I started my skating journey when I was 6 years old in 1994. As an athlete, I competed nationally for Northern Transvaal which then later changed to Gauteng North. I competed both nationally and internationally and represented South Africa in competitions hosted in Croatia and Germany. I received Senior National colors and completed my Skills 6 level test prior to retiring from competitive skating. Whilst competing, I started my coaching journey as a TAP in 2006. I then turned professional in 2008 when I joined the Holiday on Ice tour from 2008-2009. Following this tour, I secured a long standing contract with Disney on Ice, which I was a part of from 2009-2017 for multiple tours. During this time, I fulfilled many roles, including but not limited to: - Women’s Line Captain - Assistant Performance Director - Concessions Stock Control, - Acting Tour Coordinator for Australian-PR Tour, - Backstage Crew Working with Disney has given me the opportunity to develop several skills, including working within public relations and marketing, as well as experience with intricate choreography and performance directing. After retiring from performing with Disney on Ice in 2017, I started coaching full time. On our return my husband and I also immediately connected with a special needs organization which we work with weekly on the ice. Additionally to our private and club coaching we also run the Learn to Skate program with over 300 skaters per term at the Grove Ice Rink in conjunction with the local ice rink in Pretoria and have thus far generated over 190 pupils for our club, Evolution On Ice. I enjoy being part of projects beyond the standard coaching requirements and have been involved with projects such as the opening of the Nelspruit ice rink, where I choreographed several programs, as well as the Winter Wonderland Show. I was also involved in charity fundraisers for CANSA where we facilitated an ice skating show purely for the purpose of raising funds for CANSA. We were also part of the opening of the Rustenburg skating school. Furthermore, we took initiative during Covid-19, and participated in the virtual Spar Women’s Challenge, by running the race at the ice rink. This received good media coverage and gave further exposure to the sport. From 2017 - 2023 we have seen significant growth within our club of which I am the co-founder. We stared with a mere 10 athletes and we are now the biggest skating club in the country, sitting at 190 members. In 2022/2023 we had 15 skaters represent GNFSA at the South African National Championships, which included South Africa’s youngest pair team. I ensure that we explore all disciplines of skating and we currently work in partnership with SASS, where we have started 2 synchronized skating teams (One Division A and one Division B). We were also very fortunate to have multiple of our athletes selected for international competitions. As our member number have grown, it has been important to ensure we have enough coaches to give athletes individualized support during training. We currently have a team of 12 coaches, all with their respective strengths, which includes but is not limited to: - Off-ice training - Special needs programs - Pairs - Solo Ice Dance - Synchronized skating coaching experience - Choreography experience - Nutrition and sport science experience - Technical Panel experience - Social Media Marketing - Scheduling and administration As the co-founder of Evolution on Ice, I ensure that continuous coaches development take place in various aspects. Myself and a member of our team were recently selected to attend the ISU Africa and Middle East Region Development Camp in Bergamo, which we attended, bringing back and sharing the knowledge gained with the rest of the coaching team. Furthermore I have the following qualifications/experience: ● Creative Choreography Competitions - YAS and Quest for Creativity Finalist ● Level 2 National Technical Specialist ● Level 2 First Aid ● SAFSA Safe Guarding Approved ● Sport Science Degree ● Teachers in most major dance disciplines - Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Tap and Sports Aerobics ● 1 year part of SAFSCC(South African Figure Skating Coaches Commission) 2020 -2021 I am passionate about the sport and I believe that my experience in club development (PR, marketing, charitable, special needs, shows and events), could benefit South African skating as a whole.

I’m Donatella and i’ve been skating for 13 years. At the age of 12, I obtained my level 5 in skating skills and competed in my first nationals. I have achieved multiple podium positions at our National championships. I have achieved international selections and had the opportunity to represent South Africa and compete overseas. I have achieved my Gold Ice Dance test. I love that I am able to express myself and my own individuality through skating and performing. I also enjoy the gratification I get from achieving my goals, as it is a true reflection of the effort, dedication and time that I have put into it. I enjoy being able to coach as it allows me to pass on the knowledge I've gained over the years to others. I want to help young skaters reach their potential and I love seeing the growth of each skater over time.

I started skating when I was 7 years old, after watching the movie Ice Princess. Suddenly netbal didn’t sound too exciting and getting up at 4 and driving a full hour to the rink sounded better ! I love how expressive skating is and how you can truely be yourself in the moment. It’s amazing to me how something so challenging can be so freeing and rewarding. Coaching taught me alot of things. I never expected to fall in love with the feeling of gratitude as you see someone else develop a passion for skating, the sport you’ve been pursuing since a child. It’s quite rewarding in many ways. The quick laughs in between training and small victories makes it all worth it to me.

Meet Our Team at Evolution on Ice: a group of passionate and skilled individuals dedicated to bringing the magic of ice to life! Each member of our team is handpicked for their unwavering love for ice sports, artistic talents, and commitment to providing you with an unforgettable experience. From our talented ice skaters who effortlessly grace the rink with elegance and precision, to our expert instructors who patiently nurture beginners into confident skaters, and our behind-the-scenes crew who flawlessly orchestrate the magic, every team member plays a vital role in making Evolution on Ice a truly exceptional place. we can't wait to welcome you to the world of Evolution on Ice!