Coach Robert Burgerman
Robert Burgerman
Mobile: 07950 255562
Discipline: Ice Dancing
Competitive Skating 1985 - 2003
I have been Ice Skating at a competitive level since the age of 6 and from the age of 11 I became part of the British International squad. This was at all levels - Novice; Junior; and Senior. In 1998 with my former partner, Phillipa Towler-Green we were included in the British Olympic Team along with John and Sinead Kerr (Current British Champions, European Bronze Medalist)
Through my competitive career I have been taught by 2 of the most decorated coaches in the UK one being Diane Towler MBE who coached myself and her daughter Phillipa Towler-Green (Current British National Silver Medalist) to win Gold at the British Junior Championships in 2000 and compete at Junior Worlds in Bulgaria, the winners at this event are current World Ice Dance Champions. Diane is a former 4 times World Champion and helped revolutionise the sport by introducing lifts into the routines in Ice Dancing
My other coach who taught me from the barrier is current ISU Judge Gary Hoppe who had a huge influence on my passion for competing and being so focused around the technical side of figure skating and the importance of correct basic teaching. With the background of Gary and Diane I have had the privilege to be coached by 2 of the most technically astute skating professionals in the UK of recent years, and I intend to teach all my pupils of all ages and abilities the same way I was, by instilling excellent knowledge of basic skating which will no doubt bring out the best in each performance they ever give. The most important ingredient of being a successful skater/performer is to ALWAYS, ALWAYS HAVE FUN and ENJOY your skating………
During the years I have been lucky enough take part in numerous competitions and ice shows, which has given me the opportunity to visit a variety of countries around the world. One of which was to appear at Elton Johns White Tie and Tiara Ball, which was a fantastic experience. I have also skated for the screen by performing in a Cannes award winning advert that was shown in Holland. The advert was so successful it was shown for a further two years on top of the original agreed year. I have been informed that the same advert had appeared on the Funniest Commercials of the Year 2004 in the USA
One of the most enjoyable skating projects in which I was involved with was the Christmas special, Strictly Ice Dancing on the BBC. My partner in the programme was Jessica Taylor from Liberty X. Together we were in first place after the judges result but unfortunately the audience voted for the ex England goalkeeper, David Seaman, and we finished in second place.
Jessica and I worked together for 1 month before performing and it was my responsibility to train Jessica as well as do all the choreography for our routine which was viewed by 12million viewers. Jessica has recently finished in 3rd place in the 2009 series of Torvil and Dean’s Dancing on Ice and has shown every bit of talent and potential demonstrated during our time training for Strictly Ice Dancing
British Primary Championships
1992
2nd
British Junior Championships
1995
4th
1997
4th
1998
2nd
1999
2nd
2000
1st
British Senior Championships
2001
4th
2002
4th
Junior International
Poland Gdansk 1996
15th
Grand Prix Montreal 1999
7th
Grand Prix Slovenia, Bled 1999
11th
World Junior Grand Prix Ranking
18th
Grand Prix Ukraine Kiev 2000
6th
Grand Prix Norway Hamar 2000
11th
Italy Rome 2000
3rd
World Junior Championships
Bulgaria Sophia 2001
19th
Overall World Ranking
15th
Senior International
Germany Obersdorf 2001
12th
Austria Vienna 2002
6th
Czech Rep Olomouc 2002
2nd
Through my career I have achieved so many things that I never thought possible. Not only have I won medals internationally, but I have also been just as successful in the UK by winning Gold, Silver or Bronze in nearly all of the competitions that I have entered since a young age.
I am genuinely excited about passing all the experience and knowledge I have gained over the last 24 years and ensuring that a new generation of Ice Skaters are taught the right way and share my passion, enthusiasm, and enjoyment in the world of figure skating
I look forward to seeing you soon
Rob