OU Dance Faculty Member Renee Petkovski coaches U.S. Ice Dancers at 2026 Winter Olympics

When the world tuned in to the 2026 Winter Olympics, few may have realized that behind one of the ice dance teams representing the United States stood a dedicated educator from Oakland University. Renee Petkovski, adjunct professor of dance in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, served as a coach and choreographic force for Olympic ice dancers Emilea Zingasand Vadym Kolesnik.

For Petkovski, the Olympic moment was the culmination of years of artistic collaboration, mentorship and belief.

"Watching Emilea and Vadym step onto Olympic ice and give everything they had, on the world's biggest stage, was one of the most emotional and rewarding moments of my life," she said.

Petkovski's journey to the Olympic stage began long before her time at Oakland. After a 12-year career as a professional dancer and choreographer in Los Angeles, she returned to Michigan with a renewed focus on teaching and mentorship.

"Coming from a career as a professional dancer and choreographer in Los Angeles, Calif., for 12 years, I returned to Michigan and poured my energy into my students," Petkovski said. "Being able to share my experiences, knowledge, and stories brings me much joy, creates a bond, and also helps to define their path and make it a little easier."

At Oakland University, she quickly found a connection with her students.

"The students in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance are incredibly passionate, committed, and eager to absorb everything," she said. "They truly want to be there, which makes them a joy to teach."

Not long after joining the university, Petkovski expanded her teaching beyond the studio floor and onto the ice, working with elite skaters through the prestigious Ice Dance of Novi.

"I began working alongside some of ice dance's most respected coaching legends as part of the prestigious coaching team at Ice Dance of Novi," she said. "I soaked it all in and quickly learned how to adapt choreography from the floor to the ice."

Her partnership with Kolesnik began first, where she immediately recognized his drive and technical strength.

"He is eager to learn and puts in the work. He is so strong technically and truly loves what he does," she said. "Anything I would ask him to do, he would reply with a smile and say, 'Of course I can,' even if I knew it was impossible."

When Zingas joined him, Petkovski knew the pairing had something special.

"When Emi came in to audition with him, I immediately knew they had something special," she said. "She was a single skater and new to ice dance; however, she matched his ambition and fire."

Petkovski recalls a defining moment early in their partnership.

"I'll never forget telling her, 'It won't be easy, but if you stay positive, work hard, you will go to the Olympics,'" she said.

From that point on, their training extended beyond technical choreography.

"From the moment I started coaching Emilea and Vadym together, I knew they had the talent, the mindset, and were incredibly coachable," she said. "From day one we focused not only on choreography, but on carrying themselves like champions, on and off the ice."

Over the years, Petkovski witnessed their growth firsthand.

"I watched them improve, saw their confidence grow and witnessed them fight to carve out a path for themselves, which made me proud."

Central to their success was a shared vision.

"When my goals for them align with the goals they have for themselves, that's when the magic really starts to happen," she said. "We feed off each other's energy and create an environment where anything felt possible."

While the Olympic spotlight shines brightly, Petkovski remains grounded in her role as an educator and mentor - both on campus and beyond.

"I love what I do, and hope that shines through in my students," she said. "Through their work ethic, sense of humor and resilience, Emi and Vadym are great role models."

At Oakland University, her students benefit from the same passion and real-world experience that helped shape Olympians.

"Whether Olympians, stage or theatre - whatever their goals - I am right behind my students working hard to help make it happen," Petkovski said.

From the dance studio in Rochester to the Olympic ice, Petkovski's story is a powerful example of how dedication to teaching, artistry and mentorship can make an impact on the world stage.