For 2015 U.S. junior champion
Andrew Torgashev, skating is a form of art, a creative process that allows him to express true emotion.
His artistry carried him to fourth place at both Junior Grand Prix assignments in Latvia and Croatia this season. Torgashev will compete this week at the 2019 Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy, part of the ISU Challenger Series in Dongguan, China, where he hopes to continue to push himself as a senior competitor. "I want the audience to see a difference in my passion," adds Torgashev.
Expect to see pieces of original choreography in both of his programs this year. His short is "Bloodstream" by Tokio Myers, a song he first heard performed on
America's Got Talent, which sparked his initial vision for the program. His free skate is Tosca "E Lucevan le Stelle" by Giacomo Puccini, an emotional opera about loss and heartbreak.
Torgashev notes, "Both programs allow me to be original and not be ordinary."
Since last season, his relationship with his coach, Christy Krall, has strengthened as the duo has grown beyond their first year challenges. Up until last year Torgashev was coached by his parents, Artem Torgashev and Ilona Melnichenko. "She (Christy) knows that my focus is on improving my technique and combining that with individual artistry," says Torgashev.
Away from the ice, Torgashev takes to canvases to express his creativity. Through drawing, spray painting, and free hand acrylic work, he creates personal masterpieces inspired by fellow artists' work. "For me, art serves as a positive distraction that in turn influences my skating. I do it more to fuel my creativity than to push talent." states Torgashev.
He remains training at the Broadmoor Skating Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he notes, "I have a healthy and hardworking training environment that constantly pushes me." Looking ahead to the remainder of this season and beyond Torgashev acknowledges, "My ultimate goal is to leave an impact on the sport and I have a lot more I wish to accomplish."
Tune in this weekend to watch Torgashev take the ice at the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy in China!
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