Teaching photograph by Melanie Heaney
The inaugural presentation will happen on the 2025 Ultimate, held in Salt Lake Metropolis from September 11–14. This “take-home” trophy will honor the life and legacy of Sasha Kirsanov, a cherished member of our skating group whose sudden passing on American Airways Flight 5342 on January twenty ninth left an enormous gap within the hearts of many.
A former aggressive ice dancer who represented the US, Azerbaijan, and Russia, Sasha transitioned into teaching and choreography after retiring in 2004. Based mostly 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’s 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 impression on the game. As we collect in Salt Lake Metropolis this September, not solely will the achievements of the nation’s high solo dancers be celebrated, but additionally the exceptional lifetime of a person who helped form the trail for therefore many.