“Do top-level female athletes need a bitchy personality? If someone called me that in the context of sports, I’d probably take it as a compliment.” Interview with Vasilisa Kaganovskaia and Maxim Nekrasov
Vasilisa Kaganovskaia and Maxim Nekrasov reflect on teamwork, technique, and growth in ice dancing.
original source: RT dd. April 1st by Elena Vaitsekhovskaya
In an interview posted on RT, ice dancers Vasilisa Kaganovskaia and Maxim Nekrasov discuss overcoming challenges as a new pairing, their approach to skating, and the importance of teamwork and mutual compromise in their success. Here’s a translation.
On Adjusting as a New Duo
Asked about her experience adjusting to a life without a partner before teaming up with Nekrasov, Kaganovskaia shared: “Losing a partner is a major stress for any ice dancer because it essentially leaves you without work. But Max and I found each other so quickly that I didn’t even have time to feel lonely, to be honest.”
Nekrasov mentioned their initial challenges: “The biggest issue wasn’t what you’d expect, but rather our significant height difference.” However, Kaganovskaia disagreed, saying: “It was more about our completely different techniques. We skated in different coaching systems with vastly different approaches. It took a long time for us to adapt to each other to feel comfortable.”
The pair spent considerable time under coach Alexei Gorshkov, where Kaganovskaia focused on learning his technique: “It wasn’t about being made to feel like I couldn’t skate. I knew our different techniques wouldn’t allow us to progress as quickly as we wanted, so this work was essential. I treated training with Gorshkov as an opportunity to gain valuable new skills.”
On Height and Presentation
Kaganovskaia noted that having a taller partner was essential not only for technical elements but also for visual harmony: “It was important to look balanced on the ice. I’m not very tall — definitely not 1.7 meters — but height in ice dance gives the performance power and grandeur. Of course, it also makes certain lifts more challenging.”
On Their Successes This Season
The duo received widespread acclaim for their performances this season. Nekrasov credited Angelika Krylova, one of their coaches, for his improvements in choreography: “I’ve gotten much better at using my upper body, and that’s thanks to her. Our coaching team strikes a great balance — one coach hones our technique, and the other perfects our choreography.”
Kaganovskaia reflected on their growth: “We’ve improved in many areas, from skating skills to program presentation. It feels very rewarding.”
On Team Dynamics and Leadership in Ice Dance
Asked whether Kaganovskaia dominates in the partnership, Nekrasov jokingly replied: “Well, sometimes…” Kaganovskaya countered: “That’s not true! I don’t like discussions about who’s the leader in a pair. For me, a successful partnership relies on both people compromising and adapting — otherwise, it’s not a real team.”
When asked about the stereotype of top-level female athletes needing a bitchy personality, Kaganovskaia laughed: “If someone called me that in the context of sports, I’d probably take it as a compliment. Unfortunately, I’m not always like that, but I’m working on it.”
On Ice Dancing Mechanics and Their Signature Style
Kaganovskaia explained what it means to have chemistry as a pair in ice dance: “It’s when you feel your partner so well that you can skate back-to-back, making parallel movements perfectly without even thinking about it. But achieving that level of synchronicity requires countless hours of detailed practice.”
She emphasized the importance of storytelling in their programs: “Nobody simply skates to music without meaning. Even top duos like Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron certainly have underlying stories in their pieces — it creates depth. Without a story, it’s just empty choreography, no matter how beautiful the music.”
Nekrasov reflected on their contemporary take on “Moonlight Sonata”: “Initially, I had doubts because it was such a step aside from our more dynamic past programs. However, during run-throughs, I began realizing how well it fit us.” Kaganovskaia added, “I never doubted it. I knew it would highlight Maxim’s elegant lines and our potential.”
On Inspiration and Motivation
The two also drew inspiration from past greats in the sport. Nekrasov noted they have tried lifts performed by Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and others. Kaganovskaia revealed that they dream of attempting the lift from Meryl Davis and Charlie White’s “Scheherazade,” where Davis jumps onto White’s shoulders mid-flow.
Asked about the most challenging acrobatic lifts in the sport, Kaganovskaia defended Papadakis and Cizeron: “Some say their lifts are so simple even kids could do them, but that’s far from true. We’ve tried imitating some elements, and they are not easy. The effortless way they’re executed just makes them look simple.”
On Social Media and Stress Relief
Kaganovskaia spoke candidly about her stress-relief habits: “Sometimes, I feel the urge to shop for creams, masks, and other skincare products — it’s about balance. It’s not just for makeup but a self-care ritual that improves my mood.”
Regarding social media, she explained: “We don’t treat it as a job, but rather as a way to connect with fans who follow us and wait for updates. It’s quick, simple, and gives positive energy both ways.”
On Big Goals and Compliments
Nekrasov admitted his desire to scale Mount Elbrus one day, though he doesn’t see himself as a risk-taker in extreme sports like skydiving.
Meanwhile, Kaganovskaia shared her most cherished compliment: “Hearing positive feedback from someone as iconic as Maxim Marinin (2006 Olympic pairs champion) was incredibly motivating. Compliments from such legends fuel the passion to grow and improve even more.”
Their dedication to each other and their craft sets them apart as a pair that not only strives for technical brilliance but also values deep emotional connections and artistic storytelling in their performances.
Related topics: Maxim Nekrasov, Vasilisa Kaganovskaya
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