Is Slavik Kryklyvyy's dance career over?

Slavik Kryklyvyy has the reputation for dating and losing his dance partners.

The latest rumor from is that Slavik will get back with Karina Smirnoff...but only for shows. Dancesport.ru reported that Slavik said this at the Rhythm 2010 tournament, but he says this is still undecided. 

Which brings us to the question: is competition over for Slavik?

Slavik is now 34. Bryan Watson, former world champion was 39 when he retired.

It didn't seem like too long ago when he was ranked second in the world with Karina Smirnoff and ranked third Elena Khvorova.He had a brief partnership with Hanna Karttenen, but you could just see in they had no connection on the dance floor.

His latest partnership with Anna Melnikova was by far the most promising after Karina.
They had chemistry, she's a good height for him, and she's also very talented.

Yet, Slavik's reputation for losing his partners remained when they broke up after only a year of dancing.

Slavik is known for difficult to partner. Elena has said this and there were constant rumors of fighting between him and Karina.

In this Ballroom Fantasy interview with Slavik and Anna, you can see the tension when she talks about dancing with him.

She says in the interview ''He's an amazing person, but it's just he's very difficult. But like all artists, he's a little bit mad.''

The sad moment was when Slavik says " We'll see if she's gonna survive for a year" and she responds "Yeah, I will."

They didn't make it.

Another interesting video is his practice session with Karina for the 2004 WSS. He is seen yelling at her at the beginning. You can see some definite tension.

 I've noticed that his choreography has also really changed. With Karina, the figures were more connected and there is less separation.




In his samba with Anna in the UK, you can see the use of more solo choreography.



Personally, I think Slavik could not break into the top 4 because of the choreography, not because of his or  Anna's technique.

For Slavik to make it, he needs a lady that is good and a partnership that will last. The top 6 ladies are now all taken and in fairly stable relationships. The closest single top lady is Ekaterina Lapaeva, who recently spilt from Justinas Duknauskas.

Slavik could do what Franco Formica did and dance with his best student and make her his partner. Oxana Lebedew is now a star. 

Hopefully it isn't over for this brilliant dancer, but his odds aren't looking great at the moment.