To say Misha Ge is having a busy off-season is clearly an understatement. This talented young man – who tenaciously climbed the world rankings during recent years, and whose passion, enthusiasm on the ice are really palpable, and some of his fortes – also took up the job of choreographing. And not just for anyone, but for the elite of the sport. Apart from creating his own routines for the last couple of seasons, Misha worked this Spring, in Los Angeles, with Gracie Gold and Anna Pogorilaya, and, for five days at the end of May, he was invited by professor Alexei Mishin to his traditional Spring camp in Tartu, Estonia, to work with his skaters, and do some choreography in the process.
Inside Skating photographer Natasha Ponarina was in Tartu for the final days of the camp, and she extensively photo-documented Misha Ge’s work with Alexander Petrov, Artur Dmitriev Jr. and young Petr Gumennik; but Natasha was also the recipient of Misha’s own words regarding the experience, and we gladly share them with you. At the end of this recount, an open-hearted summary of the days spent in Estonia, wonderful photos await – but first, let us pass an imaginary microphone to Misha Ge.
“A few weeks ago [Misha’s recount dates June 2nd], I have worked in Los Angeles with Anna Pogorilaya on her Short Program and with Gracie Gold on her Exhibition Program. One day, I met up in LA with my manager, Ari Zakarian, and we discussed future plans. He was just back from Russia, and he told me that he had met with Mr. Mishin and they had had a conversation about me, and so Mr. Mishin said it would be good to invite me to work with his skaters and do choreography for them.
Later on, we had a phone call with Mr. Mishin, and he was serious about me coming to his camp in Estonia, and told me to start preparing music and documents for the trip. So I have planned my trip and did my best to get through my 4 visas process in 3 weeks time, since I had other shows and work waiting. Good that I made it on time and flied to Estonia…
First of all, I’m a fan of Mr. Mishin’s work since I was little, so it was an honor to work with him and do choreography for his amazing students.
I came to Tartu for 5 days only, since I had to fly to Korea, for Yuna’s « All That Skate» show after, so we had a very short time. And so, since the very first day on the ice, we started listening many different musics that I had brought, and picked styles Mr. Mishin wanted for his students.
There were many difficulties because of this short period of time. I only slept around 3 hours per night, because I had to search for music, then we listened to it at the rink, then cut it, choreographed it, but maybe they didn’t like it, so back to hotel during the break, search for new ones, repeat, and few days like that non stop… Sometimes I was still cutting music at 1am, sometimes I woke up at 5am and started working on it and do more research. But at the end, I choreographed two full FPs for Artur Dmitriev and Alexander Petrov.
Also, I have worked on Liza Tuktamysheva and Petr Gumennik’s steps and moves, by request of Mr. Mishin. We have even tried a few musical pieces for Liza, and they liked it, but she had to get back to St. Petersburg the next day because of exams, so we couldn’t do a full piece. Maybe in the future. [smiling]
I remember the last day, when I was working with 3 boys at the same time, switching from one style to another in a second… Yeah, brain overload I would say, but what an experience!
Overall, it was an amazing experience to work with these amazing athletes, under the guidance of such a master, Mr. Mishin. I want to thank my manager, Ari Zakarian, and Mr. Mishin, for such an opportunity. And I would also like to thank the skaters for their hard work, and trusting my work. It will be exciting to see them in the season”.
Photos from Tartu, May 27
Morning in Tartu: coach Alexei Mishin, alongside Misha Ge and Artur Dmitriev Jr., offering some advice before the actual day of working on steps and choreography begins…
Misha Ge, taking up his role as a teacher and choreographer so very seriously
One final thought (Misha), one final smile (Artur Dmitriev Jr.): choreographer and student are ready to start working together on Artur’s free skate for the season to follow
It’s all about gestures, charisma, distinct personality on the ice – and Misha Ge has loads of those, and wants to share
Artur Dmitriev Jr. learning all the details of his FS choreography
The 14-year-old Petr Gumennik also took advantage of Misha’s knowledge and talent in Tartu – he benefited from those while working on the step sequences of his future programs
Is this one of Michael Jackson’s trademark gestures? If that’s the case, Misha Ge is a very talented imitator – and he surely hopes to pass some of his knowing to his youngest pupil in Tartu
Considering the pose, the smile, the attitude, this sure looks like a fun, full of character free skate for Alexander Petrov the following season, as it has been choreographed by Misha Ge in Tartu; and they did seem to share a wonderful working relationship, Misha and Alexander – these photos do nothing but prove it.
And then again, Misha Ge is working with Artur Dmitriev Jr. on the Russian’s long program for the season to come
One last piece of advice to Petr Gumennik, at the end of a long, but rewarding day in Tartu, at Alexei Mishin’s traditional Spring camp
…and then there’s this: Misha Ge showing off his craftsmanship.
But the work relationship with Alexei Mishin and his group continued – the prestigious coach was invited by China’s National Olympic Committee to hold a seminar for the Chinese National Team, skaters and coaches altogether, in Beijing (July 4-6) – and Misha Ge has had a multi-tasking role in it, according to his confession on Instagram: “It’s a wrap! Misha Ge with CSA: 1st Alexei Mishin Chinese National Training Camp is a Success! It’s been a hard few weeks of preparation and organizing this camp to make it happen. To invite Professor and my Teacher Alexei Mishin to China with his skaters trough His busy schedule. And to bring most of Chinese coaches and skaters from all around China to Beijing (which, in total, was over 70 people). It’s been an honor to be: Manager, Organizer, Translator, Choreographer and Student for this great event. #ThankYouAll #Beijing #ItJustABeginning”.