“Dance is the rhythm of your life” (Interview with Artemy Katashinsky)

Perhaps, in the field of sports dances it is difficult to find athletes who have more regalia than Artemy and Marina Katashinsky. They are Masters of Sports in sports dancing, 8-time Russian champions, two-time European and world champions, participants in several dance television projects, including Dance Revolution - Channel One and Dancing on TNT last season. They are engaged in teaching activities and run the ArtMari Dance School, where lessons are held not only for children, but also for adults, who, if desired, can learn how to dance from scratch from the duet of Artemy and Marina Katashinsky.

Artemy Katashinsky will tell about the role that various dance competitions and tournaments play in the life of a brother and sister, how difficult it is to prepare for them and what awards they are most proud of.

 

 

HP: Do you remember your first gig? Where did it take place, what place did you take?

 

ARTEMIY: I remember our first performance very well. It was a competition in one of the Moscow recreation centers, in which we took 17th place. And it was a success in its own way - we went through several tours and were very happy about this opportunity. At that time, we did not even have professional clothes for performances. I danced in a cotton shirt bought from a general store. Marina was in a skirt and blouse. We even had to persuade the judge to allow us to compete. Of course, we have already prepared more thoroughly for the second tournament.

 

HP: What awards are you most proud of?

 

ARTEMIY: First of all, our title awards at the World Championships, European Championships, Blackpool Dance Festival final twice, International final, Albert Hall and various awards that we received.

 

GP: Is there any difference in the organization of dance competitions at home and abroad?

 

ARTEMIY: Some time ago we always looked up to an organization abroad. But today we know how to make tournaments and competitions in such a way that many organizers from Europe and America learn from us.

 

 

GP: How is the preparation for the championship going? How much do you have to train?

 

ARTEMIY: Preparation for each championship is fundamental. This means that you need to practice a lot. The preparation day is usually divided into three parts. In the morning, as a rule, there is a special functional training. During the day - functional, in the evening there may be some additional training in the form of such areas as classical barre, choreography, jazz, modern dance. In addition, there is a lot of work between workouts - we work, we teach. I would say that the preparation for the championships is a rather difficult period.

 

GP: Are there any strict rules, restrictions?

 

ARTEMIY: We have a doping control. There are also strict rules and regulations, which, in principle, relate to the preparation, organization, and holding of tournaments. Therefore, we can say that we have every extra action on the account.

 

GP: If you were offered to build a career in another country, would you agree?

 

ARTEMIY: We are quite regularly offered to live and build a career abroad. But all people are probably alike, and we are no exception. Therefore, before making such a fateful decision, we calculate the benefits, and in this matter, an accurate calculation is the main criterion for us in moving.

 

GP: Have there ever been any funny incidents at performances?

 

ARTEMY: Yes, and very often. Curious incidents at performances are far from uncommon. For any dancer, it is customary, for example, to roll on the weight of the parquet during the performance of the dance due to a fall. I remember well one case: when we once flew to Boston for a tournament and, due to the difference in time zones, overslept it. It's good that several tournaments were planned there, which we eventually got to. But we missed the first one.

 

GP: Do you follow any special diet to stay in shape?

 

ARTEMIY: Of course we do. But without fanaticism. Our knowledge, which we received in a sports university, is bearing fruit. We know how to eat before the tournament, what foods to include in the diet before the competition, so that it has a positive effect on functional processes. In ordinary life, I do not deny myself anything. As for unhealthy foods, I don't really eat them.

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