[ad_1]
Coaching picture by Melanie Heaney
The U.S. Figure Skating Solo Dance Subcommittee is proud to announce the creation of the Sasha Kirsanov Trophy, to be awarded yearly to the winner of the Junior Combined Dance occasion on the U.S. National Solo Dance Final.
The inaugural presentation will happen on the 2025 Final, held in Salt Lake City from September 11–14. This “take-home” trophy will honor the life and legacy of Sasha Kirsanov, a cherished member of our skating neighborhood whose sudden passing on American Airlines Flight 5342 on January twenty ninth left an enormous gap within the hearts of many.
A former aggressive ice dancer who represented the United States, Azerbaijan, and Russia, Sasha transitioned into teaching and choreography after retiring in 2004. Based within the Newark, Delaware space, he was an enormous affect on the Solo Dance Program, embracing it wholeheartedly from its earliest days.
Sasha’s affect and keenness touched numerous skaters, officers, and fellow coaches. He is survived by his spouse, Natalya Gudin—additionally a coach—and their daughter, Nicole, a gifted solo dancer and multi-time nationwide medalist.
The Sasha Kirsanov Trophy is a tribute to his brilliance, heat, and enduring affect on the game. As we collect in Salt Lake City this September, not solely will the achievements of the nation’s prime solo dancers be celebrated, but in addition the exceptional lifetime of a person who helped form the trail for thus many.