Nelli Zhiganshina
A graceful and expressive ice dancer who, with partner Alexander Gazsi, revived German ice dancing with their innovative programs and dramatic flair.
Born 1987 (age 39)·German ice dancer·Birthday: March 31·Millennials
Biography
Nelli Zhiganshina brought a distinct theatricality to the ice, forming one of Germany's most successful dance teams with Alexander Gazsi. Born in Moscow, she found her competitive home in Germany, where the pair became six-time national champions and fixtures on the European and world stage. Known for their unconventional music choices and character-driven programs—from a haunting 'Addams Family' routine to a spirited Russian folk dance—they pushed creative boundaries. While a podium finish at a major championship eluded them, their consistent top-ten finishes helped re-establish Germany as a credible force in ice dancing. Their career was a masterclass in building a distinct identity and lasting partnership in a demanding sport.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Nelli was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nelli Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Nelli's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Six-time German national champion in ice dancing (2009-2014).
- Finished in 6th place at the European Figure Skating Championships in 2013.
- Placed 10th at the World Figure Skating Championships in 2013.
Did You Know?
She and Alexander Gazsi are known for their dramatic 'Addams Family' free dance program from the 2012-2013 season.
Zhiganshina originally competed for Russia in her early junior career before switching to represent Germany.
The team trained under the renowned Russian coach Alexander Zhulin for part of their career.
“On the ice, we tell stories with our bodies and blades.”
