Holubtsova & Bielobrov soak in I.AM expertise

by Anne Calder | Photographs by Daphne Backman

Mariia Holubtsova & Kyryl Bielobrov symbolize Ukraine on the senior ice dance circuit. The partnership started nearly 10 years in the past. Throughout their ISU Grand Prix at Skate America, the workforce 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 in a while December 20, 2000, Holubtsova was born nearly 500 miles south in Odessa, She was three, and he was 4 after they laced up their skates for the primary time.

“I used to be a single skater,” Bielobrov mentioned.

“I, too, was a single skater, however I had extra expertise with ice dance,” Holubtsova added. “I invited Kyryl for my first attempt as a companion. It was one of the best match.”

“I had this concept to attempt ice dance for a very long time,” Bielobrov mentioned. “Our Coach, Mariia Tumanovska-Chaika, was making packages for me after I was a single skater. She was all the time proposing me to attempt ice dance. She noticed some potential.”

In 2014, Holubtsova & Bielobrov made their ISU Junior Grand Prix Sequence 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 nations and two Junior World Championships, 2014 in Hungary and 2020 in Estonia.

The workforce completed seventh on the 2016 Youth Olympic Video games in Lillehammer, Norway. Present Montreal coaching mates Marjorie Lajoie & Zachary Lagha (CAN) additionally competed on the Video games and completed fourth.

In October 2021, Holubtsova & Bielobrov made their senior worldwide debut putting fourth on the Budapest Trophy in Hungary. In December, the workforce completed behind Oleksandra Nazarova & Maksym Nikitan on the Ukrainian Nationals. Each groups competed in January on the 2022 European Championships.

The reigning Ukrainian silver medalists had all the time educated in Kyiv. Nonetheless, after the Russian invasion of their homeland in February 2022, they moved first to Oberstdorf, Germany, then to Montreal. The workforce arrived in Canada on July 2 to coach on the Worldwide Academy of Montreal with Marie-France Dubreuil and training workers.

“It was the primary time for the reason that starting of the Battle that we felt glad,” Bielobrov famous. “We actually loved working with them through 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 workforce described their emotions of awe after they first started working with the brand new coaches and skaters.

“The primary few weeks, we have been like “Out of the World” – our head was not with us,” Bielobrov confessed. “We went to observe and noticed Guillaume [Cizeron], who’s teaching now. We simply couldn’t cease our smiles.”

“We felt foolish with large smiles,” Holubtsova echoed.

“We noticed these we all the time noticed on TV and dreamed about after so many interviews. Then there was the second once we have been truly talking with them, and so they have been instructing us. You may’t focus as a result of it’s so wonderful. You might be ready so lengthy, and it’s taking place.

“First it was very arduous, like emotional, however everybody on the workforce was tremendous supportive. They have been pleasant and you can’t assist however really feel a part of the workforce. If you’re there, you’re a part of the workforce and everyone will assist you. Each physique will discover one of the best resolution.”

When Holubtsova and Bielobrov made their Grand Prix debut at Skate America, it was additionally their first time visiting the US.

“Our first journey to the US was so thrilling,” Holubtsova mentioned. “We stay 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 type was what we see within the films.

“I’m so glad to be right here at Skate America. It’s an incredible expertise to skate right here,” Bielobrov mentioned.

“At Skate America, we see {couples} with quite a lot of expertise and know now we have a lot to do,” Holubtsova famous.

“Truly, half of the competitors right here is from Montreal,” Bielobrov added. “You understand everybody nearly, so that you don’t have to consider who’s going to skate the place. You understand all the things they’re going to do, the place you must stand. It’s extra environment friendly coaching.

“In Montreal there may be a lot competitors. We’ve by no means had this earlier than. It’s probably the most aggressive Dance Academy perhaps ever.”

At Skate America, Holubtsova & Bielobrov spoke about the potential for skating at a second Grand Prix.

“We hope it’ll occur,” Holubtsova mentioned.

“We’ve been invited to Sheffield, however we first need to get a Visa. It’s very arduous. To come back right here it took us two months to do,” Bielobrov mentioned..

“After Skate America, I would like extra,” Holubtsova added. “I wish to go to Sheffield, to symbolize my nation and myself. I cross my fingers that all the things will work out, get our Visa and go to the Grand Prix.”

The workforce was issued a Visa and competed on the Sheffield Grand Prix the place they completed tenth. They’re at present coaching in Montreal, Canada.