Meet Australia’s Ice Dance Team: From Torvill and Dean to the Olympics

Holly Harris is set to represent Australia in ice dance at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, a path she has navigated with dedication and resilience. Known for her early training with Christopher Dean, a figure skating legend, Harris transitioned from singles to ice dancing, ultimately shaping her future in the sport.

From Australia to the Olympics: Holly Harris’ Journey

Born in Sydney, Harris grew up in a ski-loving family. Her mother, Karen, was a former national-level skater who performed with the renowned duo, Torvill and Dean. Inspired by her mother, Harris initially aspired to be a singles skater.

Her trajectory changed when she began training under Dean in Colorado Springs between the ages of nine and 13. Known for his caring demeanor, Dean encouraged her to explore ice dancing. Despite her reluctance at first, Harris eventually embraced the discipline, stating, “She was made to be an ice dancer,” referring to Dean’s influence on her career.

Overcoming Challenges

Harris’ journey has not been without its obstacles. She faced multiple concussions during her skating career, which influenced her shift from singles skating to ice dancing due to its lower risk of injury. “I was scared to jump and hit my head again,” she reflected on her decision.

In 2019, she formed a partnership with Jason Chan, a Canadian skater who switched allegiances to represent Australia. Their collaboration has proven fruitful, leading them to win gold at the Australian Championships shortly after their pairing.

Australia’s Olympic Ice Dance Representation

Australia has historically struggled in Olympic ice dance, having qualified only twice before. The previous teams finished at the bottom of their respective fields, highlighting the challenges faced by Australian ice dancers. Harris and Chan narrowly missed Olympic qualification for Beijing 2022 but have been on a steady path toward Milano Cortina.

Current Competitive Landscape

To qualify for the Winter Olympics, they participated in Skate to Milano, where they successfully secured their spot. This season, their routines feature themes from the 1990s, demonstrating their versatility and creativity on ice.

• Rhythm Dance: Set to music reflecting the dance styles of the 1990s.
• Free Dance: A choreographed performance to “Clair de lune,” showcasing their artistic growth.

Building Toward the Future

Harris and Chan are aware that they are not contenders for a medal at this Olympic Games but view their participation as a significant step forward. They are determined to improve with each performance, validating their commitment to elevating Australia’s presence in ice dance.

As they approach Milano Cortina, Harris maintains a sense of optimism. “We’re not there yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a goal we will have one day,” she stated. For Holly Harris and Jason Chan, the journey has just begun, and they are eager to seize their moment on the Olympic stage.