Learn more about us
About European Skating Academy
At European Skating Academy, we bring skaters, coaches, and experts together, uniting not only individuals but also the disciplines of figure skating and ice hockey. We believe figure skating is more than a sport; it is a journey of growth, artistry, and shared experiences. Our community is built on a shared passion for movement, excellence, and connection.
Through our camps, seminars, and collaboration programs, we inspire technical mastery alongside the development of meaningful human connections. We celebrate curiosity, courage, and creativity. Our support extends beyond skill development, fostering self-awareness and joy in every skater.
The best moments on the ice are those we share together. By bridging figure skating and ice hockey, we create a unique collaboration that enriches both sports and the people involved.
Meet Ulla
“When the mind, body and heart align, skating becomes freedom. Where warmth meets expertise, skaters rise higher than they ever believed they could.
Where people, passion and skating meet, something extraordinary happens.
The beauty, freedom and joy that live in every glide.”
Ulla Papp is a coach and connector who has brought people together through the science and heart of skating across Europe and North America. She founded European Skating Academy to share the joy, opportunity and inspiration that figure skating has given her, believing that excellence grows where trust, warmth and knowledge meet.
Integrating technical coaching, mental training and holistic wellbeing, Ulla helps skaters and coaches unlock confidence, creativity and inner freedom both on and off the ice. Her dream is simple: to bring passionate, trustworthy people together and help as many people as possible experience the magic of figure skating.
She holds the highest European coaching certification (Level 5), a Master's degree in Sport Science from the University of Jyväskylä, a Counselling Diploma from Vancouver, and Skate Canada coaching certification. For decades she has supported athletes and coaches at every level, from beginners to elite, across multiple countries.
Her deepest proof of her coaching ability lies not only in her credentials, but in her own children — one a World Championship competitor, three reaching Junior World level — whose journeys reflect her values of discipline, joy and inner confidence.
Meet the Team
In addition to head coach Ulla, the coaching team of the European Skating Academy includes a wide range of professionals whose expertise is utilized at various camps and events. We offer professional coaching tailored to figure skaters of all levels. Our experienced coaches support the technical, physical, and mental development of each athlete, emphasizing individualized guidance and goal-oriented training to help every skater realize their full potential. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum, from beginners to competitive skaters across various age groups. Committed to ongoing education and the integration of the latest coaching techniques, the coaching team at the European Skating Academy ensures a high-quality and progressive learning environment for all skaters.
Get to know the coaching team in more detail below!
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Head of Cricket Club, Toronto, Canada
Brian Orser dominated Canadian skating winning the national men’s title eight consecutive times from 1981-1988. He won silver medal at the Winter Olympics in 1984 (Sarajevo) and 1988 (Calgary). In 1987 he won the World Championships title. He was renowned for his technical skill, especially being the first man to land a title axel at the Olympics. As a coach he has guided athletes like Yuna Kim and Yuzury Hanyu to Olympic Golds.
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Coach, Espoo, Finland
Beata Leppilampi (Papp) is a Finnish figure skater. She has competed at both national and international levels and is especially recognized for her artistic skating style and strong performance presence. Beata has represented Finland in numerous competitions and is highly respected within the figure skating community. Additionally, she organizes an annual summer camp in Leppävirta, sharing her expertise and passion with young skaters. Beyond her athletic career, Beata is a successful influencer, engaging a broad audience with her dedication to the sport and her active presence on social media platforms.
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Spin Specialist, USA
Kim Ryan is an internationally recognized figure skating spin specialist with 45+ years of elite coaching experience. Trained by legendary coach John Nicks, Kim formed a work ethic, competitive drive, and love for the sport in her formative years. She went to become a highly respected figure skating coach for decades in the Pacific Northwest. It has been a decade since Kim launched and trademarked he “Spinergy” Clinic series. Spinergy Clinics bring Kim´s unique spin specialization to a global audience. Designed to enhance the training and curriculum of partnering coaches and clubs. Spinergy clinics work in professional collaboration to grow aptitude, appreciation and and a creative approach to spinning.
Kim Ryan is also a wonderful person who knows how to make practicing pirouettes enjoyable.
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Deniss Vasiļjevs is Latvia's most successful figure skater, a three-time Olympian and European bronze medallist with two decades of skating experience, including eleven years at the senior elite level. Trained by mentors Alexei Urmanov, Stéphane Lambiel, and Ghislain Briand, and shaped by training across France, Russia, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, and the United States after leaving Latvia at age nine, he combines strong technical foundations with a disciplined, scholarly approach to the sport. Having overcome a severe overtraining injury at sixteen, he places particular emphasis on injury prevention and sustainable training practices.
Today, he coaches athletes not only to master technical skill, but to develop their own artistic identity and grow as individuals both on and off the ice.
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Coach, Turku, Finland
Ava has competed as a national-level figure skater and has coached young skaters. She is dedicated to developing the skills of youth and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Ava’s experience in the competitive world provides her with a strong foundation to offer individualized guidance and support for each skater’s personal growth. She places special emphasis on refining technique, building self-confidence, and fostering long-term training commitment. In addition, Ava also coaches junior ice hockey players in edge control, helping them improve their skating skills on the ice.
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Choreographer, Pinzolo, Italy
Lina is a dynamic figure skating coach and choreographer based in Pinzolo, Italy. With her strong background in ice dance, she brings rhythm, style, and energy to both on-ice stroking and off-ice dance classes. Her vibrant personality makes every session inspiring and fun. Outside the rink, Lina follows her other passion acting and dreams of one day performing on movies.
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Mankka (Marja) Valajärvi is a Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Technical Specialist, and holds a Special Vocational Qualification for Coaches (Valmentajan Erikoisammattitutkinto).
She worked as a full-time coach at various sports clubs in Finland from 1992 to 2017, and has continued coaching through her own company ever since, working with clubs across the country.
Her strength lies in combining off-ice training with body control, and blending on-ice technique with the joy of skating.
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Špela Lovrenčič is an international figure skating coach from Bled, Slovenia whose passion for the sport is matched by her dedication to athlete development both on and off the ice. Alongside coaching Slovenian national champion and sister Julija Lovrenčič, who has represented Slovenia at European and World Championships she works with skaters of all levels, specializing in technical development, competition preparation, skating skills, and performance analysis.
With an international academic and professional background, Špela holds a Master’s degree from the University of Amsterdam and has lived and worked in several European countries, bringing a multicultural and open-minded approach to coaching. Fluent in five languages, she easily connects with athletes from different backgrounds and creates a positive, motivating training environment.
Alongside her daily coaching work, she continuously expands her knowledge through international seminars, ISU development programs, and collaborations with world-renowned coaches including Ulla Papp, Brian Orser, Andrey Lutay, Robert Dierking, Jorik Hendrickx and others.
Known for her energy, professionalism, and passion for helping skaters grow, Špela believes in developing not only successful athletes, but also confident and motivated young people who can reach their full potential both in sport and in life.