From December 1st to 3rd, the Circus Life team covered this year’s Yaskrava Arena festival in Lviv (Ukraine). The event kicked off with the Freedom UA show, which featured young circus performers.
Katia Larina, a 13-year-old handbalancer from Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region, won the hearts of the audience with her performance in the circus ring. The quality of her act, the emotional intensity, the movement aesthetics, and her appearance were nothing short of captivating. We decided to talk with Katia to learn more about her.
Discover Katia’s journey in handbalancing, along with her aspirations and accomplishments in our interview.
First off, Katia, could you share a bit about your journey in the world of circus arts? Where did you start, and why did you choose handbalancing over other disciplines?
I began with traditional gymnastics, joining when I was just 5 years old. As I grew older, I realized I wanted something new. So, at the age of 8, I joined the Arena circus studio named after Valentyna and Volodymyr Mak in Kostiantynivka.
When I first joined the group, I couldn’t do much, so I worked hard to improve my skills. They set me up with my first act on an aerial hoop, which was a super cool experience because I love performing in the air. That’s when I became a star of the Dnipro Circus at the Yaskrava Arena festival [laughs].
Later, my coach, Natalia Horiela, encouraged me to try handbalancing. At first, I was unsure, but I eventually agreed. Then I realized how really cool and beautiful it was. Out of all the disciplines, handbalancing resonates with me the most.
Our team had the pleasure of meeting you at the Yaskrava Arena festival. Could you share what this event meant to you and how you became involved?
I was invited to Lviv by Olha Oblasova, the director and organizer of the Yaskrava Arena circus festival, an event we’ve been attending for many years. You know, this festival was a bit sad for me. While performing my act to the song “I Have No Home” I was almost crying, picturing the destroyed homes and so on.
For me, this festival was so meaningful. However, the most important part of the event was reuniting with my friends.
Could you please tell us more about the Arena circus studio where you trained?
Yes, its full name is Arena Exemplary Circus Team Named After Valentyna and Volodymyr Mak. It was located in Kostiantynivka. I can say that our team was very friendly. Most of the team members were girls; there were very few boys.
Unfortunately, all the students of the studio had to leave the town due to the full-scale war (Kostiantynivka is a frontline town – ed. note). Some went abroad, while others stayed in Ukraine.
Who helped you master handbalancing? To whom can we extend our gratitude for nurturing you as a performer?
First and foremost, I owe thanks to my mom. When I decided to pursue handbalancing, I learned a lot on my own, and my mom played a crucial role in that. She watched videos, read tips for beginners, and then shared and explained to me what I was doing right or wrong.
Does your mom have a background in sports or circus arts?
She was a track and field athlete. When I transitioned from gymnastics to circus arts, she also became interested and started to read and learn more about it.
We also reached out to Katia Larina’s mother, Olena, for a brief comment.
Ms. Larina, Katia shared that you were the person who supported her the most in mastering handbalancing. Could you tell us about that experience and how you became so involved in circus life?
Katia was encouraged to start practicing handbalancing by her coach at Arena. The coach said, “Let’s give this a try, she’ll succeed”. Following that, Katia started training with Yevhen Fadieiev, who also trained at the studio and had long been working in this discipline. He instructed her on how to do handstands and fine-tuned my daughter’s techniques.
When the COVID-19 quarantine began, Katia continued to improve her skills at home. I took on the role of her guide, encouraging her to embrace new challenges. I watched other performers’ tricks, tried to analyze and understand certain elements, sought advice from qualified coaches, and read relevant literature.
It was she who helped me dive into all this. She’s persistent – even if she can’t do something the first time, she keeps trying until she succeeds. Watching her efforts, I did everything I could to support her journey.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to mothers considering whether their children should pursue circus arts? How does one raise the next Katia Larina?
I believe the child decides which art form to pursue, but parents can pique a child’s interest in a particular direction. We were very lucky with the coaches, as Katia was eagerly training with them, and each of the coaches contributed to her growth.
Katia, could you please share your schedule? How much time do you dedicate to training?
Currently, I don’t follow a regular training routine, as I’m performing in the Kristaly show with the Recirquel company. We have 2–3 shows daily, with Monday being our only day off.
However, when I do have training sessions, I practice six days a week. I spend three hours practicing with props, two hours on muscle-building exercises, and one hour on stretching exercises.
Katia preparing to perform at the Yaskrava Arena festival
With such a demanding schedule, do you find that you experience a different lifestyle compared to other teenagers? How do you manage to balance circus and school?
I don’t feel disconnected from my peers. Regarding school, we strive to balance studying, performing, and training, but it can be challenging. It’s always work, work, work.
Tell us about your work. How did you begin working on the Kristaly show, and who extended the invitation to you?
When I first arrived in Hungary in 2022, I spent some time getting in shape and training. I’m particularly grateful to Svitlana Momot from the Old Circus studio. She took me under her wing and allowed me to train with her students.
Later, Kristian Kristof noticed my talent in Budapest and recommended me for a role in the Kristaly show. They were looking for a handbalancer, and so they took me in.
Initially, we had lots of training and rehearsals. Now, I’m working in this program, and I must say it’s probably the most beautiful show I’ve ever been a part of. When I watched it, I couldn’t take my eyes off it.
As an accomplished performer, what do you consider to be your most significant achievement to date? And do you have any dreams for the future?
Firstly, I’m proud that I was able to master handbalancing. It’s a very complex discipline, with many fine details. Secondly, I’m proud to work in a show like Kristaly because it’s particularly challenging to secure a role.
Regarding the future, since childhood, I’ve dreamed of performing in the world-famous Cirque du Soleil.
I remember coming home after one of my first aerial gymnastics sessions and excitedly telling my mom, “Mom, I want to be a performer at Cirque du Soleil” [laughs].
What do you enjoy most about circus arts?
You experience and enjoy a variety of emotions during the performance. The same holds true for training. When you’re practising, you think, “Cool, I can do this”. It brings immense joy.
Where can our readers watch the show featuring you if they are in Budapest? And what are your plans following your time with Recirquel?
The best way is to check the schedule on the Recirquel website. We perform several shows daily, with Monday being our only day off.
As for the future, I don’t have any specific plans yet.
Would you consider offers from Ukraine? For example, if the National Circus invited you to join their team?
I wouldn’t refuse such an offer.
Follow Katia Larina on social media: instagram.com/katialarina557/
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