Kamena Petkova is a Canadian National Team Coach, with 26 years experience coaching in Canada. Formerly Chief Choreographer of the Bulgarian National Team, and assistant professor at the Bulgarian National Sport Academy, Kamena is a noted specialist in our sport.
Over the course of the past two decades Kamena has trained the most Canadian Champions to emerge from British Columbia, consistently placing Aura athletes on National Team every year since 1995. She holds a Masters of Physical Education, is a certified NCCP Level 3 coach, and a published author in the field of Rhythmic Gymnastics. Kamena is also a certified Brevet judge, and is often called upon to lead coaching and judging workshops for our BC coaches.
Respected by coaches, athletes and her peers alike for her innovative choreography and expertise, she has been honored by Gymnastics Canada, and named Canadian National Coach of the year four times.
Her philosophy of coaching, which is athlete centered, and respects the specific skills and talents of each individual gymnast, has proven to produce admirable results. Kamena focuses on the unique qualities of each student, and this approach has resulted in the well deserved successes of her gymnasts on a consistent basis. Her vision, her talents, and her superior work ethic, have impacted the lives of over 300 rhythmic gymnasts who have trained with our club, Aura Rhythmics.
Ada began rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 4 years old. By the time she was 7, she was deeply in love with the sport; her experiences in the gym, and the expertise of the older gymnasts, inspired her to apply herself to training. As she advanced, she continued to love the rigorous work that was required to reach her true potential. Throughout her 12 years of training, she participated in numerous competitions as a national stream athlete, and qualified to nationals on a number of occasions.
Although she would say she is more of a performer, than a competitor, she still appreciates the life lessons that her journey as a competitor has brought forth, and the lasting friendships she made along the way. After retiring she took a break from the rhythmic world to explore other avenues and passions such as dance and yoga. Now, as a coach, she is equally as dedicated to the sport, and feels very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be seriously involved, once again. She specializes in flexibility conditioning, and is also working with competitive skaters in this capacity.
Ada considers it a huge blessing to have had rhythmics in her life, and wants all girls to experience that same feeling as well. She wants nothing more than to pass on the lifelong benefits of rhythmic gymnastics to young girls, and be a part of creating wonderful childhood memories.
Ada is a certified NCCP coach, and is fluent is English and Bulgarian.
Gina has coached Rhythmic Gymnastics for over 20 years in the Ukraine, Israel, and Canada. Formerly a rhythmic gymnast herself in the Ukraine, she trained for 14 years in the sport, and went on to qualify for her Masters Degree in Physical Education. Her focus as a coach at Aura Rhythmics has been the beginners, precompetitive, and first years of competitive training for our athletes. Gina has produced many BC Provincial Champions, and is loved by parents, athletes and her colleagues for her inspiration, creativity, and upbeat personality. She is optimistic and supportive, and has brought many recreational athletes into the program from her contacts in the Richmond community. Gina spearheads the after school programming at our Richmond gyms, and is an integral part of the coaching team.