RYAN SOUTHAN

My name is Ryan Southan, and I would be honoured to serve on the Ice Dance Technical Advisory Committee for British Ice Skating.

I have been involved in our sport for almost 50 years. I previously competed in Ice Dance, spent 12 years performing professionally in ice shows, and have now coached for 19 years. The journey from competitor to professional performer to coach has given me a clear understanding of what Ice Dance requires at every level, from first steps to international performance.

As a coach, I have coached Ice Dance couples at British Championship level at Basic Novice and Junior, and I have had significant success in Solo Dance at ISU international level. My skaters have won gold medals at Basic Novice, Intermediate Novice, Advanced Novice and Junior in ISU Solo Dance. This experience across both disciplines gives me a clear view of the technical pathway and the challenges coaches and skaters face today.

If elected, I would like to offer my advice and expertise to support three key areas:

• Protecting and building on our heritage. British Ice Dance has a proud and world-leading history. We must continue to support and develop our couples to ensure that heritage remains strong and relevant internationally.

• Developing Solo Ice Dance as a major discipline. With Solo Ice Dance now recognised as an ISU discipline, we have a huge opportunity. I have seen first-hand how it can retain skaters, create new pathways, and bring British success. We need clear technical guidance and development to help it grow properly from grassroots to ISU level.

• Ensuring no dancer is left behind. Adult and Inclusive Ice Dance are integral parts of our community. They must be considered in all technical discussions and developments, not as an afterthought.

I am passionate, approachable, and committed to listening to coaches, officials and skaters. I believe technical advice should be practical, transparent and always in the best interest of athlete development.
I would be proud to give back to the sport that has given me so much and to help shape a strong, inclusive future for British Ice Dance.

Thank you for your consideration.