Neshka Robeva

At a glance

Source: Wikipedia: Neshka Robeva¹

Early career

Born in Rousse, Robeva moved to Sofia at 14 to study at the Bulgarian State Choreography School. She graduated five years later and developed an interest in traditional Bulgarian dances. She began rhythmic gymnastics in 1966, aged 20, and won her first national championship four months later. A member of Bulgaria’s national team until 1973, she competed at four World Championships and won all-around silver in 1969.¹

Coaching years

After competing, Robeva became a coach at the Levski club. She was appointed head coach of the Bulgarian national team in 1978 and stayed in the role until 1999. She briefly resigned in late 1989 amid political disagreements with the government and coached in Japan for two months. She returned after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Her tenure became known as the “Golden Girls” period, and her gymnasts won 294 World, European and Olympic medals.¹

Robeva encouraged musical sensitivity and individual contributions to choreography and training. Former gymnasts also described physical and psychological abuse, including strict weight control and beatings. Robeva admitted to beating gymnasts and continuing training past midnight.¹

Dance and later life

Robeva choreographed and produced dance for Georgi Djulgerov’s 1988 film Acatamus. She later led and choreographed for the Neshanal Art troupe, which combined traditional Bulgarian dances with styles including jazz and tango. Its shows Twin Kingdoms and Orisia toured internationally, with more than 250 performances. From 1993 to 1997, she was a member of the European Gymnastics Committee.¹

In 2016, Robeva refused the Order of the Balkan Mountains, First Class. She cited controversy over the award and said she did not want to cause difficulties for then-president Boyko Borisov. Robeva was married to a fencer and had a daughter; the couple later divorced. She was a close friend of Baba Vanga.¹

She is honorary president of the Levski rhythmic gymnastics club.¹