Artistry Group
for Figure Skaters & Rhythmic Gymnasts
About Program
An 8-week program designed to help athletes become more expressive, musical and convincing performers.
Most athletes train their technical elements every day.
Skaters work on jumps, spins and steps.
Gymnasts focus on apparatus technique and difficulty.
But the artistic side of performance is rarely trained systematically, even though it strongly influences how judges perceive the routine.
Most athletes train their technical elements every day.
Skaters work on jumps, spins and steps.
Gymnasts focus on apparatus technique and difficulty.
But the artistic side of performance is rarely trained systematically, even though it strongly influences how judges perceive the routine.
The Program
8 Weeks of Artistic Performance Training
8 Weeks of Artistic Performance Training
The program combines dance training, musicality exercises and performance techniques adapted specifically for aesthetic sports.
Each week focuses on one of the key components of expressive performance.
During the program we work on:
Each week focuses on one of the key components of expressive performance.
During the program we work on:
-
Expressive arms and upper body movement - Musical phrasing and accents
- Movement quality between elements
- Gaze, focus and facial expression
- Character and emotional atmosphere
- Stage presence and confidenc
- The ability to truly hear the music and translate its nuances into movement, rather than just counting beats.
- Movements that carry intention and emotion, making every gesture meaningful and captivating.
- The skill of commanding attention and filling the space with energy, so the audience feels engaged throughout the entire routine.
- Creating a believable world on the ice or floor, transforming a set of elements into a compelling story.
What Athletes Improve in 8 Weeks
During the program athletes develop:
Expressive upper body and arms
Clearer musical timing and rhythm
Confident gaze and facial expression
Stronger stage presence
Ability to communicate music and character through movement
Smoother and more natural transitions between elements
| Why its important A technically strong routine can still look empty if artistic skills are not trained. When artistry improves, programs immediately look more alive and convincing, which can positively influence artistic scores. |
Results
After completing the program, athletes will:
Breath Awareness
Use breathing consciously during performance, creating smoother and more natural movement
Rhythmic Precision
Show clearer musical timing and rhythm
Conscious Arm Artistry
Use arms and upper body consciously instead of mechanically
Emotional Storytelling
Communicate music and character through movement
Continuous Engagement
Maintain an alive presence during the performance instead of moving “from element to element”
Expressive Eyes & Face
Control gaze and facial expression to support the music
Performance Confidence
Look more confident and emotionally engaged during performance
Artistic Completeness
Create a more interesting, expressive and convincing program or routine
Please note that results depend on the athlete’s starting level at the time of joining the program.
Who This Program Is For
This program is designed for competitive figure skaters and rhythmic gymnasts who want their performances to look more expressive and complete — not only technically correct.
The program is especially helpful if:
The program is especially helpful if:
- Your routine feels mechanical between elements1
- You feel unsure how to express the music2
- Your arms or upper body look stiff or unclear3
- You struggle with eye focus and stage presence4
- Your coach tells you to “be more expressive” but you don’t know how5
- You want your performance to look more convincing to judges6
Many athletes train extremely hard technically, but artistic skills are rarely developed with a clear structure.
This program provides exactly that structure.
This program provides exactly that structure.
The exercises are designed so they can be applied directly to skating programs and gymnastics routines.
Over the 8 weeks athletes build a strong artistic foundation that will continue to improve future performances.
Over the 8 weeks athletes build a strong artistic foundation that will continue to improve future performances.
Vera Kontio
Choreographer • Dance Educator • Expressive Movement Coach
I am a choreographer and dance teacher with more than 14 years of experience working with dancers, figure skaters and athletes in aesthetic sports.
I graduated from St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts (Department of Choreography) and later continued my studies in Finland.
I completed a Master’s degree in Performance Art at Theatre Academy Helsinki (University of the Arts Helsinki).
Today I live and work in Finland and collaborate with athletes and coaches internationally.
I currently work as part of the team with Olympic coach Marina Shirshova and Olympic figure skater Iida Karhunen, supporting the development of skating programs and artistic performance.
My work focuses on helping athletes develop:
• expressive movement
• musical interpretation
• artistic presence
• convincing performance quality
I combine principles from dance, acting and sports choreography to help athletes become more expressive and confident performers.
I graduated from St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts (Department of Choreography) and later continued my studies in Finland.
I completed a Master’s degree in Performance Art at Theatre Academy Helsinki (University of the Arts Helsinki).
Today I live and work in Finland and collaborate with athletes and coaches internationally.
I currently work as part of the team with Olympic coach Marina Shirshova and Olympic figure skater Iida Karhunen, supporting the development of skating programs and artistic performance.
My work focuses on helping athletes develop:
• expressive movement
• musical interpretation
• artistic presence
• convincing performance quality
I combine principles from dance, acting and sports choreography to help athletes become more expressive and confident performers.
Program Format
Start: April 5
Duration: 8 weeks
Duration: 8 weeks
Sundays
19:30 – 20:30
Helsinki time
19:30 – 20:30
Helsinki time
Format: Live online sessions via Zoom
All sessions are recorded.
Each session includes:
• practical movement exercises
• musical interpretation training
• expressive movement training
• tools that can be applied directly in training
Participants also receive practice tasks to help integrate the work into their skating or gymnastics training.
All sessions are recorded.
Each session includes:
• practical movement exercises
• musical interpretation training
• expressive movement training
• tools that can be applied directly in training
Participants also receive practice tasks to help integrate the work into their skating or gymnastics training.
Program Options
Choose the format that fits your goals.
BASIC
Recorded Access
Recorded Access
- Access to all lessons in recording
- Weekly structured tasks & explanations
- Group materials
- No personal feedback
€120 / 8 weeks
Join now
FLEX
Recorded + Feedback
Recorded + Feedback
- Access to all lessons in recording
- Weekly structured tasks
- Group materials
- Weekly individual feedback on submitted homework
€180 / 8 weeks
(5 spots)
Join now (5 spots)
STANDARD
Live Participation
Live Participation
- Live participation in lessons
- Corrections during the session
- Weekly homework
- Individual feedback
Priority registration €270
Join now
PREMIUM
Individual Focus
Individual Focus
- Everything from STANDARD
- 4 individual online sessions
- These sessions focus on program or routine analysis and expressive performance work.
• personal recommendations for the program
• priority communication
• extended detailed feedback
- Best for competition-focused athletes who want maximum individual attention and direct improvement of artistic performance.
Priority registration €670
Join now Important Information
Payment is made once for the full 8-week program.
Limited number of spots to ensure quality feedback.
Limited number of spots to ensure quality feedback.
Feedback
Browse feedback on one-on-one sessions
FAQ
No. About 2×2 meters is enough for the exercises.
Yes. All sessions are recorded so participants can review them later.
Yes. Many exercises can be applied directly to both skating programs and gymnastics routines.
The program is mainly designed for competitive athletes but can also be useful for different levels.
Final Invitation
Your routine can look completely different when the artistic side is trained.
If you want to develop musicality, expression and performance quality, join the 8-week Artistry Training program.
Reserve your place.
If you want to develop musicality, expression and performance quality, join the 8-week Artistry Training program.
Reserve your place.
