Happy Birthday to the Queen of Rhythmic!

Today is Maria Petrova's birthday and I don't know where to start.

She has inspired me greatly and shaped my sense of beauty, style and success to an extent where she is not just an influence, or a role model, she is a source of admiration and joy. Many, many years ago, in 1995, I went to see Maria in practice and, with all of my lunch money that I had saved for months, I bought her this breath-takingly elegant bouquet of white lillies. The flowers were so lavish and beautiful that, when I got into the bus to go the gym where she trained, everyone moved to make room for me. Two people even offerred me a seat. Everyone tiptoed around me so as not to damage the flowers.

This is what beauty does to people: it makes you care.

I have been caring for rhythmic gymnastics for over 20 years now. Because of Maria, I think I always will.

Here she is, more beautiful than any flower, though in black:



I will always be grateful to Maria for making every movement in her routines carry emotional meaning. I will always be grateful to her for never saying "No" to a child or teenager who asked for her autograph. I will be grateful for her for becoming a fair-minded and influential judge, and just for the talented, strong, and graceful person that she is.

Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Group May Have a New Addition

I have heard that Simona Dyankova, a gymnast, who I absolutely love as an individual, is about the now join the group. I think she has a powerful personality and a unique presence on the carpet so I was a bit surprised to here that. I wrote about her in the past here.

Here is also a new ball routine she showcased at a test competition, obviously not polished but promising:



I was similarly sad when Sasha Narkevich joined the group in Belarus instead of staying as an individual but then she ended up winning an Olympic silver and a world gold, so, in the end, I was happy for her.

Moving from an individual arrangement to the group competition can be a difficult transition. It is not for everyone, but for the bravest, strongest, and most adaptable athletes out there. Change is good when we welcome it with an open heart. I still like gymnasts with great expression like Simona, so I hope she will infuse the group with her strong spirit.

Fall Butterfly Dance

In this series of pictures, I tried to capture my pre-Halloween mood and moves, and an inspiration drawn from gymnastics, ballet and dance.

I dedicate this not just to all crazy fans, but to the even crazier people who live with them, listen to them, bear with them, support them and love them.