“This program is special to us; it’s full of feelings and emotions. Having Katia’s blessing is a huge honor.” Efimova and Mitrofanov on their free program, dedicated to Gordeeva and Grinkov.
Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov discussed their free program, dedicated to two-time Olympic champions Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov.
original source: Sports by Maya Bagriantseva
In an interview with Sports correspondent Maya Bagriantseva, US pair champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov shared how their free program pays tribute to Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov, describing the inspiration, costume design, and their experience working with Gordeeva. Here’s a translation of their comments.
“Q: Your free program is dedicated to Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov. Whose idea was it?
Alisa Efimova: We love skating lyrical programs – it suits us, and we feel it deeply. Our coach Olga Ganicheva found a cover version of the song “Love Story.” We even choreographed the program based on the lyrics, without a specific storyline.
But we were a bit worried because the Canadian pair Jamie Sale and David Pelletier skated to this music at the Olympics – and they did it brilliantly.
Then one morning, Olga sent me a message: “I know what story we’re going to tell.” She sent photos of Katia and Sergei. She even managed to call Katia and get her blessing. We were amazed at how quickly everything came together – we loved the idea right away.
Q: Did you come up with the costumes quickly too?
Alisa Efimova: Yes, we wanted to hint at Katia and Sergei’s legendary costumes, but not copy them. We’re not them; this is our tribute to a great pair. That’s why the final pose is also a quote from their program. Gordeeva and Grinkov were a unique pair.
Q: As pair skaters, can you explain what made them so special?
Misha Mitrofanov: We never saw them skate live, but Alexei, our coach, trained with them for a while and remembers them well on the ice. He says they had cosmic speed – they flew across the ice. I can see now how clean, precise, and absolutely synchronized everything they did was.
They skated as one person, united on the ice. Beautiful lines, smoothness, but total control over their movements. You can’t take your eyes off them – their skating is mesmerizing, and you don’t notice individual elements, you just enjoy the whole performance.
Alisa Efimova: Katia speaks very quietly and gently in real life. She skates the same way – almost like a whisper, yet in a couple of seconds she generates incredible power with her blade. That’s a rare talent.
Q: Was it scary? That’s a big responsibility.
Misha Mitrofamov: Yes, a little. You have to skate this program cleanly for it to look the way we envisioned.
Q: What was it like working with Katia?
Misha Mitrofanov: She came for one day, and we spent several hours on the ice. Katia worked on gestures, eye contact, and hand positions. She tried to make us softer and more subdued. Now our task is to show that on the ice.
This program is special to us; it’s full of feelings and emotions. Having Katia’s blessing is a huge honor.
Q: People must have told you that your pair reminds them of Gordeeva and Grinkov.
Alisa Efimova: Yes, we’ve heard that. But I know very well where Katia is and where I am. Of course, I strive for her level, for that inspired skating and purity. I’ve always admired and will always admire this pair.”
Related topics: Alisa Efimova, Misha Mitrofanov
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