Niina Petrõkina, a double European champion in figure skating participating in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, invited ERR cameras to witness her ballet training. During the session, she expressed how ballet assists her in her ice skating performance but also acknowledged the intense physical demands of ballet itself. Petrõkina narrated the difficulties she faced during the training due to having forgotten her special ballet shoes and reported that her balance and turning skills had diminished owing to a lack of recent practice.

She emphasized the strenuous nature of ballet, stating that it is significantly different from her usual training on ice, where she is accustomed to stretching and performing moves suitable for skating. With ballet requiring constant turning and stretching, she feels it poses additional challenges. Petrõkina also shared that she hasn't engaged in ballet training for some time due to her busy schedule with travel, shows, and competitions.

Mentored by long-time choreographer Alina Boyko, Petrõkina appreciates the coaching she receives. Her experience highlights the intersection of ballet and figure skating, showcasing how cross-training benefits athletes by improving their foundational skills while also presenting formidable challenges. As she prepares for the upcoming Olympics, the balance she strikes between figure skating and ballet will be crucial for her performance.