by Anne Calder | Photos by Daphne Backman
Mariia Holubtsova & Kyryl Bielobrov characterize Ukraine on the senior ice dance circuit. The partnership started virtually 10 years in the past. During their ISU Grand Prix at Skate America, the group shared ideas with IDC about their early and more moderen skating journeys.
Bielobrov was born November 29, 2000 within the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Three weeks afterward December 20, 2000, Holubtsova was born virtually 500 miles south in Odessa, She was three, and he was 4 once they laced up their skates for the primary time.
“I was a single skater,” Bielobrov stated.
“I, too, was a single skater, but I had more experience with ice dance,” Holubtsova added. “I invited Kyryl for my first try as a partner. It was the best fit.”
“I had this idea to try ice dance for a long time,” Bielobrov stated. “Our Coach, Mariia Tumanovska-Chaika, was making programs for me when I was a single skater. She was always proposing me to try ice dance. She saw some potential.”
In 2014, Holubtsova & Bielobrov made their ISU Junior Grand Prix Series debut on the Nagoya TV Cup in Aichi, Japan.
Between September 2014 and March 2020, the Ukrainians competed at eleven Junior Grand Prix occasions in 9 totally different international locations and two Junior World Championships, 2014 in Hungary and 2020 in Estonia.
The group completed seventh on the 2016 Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Current Montreal coaching mates Marjorie Lajoie & Zachary Lagha (CAN) additionally competed on the Games and completed fourth.
In October 2021, Holubtsova & Bielobrov made their senior worldwide debut inserting fourth on the Budapest Trophy in Hungary. In December, the group completed behind Oleksandra Nazarova & Maksym Nikitan on the Ukrainian Nationals. Both groups competed in January on the 2022 European Championships.
The reigning Ukrainian silver medalists had at all times skilled in Kyiv. However, after the Russian invasion of their homeland in February 2022, they moved first to Oberstdorf, Germany, then to Montreal. The group arrived in Canada on July 2 to coach on the International Academy of Montreal with Marie-France Dubreuil and training employees.
“It was the first time since the beginning of the War that we felt happy,” Bielobrov famous. “We really enjoyed working with them during the practices.”
In September Holubtsova & Bielobrov, spent two weeks in Oberstdorf, Germany prepping for the Nebelhorn Trophy, however returned to Canada to coach till departing for Skate America in October.
The group described their emotions of awe once they first started working with the brand new coaches and skaters.
“The first few weeks, we were like “Out of the World” – our head was not with us,” Bielobrov confessed. “We went to practice and saw Guillaume [Cizeron], who is coaching now. We just could not stop our smiles.”
“We felt silly with big smiles,” Holubtsova echoed.
“We noticed these we at all times noticed on TV and dreamed about after so many interviews. Then there was the second once we had been really talking with them, they usually had been educating us. You can’t focus as a result of it’s so superb. You are ready so lengthy, and it’s taking place.
“First it was very hard, like emotional, but everyone on the team was super supportive. They were friendly and you cannot help but feel part of the team. If you are there, you are part of the team and everybody will support you. Every body will find the best solution.”
When Holubtsova and Bielobrov made their Grand Prix debut at Skate America, it was additionally their first time visiting the US.
“Our first trip to the US was so exciting,” Holubtsova stated. “We dwell in Europe and by no means have been to North America earlier than we got here to Canada. What we knew of the North American fashion was what we see within the films.
“I am so happy to be here at Skate America. It is an amazing experience to skate here,” Bielobrov stated.
“At Skate America, we see couples with a lot of experience and know we have much to do,” Holubtsova famous.
“Actually, half of the competition here is from Montreal,” Bielobrov added. “You know everybody virtually, so that you don’t have to consider who’s going to skate the place. You know all the things they’re going to do, the place you must stand. It’s extra environment friendly coaching.
“In Montreal there is so much competition. We’ve never had this before. It’s the most competitive Dance Academy maybe ever.”
At Skate America, Holubtsova & Bielobrov spoke about the potential of skating at a second Grand Prix.
“We hope it will happen,” Holubtsova stated.
“We’ve been invited to Sheffield, but we first have to get a Visa. It’s very hard. To come here it took us two months to do,” Bielobrov stated..
“After Skate America, I want more,” Holubtsova added. “I want to go to Sheffield, to represent my country and myself. I cross my fingers that everything will work out, get our Visa and go to the Grand Prix.”
The group was issued a Visa and competed on the Sheffield Grand Prix the place they completed tenth. They are presently coaching in Montreal, Canada.