Page 21 - Demo

www.MOSTmag.com || MOST FITNESS || 21By Michelle Poe and Denise Smith is a sultry embrace that can be danced at arms-length or chest to chest. MOST Fitness gets lost in the music with current Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) professional Artem Chigvintsev, and we can assure you, we don%u2019t intend to break hold. Artem Chigvintsev began his dancing career at a very young age in his native country, Russia. Inspired by his mother, he entered numerous dance competitions, many of which he won. This competitive nature would lead him to set out at age fifteen to pursue dance aggressively in the neighboring countries of Germany, Italy, England, and eventually the United States. This Guinness World record holder and seasoned dancer, has stared on Broadway and numerous television shows. He won Britain%u2019s version of Dancing with the Stars, Strictly Come Dancing alongside his celebrity dance partner Kara Tointon, in addition to starring in So You Think You Can Dance on BBC One and The O.C. Most Fitness talked to the talented choreographer about his fitness routine, strict diet, and the most basic alternative to working out, outside of the gym, which quite frankly, has us questioning whether or not he needs a spotter. MFM: Being from Russia, how did specializing in Latin dancing occur?AC: When I was growing up in Russia, foreign music was forbidden. Whenever there was a chance to hear something different, I became curious. It all began when my parents put me in dance classes.MFM: Do you have a favorite Latin dance among the different styles of social, street, and professional?AC: My two favorites would have to be the Argentinian Tango and the Pasodoble!MFM: Would you like to appear on Broadway again? If so, would it be only dancing or a mix of performance also?AC: I loved being on Broadway. It would be amazing to experience more than just dancing, but I would love to go back regardless.MFM: How does preparing for a television performance and professional ballroom differ, and how are they the same?AC: They are very different. When you compete professionally, it%u2019s more about the technicality, and DWTS is more about the performance and the show.MFM: Do you have a preference on music to create choreography and for your performances?AC: It all depends on the partner. In general, I prefer to choreograph to more dramatic types of music, as I think it makes for a more dramatic performance.MFM: What is your nutritional requirements for performing and staying in shape?AC: No carbs and no sugar! Fruit is okay, but other than that I am really strict. If I cheat, I cheat with alcohol.MFM: What is your favorite workout for staying fit when you cannot schedule time for a full workout?AC: When I don%u2019t have time to do a full workout, I use my own weight to work out by going back to the basics. Pushups, pull ups, squats, and sit ups are all things I can do without any equipment andare just as affective.