Tatiana Navka, the celebrated Olympic Gold Medalist and visionary behind some of the most spectacular ice shows globally, is all set to mesmerize Indian audiences with her latest production, “Scheherazade – The Ice Show”. Blending the art of figure skating with the enchanting tale of Arabian Nights, this grand spectacle promises to be a visual and emotional treat. As Tatiana brings her team of world-class skaters to Ahmedabad’s EKA Arena in India for the first time, she shares her excitement about discovering Indian culture, connecting with new audiences, and the inspiration behind bringing this magical story to life on ice. Here are the excerpts:
1. Gujarat is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, garba nights, vibrant textiles, and unique and flavorful cuisine. What have you heard or experienced so far about Gujarat’s culture and food? Are there any local dishes or cultural experiences you’re excited to try with your crew while you’re here?
Gujarat’s amazing culture and delicious food are legendary! I’ve heard about the beautiful traditional dances like Garba, can’t wait to explore the stunning textiles, and the incredible variety of vegetarian dishes. The aroma of local spices and the colorful presentation of the food are sure to be a feast for the senses.
I approach travel as an opportunity to learn. Whether it’s tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations, witnessing vibrant cultural traditions, or savoring unique flavors, each experience leaves a lasting impression. This constant learning process feeds my creativity, inspiring new ideas for my projects.
2. Ice skating is not something we commonly associate with India. How do you think Indian audiences, especially those in Ahmedabad, will connect with this fusion of theatre, ice skating, and Arabian tales?
India is one of the most powerful and rich cultures in the world at the same time open to everything new. I am happy that I have an honor to introduce Ahmedabad to the world of figure skating. NAVKA SHOW is a team that unites the world champions, true stars of figure skating that our country is proud of. Our skaters hold a rich tradition, deeply rooted in athleticism, artistry, and a commitment to excellence. As you know, Russia has a long history of producing excellent figure skaters. From the legendary “Golden Age” of the Soviet era to the current generation of champions, Russia continues to be a powerhouse in the sport. Our school of figure skating values emotional storytelling on the ice. Russian figure skating is more than just a sport; it is a cultural phenomenon that embodies grace and a deep appreciation for artistic expression.
“Scheherazade’s Love story” is also an amazing theatrical performance. Every element—from the intricate choreography and dramatic lighting to the spectacular costumes and immersive storytelling—creates an unforgettable experience. We hope Ahmedabad will love our grand-scale ice show. We all value India’s expertise in visual arts – it is a country of Bollywood and storytelling. I believe that “Scheherazade” on Ice will resonate with audience because it blends the magic of Arabian tales with the visual spectacle of ice-skating. The combination of theatre, music, and visually captivating performances will create a unique experience for everyone.
3. “Scheherazade” is such a beautiful and iconic tale. What inspired you to bring this Arabian Nights story to life on ice, and what makes this production special for an audience in Ahmedabad/ India? You’ve performed in many countries around the world. How do you adapt your performances to different cultures? Have you made any special tweaks for Indian audiences?
“Scheherazade” is a timeless and beautiful story of love, and adventure. We worked on an original scenario that blends different cultures, periods of history, opens new storylines – this makes it perfect for a global audience. We introduce an episode with a tribute to amazing Indian dances and costumes. I wanted to bring this enchanting multicultural tale to life on ice through the beauty of figure skating.
The remarkable mastery of sound design and visual effects gives the audience a visually stunning experience taking the show to unprecedented level! I’m driven by a relentless desire to push boundaries and achieve more with each new project. I’m always on the hunt for groundbreaking solutions – ideas that are truly unique and have never been seen before. I hope we will win the hearts of Indian audience.
4. The “Scheherazade – Ice Show” is a grand production with cutting-edge technology, stunning choreography, and grand costumes. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind blending technology with the art of figure skating?
The core of ‘Scheherazade’ lies in the harmonious marriage of traditional figure skating artistry and cutting-edge technology. We didn’t just want to add cool visual effects; we wanted to use technology to enhance the storytelling and create an immersive experience that would transport the audience to a magical world.
We wanted to convey the mystique and wonder of the Arabian Nights, capturing both the delicate beauty and the dramatic intensity of the tale. The choreography became our foundation – it was a symphony of movement, designed to evoke the emotions of the story through every step, every jump, and every spin. We envisioned how technology could amplify these emotions, adding depth and dimension to the storytelling. We worked with a team of visual designers to create stunning projections that would transform the ice into fantastical landscapes, shimmering palaces, and bustling marketplaces. The lighting design was carefully crafted to accentuate the skaters’ movements, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the intricate details of their costumes. We used state-of-the-art sound design to create a powerful soundscape that blended orchestral music with the evocative sounds of the Arabian world. The music swelled and diminished with the story’s emotional peaks and valleys, helping to draw the audience deeper into the tale. But the technology wasn’t just about creating spectacle; it was about enhancing the storytelling. We wanted the technology to complement the skaters, not overshadow them. The choreography was designed to flow seamlessly with the projections and lighting, creating a harmonious blend of movement and visual artistry. In the end, we created a production where technology became an invisible partner, enhancing the emotional power of the storytelling and allowing the artistry of figure skating to shine even brighter.
5. You’ve achieved so much in your career as an Olympic Gold Medalist. What was the transition like from being an athlete to producing and directing large-scale ice shows like this one?
It was definitely a big change! Going from being solely focused on my own performance on the ice to leading a team of talented skaters, choreographers, and designers was a steep learning curve. But it was also incredibly rewarding. As an athlete, I was used to the discipline and dedication required to push my own limits. This carried over into the world of producing, where the pressure is just as intense, but the stakes are different. Now, I’m responsible for bringing a vision to life, for ensuring the entire show runs smoothly, and for making sure every single detail, from the costumes to the lighting, contributes to the overall impact of the performance. The transition required a lot of adaptability and learning new skills. I had to learn to delegate, to trust my team, and to see the bigger picture. I had to become a leader, not just a performer. It’s been challenging, but it’s also been an amazing journey of personal and professional growth. I’m so grateful for the experiences I had as an athlete, because they’ve given me the foundation to succeed as a producer. The discipline, the work ethic, and the drive to push boundaries – these are all qualities that have been invaluable in this new chapter of my life.
6. India loves its stories, from Bollywood to traditional folk tales. What is your favourite part about storytelling through the medium of ice skating? How do you feel it adds to the emotional depth of the tales in “Scheherazade”?
Storytelling on ice isn’t just about a group of skaters performing tricks and jumps. It’s about using movement, artistry, and emotion to create a narrative that resonates deeply with the audience. Imagine the power of watching a classic ballet, but with the added dimension of athleticism, grace and speed that only ice skating can provide. Skating allows for fluid, expressive movements that can convey a character’s inner world, their struggles, and their triumphs in a way that’s both captivating and unique. In a production like ‘Scheherazade,’ the choreography is meticulously crafted to mirror the story’s emotional arc. The skaters become characters, their every glide and leap embodying the emotions and events unfolding on the ice. The artistry of their movements, combined with the dramatic music and stunning visuals, helps to transport the audience into the world of the tale. It’s in those moments when the audience gasps, laughs, or sheds a tear that we know we’ve truly captured their hearts and imaginations.
7. You’ve mentioned that your youngest daughter, Nadya, has been a great inspiration for you, especially when it comes to the idea of creating your own figure skating school. Can you tell us more about this dream? What do you hope to achieve with your school, and how do you envision nurturing the next generation of young skaters? Any plans to bring the academy to India?
Seeing Nadya’s eyes light up on the ice, her pure joy and dedication to the sport, ignited a fire within me. It reminded me of my own journey, the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped me as a skater. I knew then that I wanted to create a space where other young talents could experience the same magic, the same thrill of gliding across the ice.
My figure skating school isn’t just about teaching techniques and perfecting jumps. It’s about fostering a love for the sport, building character, and nurturing dreams. I want to create a community where young skaters can learn, grow, and support each other. It’s about instilling the values that have guided me throughout my career: discipline, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I want to impart the importance of teamwork, of learning from each other, and of celebrating both individual successes and the collective spirit of the team.
My vision is to create a legacy that extends far beyond medals and championships. I want to inspire a generation of skaters, empowering them not just with the skills to succeed on the ice, but also with the tools to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential in life.
Bringing this academy to international level would be a dream come true. India has a rich cultural heritage and a deep appreciation for artistic expression, which I believe would perfectly complement the beauty and grace of figure skating. I envision young Indian skaters finding their voice on the ice, representing their country with pride and inspiring a new wave of passion for this incredible sport.
8. Finally, what message do you have for your fans in India who are eagerly waiting to watch “Scheherazade” on ice?
Me and our team can’t wait to bring “Scheherazade” on Ice to Ahmedabad! There is no feeling like the connection between a figure skater and their audience. When you see the genuine appreciation, the tears of joy, or the thunderous applause, you know that you have touched their hearts with your performance. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
