Featuring Sandra Bezic
This month, Debbi Wilkes visits with a champion, coach, choreographer and visionary, who many claim is the originator and architect for Canada’s worldwide reputation as a leader in choreography and artistic expression. Sandra Bezic began her love for the sport at her local rink learning to skate alongside her brother Val Bezic… the start of what would eventually become a Hall of Fame career which takes her around the world designing programs, shows and concepts that have changed the face of skating.
Skate Canada Hall of Fame – Professional
Long after she concluded her successful pair skating career, Sandra Bezic continues a brilliant multi-faceted approach to figure skating. An innovative choreographer, she developed signature pieces for world and Olympic champions that live on more than 20 years since they were first performed. In developing choreography, for both individuals, groups and television, she explored the world of theater, pop culture and movies to broaden the scope of skating and draw people into an emotional performance.
Her work in television evolved from designing choreography to developing concepts and producing programs. She has won an Emmy Award, and her Singin’ in the Rain number with Kurt Browning remains one of the most ambitious and inventive numbers ever created. As well, she has brought her knowledge and background to skillfully serve as a television commentator for several different broadcast networks in both Canada and the United States.
As an author, her book The Passion to Skate, provided a glimpse into the intricate and demanding world of figure skating. Recently, as one of the creative minds behind the successful television program, Battle of the Blades, she introduced a whole new audience to the sport she loves.
Inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame 2010.