As the Winter Olympics commence in Milan, ice dancing stands out as one of the most captivating events, showcasing athletes trained in Novi, Michigan. Unlike traditional figure skating, which emphasizes technical aspects like jumps and spins, ice dancing focuses more on the artistry, musicality, and the intricate partnership of dancers on the ice.
In the recent competition, Team USA’s Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik delivered an exciting performance, gliding gracefully to the rhythm of Bell Biv DeVoe’s R&B classic “Poison.” Their flawless execution earned them a spot in sixth place, just behind Italy’s Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri in fifth, as well as Great Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson in fourth. A crucial final performance awaits them on Wednesday.
Coaching them is Igor Shpilband, a former Soviet Union competitor and 1983 World Junior Champion, who has cultivated Novi into a prominent center for Olympic ice dance training over the past 35 years. Shpilband expressed his pride in Zingas and Kolesnik, both of whom are excited to represent the United States and their home state of Michigan at their first Olympics.
Kolesnik, 24, moved to Michigan from Ukraine at the age of 15 to train under Shpilband. Initially hampered by visa issues preventing his mother, Svitlana, from joining him, he chose to relocate on his own and stay with his former partner’s family, overcoming significant challenges as he pursued his skating career. After years of separation due to geopolitical turmoil, Kolesnik is now set to reunite with his family and introduce them to his new partner, Zingas.
Zingas, 23, hails from Grosse Pointe Farms and attempted to qualify for the 2022 Olympics representing her father’s homeland, Cyprus. Although she narrowly missed the opportunity, her journey has brought her back to the Olympic stage, now beside Kolesnik. The pair’s partnership, encouraged by Shpilband, has blended their dedication to ice skating with their shared Michigan roots—a powerful connection that has helped them excel.
Remarkably, Kolesnik and Zingas are part of a larger contingent of ice dancers from Team USA who have trained in Michigan, all under Shpilband’s guidance. This includes Evan Bates and Madison Chock, who recently contributed to Team USA’s gold while eyeing their own Olympic gold in the individual competition set for Wednesday. Shpilband recalled Bates and Chock’s early partnership, highlighting the evolution of their skills over the years.
The competition’s complexity has substantially increased since Shpilband’s own days as a competitor, now demanding higher technical difficulty coupled with artistic execution. He emphasized the unique nature of ice dancing, where success balances both athletic ability and creative expression.
As the Winter Olympics continue, all eyes will be on Bates and Chock competing for gold at 1:30 p.m. EST, followed by Kolesnik and Zingas at 2:15 p.m. in the free dance program. The potential success of these Michigan-trained athletes showcases not only their personal dedication but also the thriving ice dance community nurtured in the state.