“Waiting for a partner for years is not a solution”
— How did they begin in figure skating and, in particular, how did synchronized skating enter their path?
Koltsova explains that her mother inspired her to start skating, a dream she pursued to honor a parent. She later felt drawn toward synchronized skating after observing the Crystal Ice team practicing at Sirius during a single-skating training camp. The idea of teamwork, grips, line work, and dynamic routines captivated her. She told her mother, “I want this,” and after a year of singles, she switched to synchronized skating, certain it was the right move. It proved to be a decision they never regretted.
Lobacheva’s backstory differs slightly. Her parents introduced her to skating after catching a glimpse of her on television and discovering a nearby ice rink. She skated singles until thirteen, when rapid growth and a dip in jump coordination led them to explore something new. Her mother suggested trying synchronization; although unsure at first, she gave it a chance and found she loved it, embarking on her second year on the ice.
— Were their beginnings in Moscow, or did they come from other places?
Lobacheva is a Moscow native.
Koltsova grew up in Kostroma and notes that many athletes relocate to Moscow for ice dancing, doubles, or singles, supported by a strong federation and top coaches. She even mentions her sister’s journey into a major tournament, where she advanced to the semifinals before meeting the current Russian champion. It was a milestone that highlighted opportunities within Russian figure skating. [Source: socialbites.ca]
— How did the sister manage to join such a major event? Was entry simply requested and approved?
Koltsova recalls that their coach studied the regulations, concluded that participation was possible, and encouraged it. They did not expect qualification for the individual tournament, yet the stability of triple jumps stood out against the risks of quadruple jumps. It became an instructive experience for Katya.
— When the switch to a new style occurred, was there an option to pursue pairs or dance instead?
Lobacheva answered that options existed, but finding a partner in dance proved difficult. Waiting for years was not feasible, so synchronization emerged as the practical path forward.
“We spend the night at each other’s houses to get some sleep.”
— How did they join Evgeni Plushenko’s program and which performances have followed?
Koltsova explains that synchronized skating began in earnest when she joined the first team of the sport category. They were invited to a New Year’s show in Moscow as the second act, and since then Evgeni Viktorovich and Yana Rudkovskaya have continued to invite them. Their shows come regularly, not only on holidays, and the team travels and collaborates with other skaters across cities and countries, sharing the energy that comes from doing it all together. It’s a collaborative momentum that fuels every start.
— Rehearsals for large-scale shows often happen at night. Is it hard to blend this with regular training?
Lobacheva notes that plans can shift at any moment. Intense rehearsals may occur just before a performance, and the two days leading up to a show bring a peak in effort to finalize every element, coordinate with solo skaters, and polish the routine. It can be demanding, yet they manage it.
Koltsova adds that they sometimes sleep over at teammates’ homes when convenient, while directors pass notes and wishes, and coaches push them to refine each segment inside the arena. In new cities, rehearsals continue with directors up until the curtain rises.
— The show’s main director is Nikita Mikhailov, who oversees programs for singles and couples. How is the collaboration?
Lobacheva describes Nikita as meticulous and attentive, providing detailed guidance while keeping a close, practical connection with the skaters.
Koltsova emphasizes his openness to ideas, often suggesting, “We can try this here,” and receiving a positive, “Yes, great, let’s do it.” He steers them in the right direction, maintaining a high level of creativity and immersive involvement in every detail of the process.
“China is an unforgettable country!”
— In Plushenko’s series and the Russian Seasons program, they shared moments with single skaters such as Yulia Lipnitskaya, Ksenia Sinitsyna, and Elizaveta Nugumanova. How did this collaboration unfold?
Lobacheva notes that all skaters are open and communicative. When something isn’t clear, they can explain it to one another, and the professional bond makes collaboration smooth, especially when adapting new elements. It’s a supportive environment where both sides help each other learn.
Koltsova adds that synchronized skating often draws attention from new audiences who are surprised by what they see. Before each Axel element, Lipnitskaya encourages them with, “Girls, I believe in you, keep going, you are the best.” Alexander Plushenko, known to fans as Gnome Gnomych, also figures into their stories. They enjoy watching viewers react to the distinctive turns and staged moments that come with their choreography. The experience is entertaining and enlightening, with several moments of shared laughter as unusual formations appear on the ice. [Source: socialbites.ca]
— Has anyone expressed a desire to switch to synchronized skating after witnessing the performances?
Koltsova believes others simply want to engage with the atmosphere and test what it feels like to skate in this style.
— During shows, changing costumes and photos is common. How many wardrobe changes occur in a single evening, and is it stressful?
Lobacheva explains that the pace varies by show. Some productions allow time to switch outfits and rest briefly, while others demand a rapid sequence of changes before continuing the program.
— They performed at Plushenko’s China show last summer. What stands out from that trip?
Lobacheva says China holds a special place in her heart. Koltsova concurs that China was unforgettable, two weeks filled with travel, performances, and shared moments with single skaters, plus visits to iconic sites and parks. They stayed connected with the single skaters and supported each other’s music during warm-ups. Their training included on-ice practice, general physical training, and cross-country runs, maintaining the rigorous preparation of a seasoned touring team. The senior group also joined a camp in Kazan, complementing the touring schedule with active preparation and performances. [Source: socialbites.ca]
— Do they know what the next shows will be?
Koltsova believes the producers hold the specifics, with the team focusing on the current season’s start and the ongoing training cycle. [Source: socialbites.ca]
— Do they think synchronized skating will gain broader popularity through these appearances?
Lobacheva answers affirmatively: more visibility means more curiosity about the sport, and greater demand for exhibitions will follow. Koltsova agrees, noting strong backing from Evgeniy Viktorovich and Yana Aleksandrovna, who arrange opportunities for public performances and further experience. Their support is described as generous and deeply valued by many in the skating community. [Source: socialbites.ca]