 She was not able to excel in sports like her mother wished due to Russia's political and economic transition in the 1990s.Because of this, she was then introduced to ballet at the Dance Krushok school for children where she was recognized for her physical gifts for dancing.After it came time to choose math or ballet, she claimed there was no choice and then admitted herself to a one-year pre-curriculum program at the Vaganova Academy, before embarking on the eight-year course.