Daniil Gleikhengauz: “We’ve finally wrapped up a tough and hellish period of creating countless programs for our skaters.”
Choreographer Daniil Gleikhengauz reflects on the challenges of creating programs and supporting ahletes.
original source: Sport24 / MatchTV
Daniil Gleikhengauz discusses the grueling process of program creation, the emotional experience of competitions, and the inspirations that fuel his creativity. Here’s a translation.
A Grueling Period of Program Creation
Daniil Gleikhengauz described the intense effort involved in choreographing numerous figure skating programs for Tutberidze’s athletes:
“Today, for the first time in two months, I’m not on the ice, and I don’t have to go to an evening session either. We’ve finally wrapped up a tough and hellish period of creating countless programs for our skaters,” he said.
Emotions During Competitions
Gleikhengauz also shared the emotional challenges of being a coach during competitions:
“Being a coach during a competition is far more nerve-wracking. You understand what it has all cost – not just for the athlete but for everyone involved. It’s about the journey that brought you to that moment, which lasts just a few minutes. But the amount of work you’ve done together to reach those few minutes is immeasurable.
There are a million thoughts running through your mind. You try not to focus on the fact that you can no longer influence anything. You’re standing behind the boards, thinking that your looks, your breaths, and your final words to them before they step onto the ice might help,” he added.
Inspiration for Choreography
When asked about where he finds inspiration for creating new programs, Gleikhengauz said:
“From everywhere. You need to watch TV shows, listen to music, travel, and walk around the city. Your brain instinctively clings to sounds, and new ideas emerge. I jot those ideas down in notes.
For instance, I attended a Cirque du Soleil show in America. As a professional, I can see what they do to create such performances. It’s incredibly inspiring.”
Identifying Future Champions
Asked how quickly he can recognize future champions in young skaters, Gleikhengauz said:
“It’s hard to say immediately when you see a child at 4–5 years old, but as a coach, you can discern what will help them in their career and what may hinder them.”
Sharing his experiences coaching abroad, he noted:
“In Mexico and the Philippines, I trained kids at skating rinks inside shopping centers. It’s normal practice worldwide. In the mornings, there were special hours for athletes in training camps, but later, amateurs arrived, and we skated alongside them.”
Approach After Unsuccessful Performances
On dealing with mistakes in competitions, Gleikhengauz explained:
“A lot depends on various factors. Sometimes an athlete might be overly nervous or make errors when calculating elements. In those cases, you don’t get upset; you understand what went wrong.
But there are instances where you’ve repeatedly pointed out mistakes during practice, and they still carry over into performances. Even then, we’re all under cameras, so you avoid criticizing heavily in public.”
Related topics: Daniil Gleichengauz
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