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.
Beyond the ice -
Health and Wellness
We believe that true performance and happiness come from inner balance.
We see every skater and coach as a whole person. Body, mind and soul. Each with their own story, dreams and rhythm of growth.
Here wellbeing is not separate from sport; it is the foundation that allows learning, courage and creativity to flourish.
Through mindfulness, movement and reflective coaching, we nurture skills that go far beyond the ice.
Skills that support confidence, compassion and clarity through life.
“Because what we learn on the ice stays with us forever"
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 connector, a coach who has brought people together through skating’s science and heart across Europe and North America.
Ulla founded European Skating Academy to connect people and to share the opportunities, joy and inspiration that figure skating has give her. For her, the heart of skating lives in the shared moments, the dressing room laughter, the first successful jump, the friendships build on cold ice.
Ulla believes that excellence grows where trust, warmth and knowledge meet. She integrates technical coaching, mental training and holistic wellbeing, helping skaters and coaches unlock confidence, self worth, creativity and inner freedom both on and off the ice.
Her dream is to create environments where kind, passionate and trustworthy people come together and build something extraordinary, through high level coaching and genuine human connection. Her deepest wish is simple: To help as many people as possible experience the magic of figure skating.
She is internationally experienced figure skating coach, mentor and educator, with a European highest coaching certificate level 5 (European Master of science degree in the science of sport coaching (figure skating), 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 is not only in her diplomas, it is also in her own children. One of her children competed at the World Championships level and three reached Junior World level. Their journeys on the ice carry her values: discipline, joy, love for learning and inner confidence. Their success stands as living evidence of her lifelong dedication, her standards and her belief in what is possible when a young skater is supported with both expertise and heart.
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Coach and Physiotherapist, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Gordana Smekr is a world renowned figure skating coach from Ljubljana, Slovenia. She has coached Olympic skater Gregor Urbas and many of Slovenia’s top junior skaters. Gordana better known as Goga is also and excellent physiotherapist always ready to help and serve athletes.
-
Head Coach of VG-62, Naantali, Finland
Tiia Hurme is a skating coach known for bridging the worlds of figure skating and ice hockey. With over 20 years of coaching experience she has developed a unique expertise in edge control, balance and skating technique that has benefitted both figure skaters and professional hockey players, including NHL athletes. She works currently as the Head Coach of figure skating at VG-62 Naantali, Finland. Tiia is always happy on the ice and looks after the best interest of the skaters.
-
Choreographer, Helsinki, Finland
Evelina known as Eve is a professional choreographer, movement and wellbeing coach, and creative marketing freelancer with a passion for helping skaters and gymnasts express themself boldly, discover their unique style, and truly enjoying performing with every cell in their bodies. Evelina has performed at Disney on ice where she skated in a leading role and toured internationally. After returning back to Finland she graduated as a Batchelor of sports and began her choreography career in 2007. She has worked as a star coach in the Finnish Dancing On Ice TV format and as apart of the creative team for the opening Ceremony of the 2017 ISU World Figure Skating Championships. Evelina truly believes that every skater can find their own authentic ´voice´their true body language on the ice.
-
Coach, Rauma TL, Finland
Susanna Lotila-Malinen is highly experienced Finnish figure skating coach with over 30 years of work in the sport. Her professional credentials include the YL III (Master Pro) coaching qualifications and a Specialist Vocational Qualifications in coaching (VEAT). She also holds a degree as a physiotherapist and a fitness instructor. In 2025 she was honoured with the title “Coach of the year. Youth development” at the Skating Finland Gala, recognizing her commitment to nurturing young talents. Susanna is calm and kind coach with holistic understanding of sports.
-
Coach, Rauma TL, Finland
Lotta is an enthusiastic Next-Generation coach and choreographer. She is a level 3 figure skating coach certified by the Finnish Figure Skating Association and a technical specialist. In addition, Lotta is completing her Master’s degree in Coaching science at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. She works in Rauma, Finland side by side with her mother Susanna Lotila-Malinen. Lotta is a fun, encouraging coach, who brings modern knowledge in athlete well-being, performance and motivation.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Victor Kraatz is a hockey-specific skating and skills instructor based in Vancouver, Canada. Victor holds the Canadian NCCP Level 3 coach certification and is a Skate Canada CanPowerSkate certified instructor.
His coaching emphasizes advanced stride mechanics, technical efficiency, and dynamic body alignment, drawing on more than 40 years of international, World, and Olympic-level success as a figure skating athlete and extensive experience as a hockey coach.
Victor currently works with several leading hockey organizations, including the North Shore Winter Club, Hollyburn Country Club, the BC Elite Hockey League’s Greater Vancouver Canadians, and the Vancouver Female Ice Hockey Association (Vancouver Angels), focusing on the long-term development of young and elite athletes.
Previously Victor has collaborated as a lead skating skills coach with Jokerit Hockey Club in Helsinki, Finland, the West Vancouver Premier Sport Academy, CSSHL, and the Valley West Giants, while privately coaching motivated players committed to maximizing their skating performance at the highest levels, including WHL, NCAA, AHL, SM-liiga, KHL, and NHL.
In 2025, he was the host and skating video creator of Building the Foundation of Skating for the prestigious The Coaches Site.
More about Victor’s coaching references, work experience and articles can be found on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vkraatz/