On September 14th and 15th, Russia’s national figure skating team held open test skates at the Yubileyny Ice Arena in St. Petersburg. As usual, the skaters debuted the programs they’ll be performing in the new competitive season.
For the ice dance duo of Vasilisa Kaganovskaya and Maxim Nekrasov, this was their first appearance as an official pair in a competitive setting. Last season, they performed together in the “Russian Challenge” show and in Ilya Averbukh’s ice show. While the test skates aren’t scored with placements, the programs are judged under ISU rules, and both skaters and coaches receive feedback from judges.
After their rhythm dance, Vasilisa and Maxim shared their thoughts in the mixed zone.
Your first time skating together in an almost competitive atmosphere as a new team. How did it feel?
Vasilisa:
Oh, I’ve said this a lot today, but I’ll say it again—it was really nerve-wracking! Our biggest challenge was to fight through the nerves. A year off is a long time, and we wanted to show everything we’ve worked on during that break. Overall, we’re happy with our skate. We know what we need to improve, and we’ll keep building from here.
Tell us about your rhythm dance—how did you choose the music and prepare?
(They pause and laugh as they glance at each other.)
Have you been asked this question five times already?
Vasilisa:
No, this is actually the first time today! Well, let’s just say we didn’t get too creative—like many others, we went with Elvis Presley (laughs). We wanted something that fit our style and energy. We listened to different tracks and this one just clicked for us. What else was in the question? I’m feeling like Dory the fish right now (smiles).
That’s fine, I think you’ve covered it. Do you know when your first competition will be?
Vasilisa (looking at Maxim):
Is Krasnoyarsk the first one?
(Nekrasov shakes his head no.)
Vasilisa:
What? Oh right, I really am like Dory (laughs). We’re heading to the Panin Memorial.
Nekrasov:
We’ll compete at the Panin Memorial in two weeks. As for the Grand Prix, we’re not ready to talk about that just yet. But we’re aiming to compete as much as possible—we need to get into the rhythm of competition.
You haven’t been skating together for long. How do you feel about your connection on the ice so far?
Vasilisa:
Honestly, we felt connected pretty quickly. There wasn’t an awkward phase where we had to adjust to each other. Right from the first practice, it felt natural and comfortable to skate together.
Maxim:
There’s always room for improvement though. That’s just the way it is.
Vasilisa:
That’s every figure skater’s favorite line! But yes, we’re still working on getting to the point where we can read each other perfectly, even with our eyes closed.
Maxim:
Like Yin and Yang.
Last season, you performed in Ilya Averbukh’s show. How was that experience?
Vasilisa:
It was amazing.
Maxim:
Yeah, it was awesome.
Vasilisa:
It wasn’t my first time doing shows—I also worked with Ilya last year. I love the atmosphere. The audience at these shows is always so warm. The cast is full of stars, which is just incredible. We got to spend time with some legendary athletes, and everyone was so friendly. We really had a blast—it was an unforgettable experience.
As for the “Russian Challenge” show, we’re glad our first performance as a team was in a show setting. It was a lot less stressful than jumping straight into the competitive season…
(Maxim gives Vasilisa a skeptical look.)
Vasilisa:
Okay, fine, it was still nerve-wracking (both laugh). But not as much. It really helped us get back into the groove, even if it was just a show.
Nekrasov:
Yeah, just remembering what it’s like to skate in front of a crowd.
Vasilisa:
Or even just remembering how to skate at all! (laughs)
By Liudmila Orlova, St. Petersburg