Shabalin: I never thought that the world press would draw so much attention to one of our three dances.

RG: It has been hinted that the situation may be deliberately fuelled up by someone with the purpose to discredit you and to hamper your chances of a medal. What do you have to say about that?

Domnina: I don't believe that. This is a sport, and the way I see it, we must prove our ability on the ice, and not behind the scenes.

Shabalin: I agree with Oksana. All this talk is just nonsense. I respect our rivals. They are our colleagues. I don't think any of them would be capable of such an action. I may be too naive, but one of my principles in life is never to intentionally harm my neighbor.

RG: You have been accused of insulting the Australian aborigines, and even to have stolen their dances. What do you have to say about that?

Domnina: I would like everyone to understand that it was never our intent to insult or mock anybody's culture. Our intentions in creating this dance were honest and fair from the very beginning.

Shabalin: As far as the so-called cultural borrowing, this is starting to become a philosophical matter, and on this matter there are many views. The world community becomes more and more international; and it's exciting when the culture, roots and traditions of each and every ethnic group, no matter how large or small, are maintained. But look at what is happening today with the means of communication, how fast everything goes around the world with the internet. And thanks to this, all these cultures, maybe once not very well known, become known and accessible to the whole world. Isn't it wonderful that all of this generates the desire to express oneself just through these cultures? But then, if the original cultural traditions are preserved, I consider the goal reached. If you will, it would be terribly boring to have only one universal culture to replace hundreds of other unique ones.

RG: It has been said that the Australian aborigines would like to invite you to visit them in Australia, while the Four Hosts First Nations in Canada have expressed the desire to meet you in Vancouver. Will you do that?

Domnina: Absolutely yes! And not only because of our dance. I grew up in a very multi-ethnic environment. In Russia, we have many ethnic groups, both small and large. As you may know, from a very young age we are used to respect others' habits and traditions. I like to be with different people, each with their own different national culture. I'll tell you that we are pleased with all the attention from the native Australian population, and we would love to create a dance for the exhibition, one that is not burdened with the rules and the boundaries that the ice dancers usually have to stay within.

Shabalin: On my part, I would like to add that some Australian aborigines have written to our website saying they are very pleased with our dance. We are very open to all discussions. If, like you say, the Australian aborigines are willing to invite us over there, then I will be happy to go and to spend some time with them, to learn more about their culture from within their community. I also discussed the matter with our coaches. They would also be glad to go. Since this Aboriginal matter has taken major relevance in the media, it would be a pleasure for me to get a deeper knowledge of their culture. And if the Four Hosts First Nations Society want to meet with us, we will be ready to do that in Vancouver. We will just need to find the time between the hard training and competitions. It is always good to get acquainted with someone else's culture, especially one with such an ancient and glorious history.