It hasn’t even been two weeks, and the competitive DanceSport industry is losing another amazing couple – Evgeniy Smagin & Polina Kazachenko, who have announced their retirement from competitive dancing at the 2016 WDC World Professional Latin Championships in Moscow, Russia this past weekend.
Evgeniy & Polina’s journey started in 2007, as an Amateur Latin couple dancing for Russia. In 2010 they have turned professional, and first year in showed amazing results winning Pro Rising Star Latin in Blackpool. Today, they are known as stable finalists at most major world events and National Russian Professional Latin Champions.
This is their letter of appreciation:
Dear Friends,
Today – is the day each competitor is afraid of. But deep down, each one of us knows it is unavoidable. Today we retire from competitive dancing.
Our competitive dance life was not easy. But, it was truly a gift. We’ve had ups and downs, we’ve gained and lost, but it all taught us to be the ultimate competitors. The real human beings. Over the ears we’ve learned a lot: how to fight, cherish and love, listen and trust.
About 6 months ago, we stood here, at this exact floor as European Champions, but were not able to share our joy of victory with our coach, our guardian angel – Tone Nyhagen. She turned our lives into a truly remarkable journey. With all our hearts we are thankful for everything you’ve had done for us. For all the emotions, inspirations and knowledge you’ve put into us. There are no words to describe our gratitude and love for you.
We would also like to give our big thanks to Ekaterina Lapaeva, who is not only our couch, but a very good friend. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. For the times and all the precious moments you’ve gifted, and lived through with us. Triumphs and setbacks. Thank you for your creativity and abstractness. For being there and believing in us.
We are thanking all of the teachers and coaches, who have helped us throughout our dance careers. These are true Professionals, and we are very lucky to have crossed our dance paths with them. Thank you for sharing your experience, knowledge and your spirit of dance.
There is a lot to be said, but it wouldn’t be enough to express, the gratitude and appreciation we have towards our wonderful parents. You were always there for us, and this dance world was as much yours, as ours. Thank You for all the kind words, guidance, tears, joy and delight.
Thank you for being beside us all these years. We have worked hard, and we have made it happen – and this is the true meaning of happiness. But now, we are standing here before you for the last time, because everything eventually comes to an end.
Glory – Goes, Beauty – Stays, Dance – Lives On.
Evgeny Smagin & Polina Kazachenko
Translation: Egor Shalvarov
Photography: Elena Anashina
Exclusively for Dance Comp Review