
Another off-season experiment – swimming with sharks. Weren’t you scared?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: I’m shocked that I dared to do it. Until the last moment, I thought I wouldn’t jump, but it wasn’t scary at all. The shark there was the most peaceful of all, so I wasn’t afraid that something might happen. It provided a lot of emotions.
Recently, you released a great vlog from Mexico. Whose idea was it to make videos? Who helped with the editing?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: The editing was done by a specialist who specializes in that. The idea for the vlog came from someone I know – I sometimes work with him to develop my speech, make it clearer and more articulate. He suggested making vlogs for practice, speaking more on camera. I thought that with the opportunity in Mexico, it would be a shame not to record.
Do you plan to continue making vlogs? Maybe from Sochi.
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: Yes, I plan to. I’m recording something, I just need to edit and upload it.
In the upcoming season, there will be quite a few programs set to unexpected musical compositions – Rammstein, Russian-language songs. Is there any music you would like to someday bring to the ice?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: Probably not.
So, you’re more into classical music?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: I love contemporary music; I’d gladly skate to it. But there’s no specific composition that I’ve always dreamed of performing to.
What would you like to see other figure skaters doing?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: I’d like to see more modern skating, probably. It’s much more challenging than skating to classical music, because you not only need to skate well but also dance – which is a completely different direction from the classical style. I really like it when top professional dancers perform to some lively music, where all the movements are polished. It’s inspiring and energizing.
Many athletes are now opening their own figure skating schools. Have you ever thought about that? For example, in your hometown.
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: If I’m offered the opportunity, I wouldn’t refuse. But for now, I plan to skate in shows.
Would you participate in “Ace Age” (Russian version of “Dancing on Ice”)? In what role?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: Most likely, I would agree. It’s probably easier not to take risks and stand with a microphone on the ice rather than with a partner. But in general, it doesn’t matter to me. When you skate with a new person, it’s riskier and scarier, but being a host would also be interesting.
You mentioned struggling with motivation. How will you prepare for the upcoming season, and what are you looking forward to?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: My main motivation is to be the best version of myself. That’s my main goal for the season.
Speaking of major tournaments like “Russian Challenge” and “Channel One Cup,” do you plan to participate in them?
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: Preparing for the “Russian Challenge” is a creative process, a completely different kind of competition. Such a tournament develops you not only as a professional athlete but also as an artist. It’s very interesting. I also enjoy team competitions, like the Russian Jumping Championship and the CChannel One Cup, so I’ll gladly participate.
Related topics: Elizaveta Tuktamysheva
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