Figure skating

Alexey Zheleznyakov / Photo: © Personal archive of Alexey Zheleznyakov

A free position has appeared at the headquarters of Eteri Tutberidze. Choreographer Alexey Zheleznyakov will now work elsewhere. The departure of a shocking specialist raises questions: did he decide on his own or was he asked to do so?

So far there are many blank spots in this story.

“I left on my own”

The first reports of Zheleznyakov’s dismissal appeared on November 19. According to RIA Novosti Sport, Tutberidze personally showed the choreographer the door. The reason for the separation is not specified.

Zheleznyakov himself stated that no one kicked him out. According to the specialist, the decision was made by him.

– I left on my own. But I have enough work, even too much,” Zheleznyakov told Match TV.

Later, information appeared that the choreographer had not been working for Tutberidze for more than a month, but this was not publicly reported anywhere. Why such secrecy? And who ultimately tells the truth?

The methods gave results

Alexey Zheleznyakov is a cult personality in Russian figure skating. Since 2008, he worked at the headquarters of Eteri Tutberidze, training her students in dance. Before that, he had nothing to do with figure skating – his career included performances in dance ensembles and airsoft tournaments.

Alexey Zheleznyakov / Photo: © Personal archive of Alexey Zheleznyakov

Zheleznyakov believed that figure skaters do not need regular physical training classes and can easily be replaced with dancing. In his classes, athletes worked according to the methodology used at the Bolshoi Theater – the choreographer made only minor changes taking into account the specifics of sports. Alexey also emphasized thinking and suggested that athletes use associations, as if replaying the performance in their heads in advance.

Zheleznyakov’s methods produced results. His work is visible in the programs of all the star students of Khrustalny. Yulia Lipnitskaya, Evgenia Medvedeva, Alina Zagitova, Anna Shcherbakova, Kamila Valieva – they all worked in Alexey Valentinovich’s hall.

Anna Shcherbakova Photo: © Dmitry Chelyapin / Match TV

Successful collaboration with Tutberidze was combined with personal projects. Zheleznyakov led a sports and dance studio where dancers, figure skaters and swimmers trained.

Bright and unrestrained

In the entire headquarters of Eteri Georgievna there was no more shocking employee than Alexei Zheleznyakov. He stood out for his vivid comments in the public space and this distinguished him from the more private Tutberidze, Dudakov and Gleikhengauz. But his activity in the media and social networks sometimes backfired on him.

The conflict between Alexey Zheleznyakov and Evgeni Plushenko caused a great resonance. The choreographer did not like that the two-time Olympic champion and coach spoke negatively about Tutberidze and her staff. The specialists exchanged barbs several times, and in January 2021, Alexey could not stand it and challenged Evgeny to a duel. Then there was even discussion about organizing a boxing match, but it didn’t come to a public fight. Nevertheless, Zheleznyakov and Plushenko remained in opposition and often argued on social networks.

Eteri Georgievna and other employees of her headquarters did not always like Alexei Valentinovich’s publicity. According to a number of sources, Tutberidze asked Zheleznyakov to keep his mouth shut and refrain from loud statements. Other coaches were also unhappy with the choreographer and even advised him to turn off the Internet. The specialist managed to quarrel with some media outlets, accusing them of slander and distortion of his words, but there were no legal proceedings.

Alexey Zheleznyakov / Photo: © Personal archive of Alexey Zheleznyakov

An attempt to whitewash Eteri?

Zheleznyakov was often called “Tutberidze’s most devoted employee.” For her sake, he was ready to publicly gnaw at anyone’s throat: the conflict with Plushenko is clear proof of this. Zheleznyakov always spoke about Tutberidze in a positive way and debunked many myths around her person.

— Eteri is a serious person, fanatical about work, and approaches everything incredibly meticulously. She never revels in her power, everything is always to the point. If a person doesn’t suit her, then she’ll simply say goodbye without explaining many of the nuances,” Zheleznyakov noted in a July interview with RIA Novosti Sport.

The last sentence now reads differently. Did Alexey Valentinovich really leave on his own? Did it happen that Eteri Georgievna broke up with him without explanation? And the words about voluntary departure are nothing more than an attempt to whitewash Tutberidze’s actions?

In any case, the outrageous choreographer is now busy with other projects. And all that remains is to wish him good luck in this.