Andrei Mozalev
- Thread starter Mariott
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2022
Tonight we’ll meet the silver medalist of our little competition.
Actually, we’ve already met. Put on your sportswear and caps, sit back and relax—don’t be shy, we’re all friends here. Fasten your seatbelts—and here we go.
#2 “Chernyi Bumer”
Presented in Ilya Averbukh’s “Champions on Ice” show in September 2025 (6 shows).
Choreographers: Eteri Tutberidze, Daniel Gleichengauz
Music: Seryoga - Chernyi Bumer
Image: a comedic little hooligan from the 2000s driving his car in search of adventure and new girlfriends.
Video from the 2025 spring show in Moscow; I couldn’t find a high-quality video from Averbukh’s show.
Perhaps someone will ask again: is it appropriate to include this program in the 2025–2026 program rankings? I’ll answer: Dima Aliev got sick, so Andrei went on the fall tour with Averbukh in his place and performed his spring programs there. If he performed this program after the start of the 2025–2026 season, it can be here and will be here. Dixi.
Actually, I’m really glad I had the chance to see this program for the second year in a row. I’d keep it for a third season—it’s that great—but that’s obviously unrealistic.
In my opinion, this is Andrei Mozalev’s most successful and therefore most memorable show program. It has everything: a dynamic storyline, humor, self-deprecation, fun, vivid characters, and moments of group interaction. And Russian viewers also feel that special, poignant sense of nostalgia—the kind you can’t program or conjure up with a snap of your fingers—that paints everything in vivid colors and makes you recall the most pleasant moments of the past. This season, they tried to achieve the same effect with “Batareyka,” and they partially succeeded, but the reaction was still more subdued. “Bumer,” however, went off like a festive fireworks display.
I’ll repeat what I wrote earlier: this was exactly what we expected from Andrei —a bold new image, radically different from anything he’d shown before. And that inspired the choreographers to create a different program for Andrei for the new season—vibrant, dance-oriented, dynamic, and full of energy. One that left everyone speechless with admiration. You probably already know who took first place in my rankings, but come back next night anyway to watch the awards ceremony.
Actually, we’ve already met. Put on your sportswear and caps, sit back and relax—don’t be shy, we’re all friends here. Fasten your seatbelts—and here we go.
#2 “Chernyi Bumer”Presented in Ilya Averbukh’s “Champions on Ice” show in September 2025 (6 shows).
Choreographers: Eteri Tutberidze, Daniel Gleichengauz
Music: Seryoga - Chernyi Bumer
Image: a comedic little hooligan from the 2000s driving his car in search of adventure and new girlfriends.
Video from the 2025 spring show in Moscow; I couldn’t find a high-quality video from Averbukh’s show.
Perhaps someone will ask again: is it appropriate to include this program in the 2025–2026 program rankings? I’ll answer: Dima Aliev got sick, so Andrei went on the fall tour with Averbukh in his place and performed his spring programs there. If he performed this program after the start of the 2025–2026 season, it can be here and will be here. Dixi.
Actually, I’m really glad I had the chance to see this program for the second year in a row. I’d keep it for a third season—it’s that great—but that’s obviously unrealistic.
In my opinion, this is Andrei Mozalev’s most successful and therefore most memorable show program. It has everything: a dynamic storyline, humor, self-deprecation, fun, vivid characters, and moments of group interaction. And Russian viewers also feel that special, poignant sense of nostalgia—the kind you can’t program or conjure up with a snap of your fingers—that paints everything in vivid colors and makes you recall the most pleasant moments of the past. This season, they tried to achieve the same effect with “Batareyka,” and they partially succeeded, but the reaction was still more subdued. “Bumer,” however, went off like a festive fireworks display.
I’ll repeat what I wrote earlier: this was exactly what we expected from Andrei —a bold new image, radically different from anything he’d shown before. And that inspired the choreographers to create a different program for Andrei for the new season—vibrant, dance-oriented, dynamic, and full of energy. One that left everyone speechless with admiration. You probably already know who took first place in my rankings, but come back next night anyway to watch the awards ceremony.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2022
Dear friends, we have just one hidden entry left on the list, and tonight I am delighted to reveal that final spot. Ladies and gentlemen, please give me a moment of your attention as I introduce the winner of my unofficial contest: Andrei Mozalev’s best program of the 2025–2026 season. Please turn on the music, let’s get moving. No, no, you won’t be able to sit this one out—everyone has to dance. Everybody, yeeeeah, move your body, yeeeah!
#1. Dancing zombie
Short program of the 2025–2026 season.
Performed at all competitions of the season. The most successful performance was at the 2026 Russian Championships. The most fun and relaxed skate, though not without mistakes, was at the Channel One Cup.
Choreographers: Eteri Tutberidze, Daniil Gleikhengauz
Music: Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
Image: a zombie from the ’90s who showed up at a party and rocked it.
Well, what can I say! Nothing but words of admiration. This is a really cool program; it’s better than all the others, without a doubt. It’s a major event. Thanks to Eteri Tutberidze, who insisted that after Bumer Andrei absolutely had to have a dance short program. Thanks to her and Daniil Gleikhengauz for the choreography. Perhaps for a competitive program, it’s a bit overloaded with all sorts of moves like breakdancing on ice, but that’s not so bad. But we saw that Andrei’s smooth, rolling movements can be used not only in slow, sad, and lyrical programs. It’s possible to choreograph a cheerful, dynamic program so that the skater can skate at a pace that’s comfortable for him and won’t be forced to rush to keep up with the music.
For so many years fans have been saying they wanted to see a different Andrei, they wanted him to step out of his comfort zone and try something new—and he did it, and it turned out really cool. Many skaters stick to the same role for years, performing lyrical or dramatic programs and not daring to choose energetic music, or, conversely, throwing a disco on the ice, only to look ridiculous and out of place in romantic and lyrical programs. Andrei proved that he can be versatile, that he can look natural in both lyrical and such modern, rowdy roles. Plus, this program perfectly showcased his inner charisma and excellent sense of humor, since in real life he’s a very cheerful guy. It worked perfectly as a competitive program and fit very well into the show’s format; he didn’t even have to put together a second show number, as was the case last year. In short, they nailed this program 100%.
Eteri Tutberidze’s team is working to develop Andrei Mozalev in various directions; he gets both lyrical and daring dance programs. And that’s great, because there’s nothing worse for a figure skater than becoming a prisoner of a single image, skating the same routine year after year to different music. We’re looking forward to July—very soon we’ll find out what they’ve prepared for Andrei for the 2026–2027 season! We’ll meet here again in a year to wrap up the season. In the meantime, I’m taking a short break before I start ranking the best costumes of the 2025–2026 season. See you soon!
#1. Dancing zombie
Short program of the 2025–2026 season.
Performed at all competitions of the season. The most successful performance was at the 2026 Russian Championships. The most fun and relaxed skate, though not without mistakes, was at the Channel One Cup.
Choreographers: Eteri Tutberidze, Daniil Gleikhengauz
Music: Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
Image: a zombie from the ’90s who showed up at a party and rocked it.
On competition
On show
On show
Well, what can I say! Nothing but words of admiration. This is a really cool program; it’s better than all the others, without a doubt. It’s a major event. Thanks to Eteri Tutberidze, who insisted that after Bumer Andrei absolutely had to have a dance short program. Thanks to her and Daniil Gleikhengauz for the choreography. Perhaps for a competitive program, it’s a bit overloaded with all sorts of moves like breakdancing on ice, but that’s not so bad. But we saw that Andrei’s smooth, rolling movements can be used not only in slow, sad, and lyrical programs. It’s possible to choreograph a cheerful, dynamic program so that the skater can skate at a pace that’s comfortable for him and won’t be forced to rush to keep up with the music.
For so many years fans have been saying they wanted to see a different Andrei, they wanted him to step out of his comfort zone and try something new—and he did it, and it turned out really cool. Many skaters stick to the same role for years, performing lyrical or dramatic programs and not daring to choose energetic music, or, conversely, throwing a disco on the ice, only to look ridiculous and out of place in romantic and lyrical programs. Andrei proved that he can be versatile, that he can look natural in both lyrical and such modern, rowdy roles. Plus, this program perfectly showcased his inner charisma and excellent sense of humor, since in real life he’s a very cheerful guy. It worked perfectly as a competitive program and fit very well into the show’s format; he didn’t even have to put together a second show number, as was the case last year. In short, they nailed this program 100%.
Eteri Tutberidze’s team is working to develop Andrei Mozalev in various directions; he gets both lyrical and daring dance programs. And that’s great, because there’s nothing worse for a figure skater than becoming a prisoner of a single image, skating the same routine year after year to different music. We’re looking forward to July—very soon we’ll find out what they’ve prepared for Andrei for the 2026–2027 season! We’ll meet here again in a year to wrap up the season. In the meantime, I’m taking a short break before I start ranking the best costumes of the 2025–2026 season. See you soon!
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2022
Okay, folks, it’s time for my ranking of Andrei Mozalev’s costumes from the 2025–2026 season! Big spoiler: there were almost no terrible, weird, or ridiculous costumes this season, so I’m barely making fun of any of them. Well, just a tiny bit, right at the beginning. But seriously, all the costumes are good—they’re a pleasure to look at. And there are plenty of them; this is a real top 10 
I enjoyed picking the best one from among them.
I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Let’s go!
#10 #9 #8 #7 #6 #5
#4 
#3 #2 #1
I enjoyed picking the best one from among them.I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Let’s go!
#10 #9 #8 #7 #6 #5
#4 #3 #2 #1
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2022
In tough years like this one, even good costumes end up at the very bottom of my list. I can’t even say it’s bad or that something was missing from it. I’m just tired of it.
And the main downside is that I’m already getting tired of this outfit. It’s nice, but maybe for next season you could pull something else out of the capsule collection of basic clothing for the modern young man? Please! I’m begging you!
Come back tomorrow to find out which of Andrei’s costumes I liked just a little more than this one, even though they’re very similar.
#10 That white shirt that really got on my nerves
For performances on the Tutberidze show.
Music: assorted
Image: a romantic young man in white.
In 2024, I wrote literally that:
You could say it’s my own fault, but damn it, Andrei, why are you following my recommendations so literally?
We had three seasons of show programs in jeans and a black T-shirt; now we’ve had two seasons of show programs in jeans, a T-shirt, and a white shirt, and we’re waiting for the third. Are there really no other options?
We saw this look in “Prayer” (in the fall of 2025 in Ilya Averbukh’s show), we saw this look in “Battery” (in the spring of 2026 in Eteri Tutberidze’s show). Nothing new, except that the light blue T-shirt was replaced with a white one. What’s more, on the eve of the New Year’s holidays, the traditional closed-door show “Magic on Ice” took place. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a full recording of Andrei’s performance, so I wasn’t able to include this items in my programs list. But we do have some clips, and guess what costume Andrei was wearing? Yes, yes, your wild imagination didn’t deceive you. It was a white shirt.
Actually, I understand why it`s happens. All these stories he tells on the ice are about an ordinary guy, whether he’s in love or going through a breakup, so he doesn’t need a complicated costume. And basically, this image of the “ordinary guy with a touch of melancholy” carries over from one show routine to the next, so why come up with something complicated? Plus, it’s economical—no one wants to spend extra money on a costume for a show routine that, frankly speaking, is only performed a few times a season. I accept all the logical arguments, but I still feel a little cheated.
By the way, if you thought that this is Andrei’s everyday clothing—that he arrives wearing it or simply pulls it out of a bag, puts it on, and goes to perform his routine—you’re very much mistaken. This outfit is treated with care, just like a theatrical costume; it’s carried in a garment bag, hung on a hanger, and carefully steamed before the performance. In the video, you can see how this doing in Vladivostok. Here’s the one interesting behind-the-scenes moment from the show.
Of course, this outfit has its merits, and I should mention them. It’s a beautiful and pleasant color combination that evokes a sense of calm and isn’t distracting in itself. In fact, I really love the combination of “blue or light blue jeans + something white on top,” much more than jeans paired with a black T-shirt. It’s romantic and, to some extent, even sexy. It doesn’t distract from the skater; our attention isn’t scattered. I like the idea of a loose shirt that drapes beautifully over the body while skating and highlights the beauty of these complex poses, as in these photos:
One downside of the outfit is that the white shirt emphasizes Andrei’s broad shoulders and chest, making him look a bit bulky:
For performances on the Tutberidze show.
Music: assorted
Image: a romantic young man in white.
In 2024, I wrote literally that:
You could say it’s my own fault, but damn it, Andrei, why are you following my recommendations so literally?
We had three seasons of show programs in jeans and a black T-shirt; now we’ve had two seasons of show programs in jeans, a T-shirt, and a white shirt, and we’re waiting for the third. Are there really no other options?
We saw this look in “Prayer” (in the fall of 2025 in Ilya Averbukh’s show), we saw this look in “Battery” (in the spring of 2026 in Eteri Tutberidze’s show). Nothing new, except that the light blue T-shirt was replaced with a white one. What’s more, on the eve of the New Year’s holidays, the traditional closed-door show “Magic on Ice” took place. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a full recording of Andrei’s performance, so I wasn’t able to include this items in my programs list. But we do have some clips, and guess what costume Andrei was wearing? Yes, yes, your wild imagination didn’t deceive you. It was a white shirt.
Actually, I understand why it`s happens. All these stories he tells on the ice are about an ordinary guy, whether he’s in love or going through a breakup, so he doesn’t need a complicated costume. And basically, this image of the “ordinary guy with a touch of melancholy” carries over from one show routine to the next, so why come up with something complicated? Plus, it’s economical—no one wants to spend extra money on a costume for a show routine that, frankly speaking, is only performed a few times a season. I accept all the logical arguments, but I still feel a little cheated.
By the way, if you thought that this is Andrei’s everyday clothing—that he arrives wearing it or simply pulls it out of a bag, puts it on, and goes to perform his routine—you’re very much mistaken. This outfit is treated with care, just like a theatrical costume; it’s carried in a garment bag, hung on a hanger, and carefully steamed before the performance. In the video, you can see how this doing in Vladivostok. Here’s the one interesting behind-the-scenes moment from the show.
Of course, this outfit has its merits, and I should mention them. It’s a beautiful and pleasant color combination that evokes a sense of calm and isn’t distracting in itself. In fact, I really love the combination of “blue or light blue jeans + something white on top,” much more than jeans paired with a black T-shirt. It’s romantic and, to some extent, even sexy. It doesn’t distract from the skater; our attention isn’t scattered. I like the idea of a loose shirt that drapes beautifully over the body while skating and highlights the beauty of these complex poses, as in these photos:
One downside of the outfit is that the white shirt emphasizes Andrei’s broad shoulders and chest, making him look a bit bulky:
And the main downside is that I’m already getting tired of this outfit. It’s nice, but maybe for next season you could pull something else out of the capsule collection of basic clothing for the modern young man? Please! I’m begging you!
Come back tomorrow to find out which of Andrei’s costumes I liked just a little more than this one, even though they’re very similar.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2022
This might seem a little strange, but a lot depends on the number of pieces and their — let’s me say it —quality. “Jeans + white shirt + vest” is still a slightly more interesting outfit than just “jeans + white shirt.” That’s what I think.
As it happens, there are several outfits with vests in the lower rankings. Come back tomorrow to check out the next one — I’m sure you’ll like it!
#9 The Modest Rebel-Ascetic Costume
For the “Russian Challenge-2026” show in April 2026.
Music: Screaming Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You.
Image: A free-spirited young man whom his girlfriend turned into a puppet using magic.
Look how it is simple for men. Girls go to great lengths, sewing new dresses for their ice looks, spending time and money on it, and carefully planning their costumes All a guy has to do is pull the same jeans out of the closet, put on a OTHER WHITE SHIRT, and throw a black vest over it — and a fresh look is ready. It’s hilarious. But we’re happy with that, if we can’t expect anything more.
Actually, I like this slightly hippie-style outfit; it looks great and perfectly captures the character’s personality—he’s such a rebel that even on a date with a girl, he dresses the way he wants to, not to please her or match her fashionable look. And his new girlfriend turns this very rebel into a puppet using magic. So ironic.
Another plus of the costume is that Andrei skillfully uses the vest as a prop, playing with it while sliding, like these:
It took me quite a while to figure out what was wrong here. My main complaint about this outfit is that it doesn’t make Andrei stand out or make him look striking. Yes, it contrasts perfectly with the eye-catching and vibrant costume of his partner in the act, but because of this, the main character—that is, Andrei—remains in the shadows, while all the attention goes to Alice. Who, it must be said, doesn’t really have to try very hard; her role is simply to sit at the table. Perhaps (and it’s strange that I’ve only just thought of this) this is the main problem with this show, aside from the plot dragging: the emphasis is misplaced here. Even the costumes end up not working as intended. This is Andrei’s act featuring Alice, yet all the attention ends up focused on her. If this is Alisa’s show, then why isn’t she doing anything, why isn’t she showing off her skills on the ice, but simply sitting there and ultimately performing a few simple movements? If this is Andrei’s show (and that’s actually the case), then why does all his skill on the ice go unnoticed, while everyone is looking at a beautiful and vibrant girl who isn’t doing anything? If this is a performance by their pair or duet—call it what you will—then why is so little time devoted to their interaction? Why not have them skate as a pair, for example? Here we see a clear misstep on the part of the choreographers, who perhaps envisioned this spectacle differently. And perhaps the audience would have rated this performance much higher if the emphasis had been placed correctly. It seems like a simple story, yet how difficult it turned out to be to tell it.
But this isn’t a criticism of the costume. It simply isn’t doing its job under the given conditions. On its own, it’s not bad, and Andrei is wonderful and charismatic on the ice. It’s just that we get distracted by other visual distractions and can’t fully appreciate it all.
Maybe a little striptease would have worked here? I don’t know.
For the “Russian Challenge-2026” show in April 2026.
Music: Screaming Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You.
Image: A free-spirited young man whom his girlfriend turned into a puppet using magic.
Look how it is simple for men. Girls go to great lengths, sewing new dresses for their ice looks, spending time and money on it, and carefully planning their costumes All a guy has to do is pull the same jeans out of the closet, put on a OTHER WHITE SHIRT, and throw a black vest over it — and a fresh look is ready. It’s hilarious. But we’re happy with that, if we can’t expect anything more.
Actually, I like this slightly hippie-style outfit; it looks great and perfectly captures the character’s personality—he’s such a rebel that even on a date with a girl, he dresses the way he wants to, not to please her or match her fashionable look. And his new girlfriend turns this very rebel into a puppet using magic. So ironic.
Another plus of the costume is that Andrei skillfully uses the vest as a prop, playing with it while sliding, like these:
It took me quite a while to figure out what was wrong here. My main complaint about this outfit is that it doesn’t make Andrei stand out or make him look striking. Yes, it contrasts perfectly with the eye-catching and vibrant costume of his partner in the act, but because of this, the main character—that is, Andrei—remains in the shadows, while all the attention goes to Alice. Who, it must be said, doesn’t really have to try very hard; her role is simply to sit at the table. Perhaps (and it’s strange that I’ve only just thought of this) this is the main problem with this show, aside from the plot dragging: the emphasis is misplaced here. Even the costumes end up not working as intended. This is Andrei’s act featuring Alice, yet all the attention ends up focused on her. If this is Alisa’s show, then why isn’t she doing anything, why isn’t she showing off her skills on the ice, but simply sitting there and ultimately performing a few simple movements? If this is Andrei’s show (and that’s actually the case), then why does all his skill on the ice go unnoticed, while everyone is looking at a beautiful and vibrant girl who isn’t doing anything? If this is a performance by their pair or duet—call it what you will—then why is so little time devoted to their interaction? Why not have them skate as a pair, for example? Here we see a clear misstep on the part of the choreographers, who perhaps envisioned this spectacle differently. And perhaps the audience would have rated this performance much higher if the emphasis had been placed correctly. It seems like a simple story, yet how difficult it turned out to be to tell it.
But this isn’t a criticism of the costume. It simply isn’t doing its job under the given conditions. On its own, it’s not bad, and Andrei is wonderful and charismatic on the ice. It’s just that we get distracted by other visual distractions and can’t fully appreciate it all.
Maybe a little striptease would have worked here? I don’t know.
As it happens, there are several outfits with vests in the lower rankings. Come back tomorrow to check out the next one — I’m sure you’ll like it!
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2022
The main character’s outfit, complete with a vest, keeps the skater in the background, while the assistant’s bright costume—featuring a beautiful vest — catches the eye and makes the skater stand out. Sometimes strange things just happen; they don’t need an explanation.
Andrei’s next costume is less flashy; I’d say it’s very casual, you see it in the mirror much more often. This usually happens when you go to the gym. Nevertheless, it ranked higher on my list. Have you guessed what it is yet? See you tomorrow!
#8 The Magician’s Dressed-Up Assistant
For a group performance in the Tutberidze show.
Music: The Greatest Show (performed by Hugh Jackman, Keala Settle, Zac Efron and Zendaya)
Image: Assistant to the Greatest Showman (played by Morisi Kvitelashvili).
You can click on the photo to open the full-size version.
Oh, I absolutely LOVE this Andrei`s look! Literally everything here works perfectly: the color combination, the texture and color of the vest, the beautiful blue of the T-shirt. Even the pants from his short program costume look appropriate. This is one of those rare moments when everything just comes together perfectly.
Costumes for group appearances in the show, where there is no fairy tale or any other storyline, receive as little attention as possible. Everyone is dressed in T-shirts of the same color or given identical capes that are easy to put on and take off, just like last season when they made zombie capes for everyone. So Eteri Tutberidze’s team really went out of their way when preparing these bright vests in different colors, which were meant to highlight each participant in the group program. I wouldn’t be surprised if they also carefully considered the color scheme. Perhaps this was their way of highlighting the value of each participant, who plays a slightly less prominent role than the main character —Morisi — but is nonetheless important and significant. And each of them is announced by name at the end of the performance.
Andrei was given the important role of the head magician’s assistant; he takes the top hat and cane from the main character, helps him, and draws a lot of attention to himself. That’s why it’s doubly nice that he has such a great costume. He’s even had less luck with his solo show costumes this season. This is definitely my favorite among all the costumes in the second group of five. If this were a costume for a solo performance, it would undoubtedly rank higher, but for now—it’s only eighth.
For a group performance in the Tutberidze show.
Music: The Greatest Show (performed by Hugh Jackman, Keala Settle, Zac Efron and Zendaya)
Image: Assistant to the Greatest Showman (played by Morisi Kvitelashvili).
You can click on the photo to open the full-size version.
Oh, I absolutely LOVE this Andrei`s look! Literally everything here works perfectly: the color combination, the texture and color of the vest, the beautiful blue of the T-shirt. Even the pants from his short program costume look appropriate. This is one of those rare moments when everything just comes together perfectly.
Costumes for group appearances in the show, where there is no fairy tale or any other storyline, receive as little attention as possible. Everyone is dressed in T-shirts of the same color or given identical capes that are easy to put on and take off, just like last season when they made zombie capes for everyone. So Eteri Tutberidze’s team really went out of their way when preparing these bright vests in different colors, which were meant to highlight each participant in the group program. I wouldn’t be surprised if they also carefully considered the color scheme. Perhaps this was their way of highlighting the value of each participant, who plays a slightly less prominent role than the main character —Morisi — but is nonetheless important and significant. And each of them is announced by name at the end of the performance.
Andrei was given the important role of the head magician’s assistant; he takes the top hat and cane from the main character, helps him, and draws a lot of attention to himself. That’s why it’s doubly nice that he has such a great costume. He’s even had less luck with his solo show costumes this season. This is definitely my favorite among all the costumes in the second group of five. If this were a costume for a solo performance, it would undoubtedly rank higher, but for now—it’s only eighth.
Andrei’s next costume is less flashy; I’d say it’s very casual, you see it in the mirror much more often. This usually happens when you go to the gym. Nevertheless, it ranked higher on my list. Have you guessed what it is yet? See you tomorrow!
