Having joined Dancing on Ice in the UK in 2021, Klabera Komini was partnered with Colin Jackson, where they reached the Final, and she returned this year as a professional skater partnering The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran. Klabera and Siva reached the Semi-Final, where they performed an emotional skate to The Wanted’s single Gold Forever in memory of band member Tom Parker. Prior to joining the UK Dancing on Ice, Klabera was part of the Holland line-up in 2020, winning the show with her celebrity partner Tommie Christiaan, and she has previously been a principal skater with Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. Alongside skating, Klabera is a fitness trainer and coach, and she has recently set up an Etsy store – KKSkates. Speaking to us, Klabera told us about joining the UK series of Dancing on Ice, reaching the Semi-Final with The Wanted singer Siva and winning Dancing on Ice Holland in 2020.

You returned to Dancing on Ice this year for your second series in the UK, having originally joined the show in 2021 for Series 13, how did you feel coming back after a year away from the show?

Coming back was absolutely amazing and the BEST decision I could have made! I felt refreshed, recharged, and so ready for this season.

How do you find the experience filming for live TV and getting your celebrity partner ready for performances?

It’s exciting, nerve-racking, and unpredictable all at once! There are so many emotions during one series and it’s so amazing seeing your partner literally grow and improve daily. When the day comes to go live, you’re so excited and nervous for them! Everyone handles nerves differently so it’s super important to know your partner well and make sure you are the best possible partner and support for them for that first live show. It’s an experience you know they’ll never forget.

You reached the Semi-Final this year with The Wanted singer Siva Kaneswaran, what was it like partnering with Siva and did you have a favourite routine to perform?

Partnering with Siva was an absolute dream! He is such a hard worker, so sweet, and so respectful! I saw his drive continue to grow as the competition went on and I loved that. My favourite routine was definitely our Gold Forever number in the Semi-Final. To understand what that number meant for Siva, the band, and everyone was really touching and I gained so much in that week leading up to the performance. It was truly a bonding moment and a moment I know we will both never forget. I am so proud that we got the chance to show that number as I know how much it meant.

What was it like reaching and performing in the Final with Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson CBE and how was it seeing the fan response to your skates?

Colin is hilarious! And an absolutely brilliant man! We never stopped laughing! I genuinely had such a great time all the way to the Final with Colin. I loved seeing all the support from the fans!

What did you enjoy most about skating with both Colin and Siva and how was it seeing their skating develop during the series?

As a coach and trainer, nothing makes you happier than to see your partner succeed and find a love for this sport. I believe both partners have found a love for figure skating and my proudest moment is leaving both partners with a positive experience!

How is it receiving feedback on your routines from Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean?

I mean… it’s Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean! Any feedback from them is amazing. You know that their feedback is honest, accurate, and will only make you and your partner stronger!

What is it like being part of the group skates with your fellow professional skaters and what do you enjoy most about being involved with Dancing on Ice?

Skating in the pro numbers is probably one of the best parts of Dancing on Ice! The group of skaters is so encouraging and it’s really fulfilling being on the ice with so many talented pros.

In 2020, you won Dancing on Ice Holland with your celebrity partner Tommie Christiaan, how was it being announced as winners of the series and what are some of your stand-out memories from skating with Tommie?

That winning moment will probably be a stand-out experience for my whole life. The amount of sincere joy Tommie and I had was unreal! He was such a great partner to work with and he even taught me a few dance lifts! My stand-out moment with him was our last number we skated… Every time I hear that song it brings me back to that moment. So much joy in that season of DOI.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d be a professional skater on Dancing on Ice in Holland, and that you’d then be joining the show in the UK?

When I took the contract in Holland, I was so beyond nervous! It was unlike anything I had ever done… I was comfortable being in front of live audiences… but to skate on live TV? And also teach someone how to skate?! I was so extremely nervous. BUT, the team in the Netherlands was so great to work with that the nerves quickly turned into excitement. When I found out I would be going to the UK – it was nothing but excitement! I had had a few months off due to COVID, so I was itching to get back on the ice!!

We understand you have worked as a principal skater with Royal Caribbean Ships, can you tell us about this?

Yes! I worked with Royal for about five years on nine different ships! I had the BEST time. Not only was the caliber of skating super high, and you consistently improved… but I got to travel the world and make so many new friends. Working on ships was the best decision I made in my early 20s.

What are some of your favourite highlights from your skating career so far and how is it performing around the world?

I love to travel. So the fact that I was fortunate enough to be able to travel AND skate… I am super grateful. Highlights would have to be the win on DOI in Holland, and performing Gold Forever with Siva this year… Both very big moments for me for completely different reasons.

How did you get into ice skating and was it something you always wanted to do?

I was put into skating at age three but taken out of it six months later as it just wasn’t something my family could do financially at the time. I would cry about it all the time and followed the sport very closely growing up. When I was 11, my mom surprised me by taking me to the ice arena and from there I went directly into private lessons as I had to play catch up with all the other skaters my age. I had a great coach and great mom that both worked so hard to get me ready for the next step! At age 18, I left for my first ice show and never looked back!

What advice would you give a new skater starting out?

It’s never too late to start. Keep at it, stay consistent, and never take the fun out of the sport – the love for the sport is so much bigger than any competition, test, show etc.

How do you like to spend your time away from your career?

I am a fitness trainer and coach as well! I LOVE coaching people to find a healthier lifestyle and find enjoyment in movement. I also love to be on my paddleboard and playing with my cute little dog Charlie! I love to dive into side projects and I just launched a skating apparel and Etsy store, KKSkates! I am taking a lot of time diving into that as I made the design myself and I want to stay connected to the skating world no matter which way life takes me!

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