World & Olympic Skating Choreographer
Choreographing the perfect edge.
Part of the excitement for the season stems from coach Phillip Mills, who made a name for himself in skating as a choreographer. John Baldwin said Mills has rekindled the duo’s love for skating and inspired them when they most needed it.
“The first time we worked together everything just clicked as if we had been working with him for years," Baldwin said. "That is how Phillip can put a skater at ease. It really made us trust and respect his judgment. Most importantly, he always comes to the rink prepared and with a game plan for the day, and (that relieves pressure) from a skater who already has more than enough to think about.” Skating Magazine, January 2009.
Rena Inoue & John Baldwin
Michelle Kwan
Sasha Cohen
Ashley Wagner - National and International USFS Medalist
"Phillip Mills choreographed my short program to the theme music from the movie “Somewhere in Time”. This piece is completely different than other programs I have skated to before. Phillip brought out my strengths, but also pushed me to new heights and areas of expression. He is such a great guy to work with, and I really enjoyed putting my program together with him."
Andrew Gonzales
Andrew Gonzales is the 2007 National Junior Men's Bronze medallist.
"In the eight years that Phillip and I have been working together he has never stopped pushing and motivating me to become the best skater possible. Phillip’s extensive knowledge and experience help guide each student to reach their short and long term goals. His wisdom allows me to develop confidence in myself and in my abilities. Phillip is able to find each skater’s best qualities and attributes and transform them to depict a story through choreography. Phillip is a great choreographer as well as a great person. I am honored to be such a long-term student."
Alyssa Pereslete
Alyssa Pereslete is the 2007 Young Internationals' Swiss Morges Skate Bronze Medallist.
"Phillip has been my choreographer since I was 8 years old. We have danced to the Irish flute, cast magic spells, refused to grow up, been part of a French Circus, remembered the Ballet and found ourselves at the Opera. It's always an adventure with Phillip, his choreography takes me places. Hmm...I wonder where we will go next?"
Skaters & Testimonials
Michelle Kwan
Phillip choreographed several programs for Michelle. She was the Champion at the 2000 Japan Open and the Kerri Lotion classic skating to "Hands".
At the 1999 Skate America, Michelle won Gold and skated her "Kissing You" program. View Program
"You're an awesome friend and choreographer. Thanks for California Girls. It was a blast. It's always great to see your big smile. It makes everybody's day." Michelle
Michelle Kwan
Amber Corwin
"To Phillip,
You're an awesome guy and so much fun to work with. We're so good together!"
Thanks for everything,"
Amber Corwin
"Phillip,
Thanks for your love and support!"
Always,
Andrea Gardner
Andrea Gardner
Elaine Zayak
"Dear Phillip,
Without you and your help this comeback would not be possible! Thanks for Everything!"
Love ya,
Elaine Zayak
Jill Trenary
"Phillip,
Thanks for making skating so much fun. You're wonderful and I love working with you. Remember: 'Pizza Pizza Pizza'."
Love ya,
Jill Trenary
Sasha Cohen
Sasha Cohen wins the Gold at the 2006 Marshals Showcase skating to the choreography of Phillip Mills. Sasha skated to "God Bless America".
Deanna Stellato
Junior Grand Prix Champion
Junior World Silver Medallist
"I loved all of my programs that Phillip choreographed. He has a unique and fun way of bringing out the best in you; he helped me get a perfect 6.0!"
Deanna Stellato
Phillip has worked closely with Deanna's coach Cindy Watson Caprel since 1988.
Becky Bereswill
Becky Bereswill is the 2008 Junior Grand Prix Final Gold Medallist
"It was a magical moment for Becky Bereswill who came out of nowhere to claim Grand Prix gold in the ladies event." International Skating Magazine, April 2009
Phillip has been choreographing Becky's programs for over a decade. This year he and Becky chose Nessun Dorma to create her beautiful free program for the 2008 - 2009 season.
Becky Bereswill
Ina & Dungjen
Ashley Wagner
"Phillip,
This was the most exciting and outgoing program I've ever done. I couldn't have done it without you. We're a great team!"
Love,
Sean
Urbanski & Marval
Calla Urbanski & Rocky Marval were U.S. National Pair Champions
"Dear Phillip,
May our days ahead be filled with crystal and silver. Thank you for molding our clay!!"
Love,
Calla & Rocky
Ina & Dungjen
Lillihamer Olympics
"Phillip,
You made many things possible for us including the first step on a long road! Thanks,"
Jason
"To Phillip,
Thank you! You made the 1st of many dreams possible!"
Always,
Kyoko"
Special Event Champions
Additional Programs Choreographed by Phillip Mills:
National Champions and Special Event Champions
National Champions
"Phillip Mills is a highly talented choreographer with a huge palette to choose from to interpret any style of music. His programs are always captivating and original. Personally, Phillip has helped me with many different programs, always adding flair and spark to my skating. He is a wonderful person and a joy to work with."
Courtney HIcks is the 2008 Junior National Silver Medallist
"It is always fun working with Phillip. He is energetic, enthusiastic, and he keeps the mood light so it’s easy to learn. He is endlessly patient explaining a step to me until I can do it correctly. No part of the program is ever left blank; there are always interesting connecting steps using the music to its fullest extent. Most importantly, Phillip gives me choreography that I love!"
Courtney Hicks
Inoue & Baldwin
Roca & Adair
Renee Roca & Donald Adair
U.S. National Dance Champions
Skate America Champions
Skate Canada Champions
Roca & Adair were known for their seemless flow across the ice and amazing skating quality.
Phillip has worked in tandem with Megan Faulkner, Beck's coach, since 1984.
Sasha Cohen skates to her 2010 Stars on Ice program "Hallelujah"
Choreographed by Phillip Mills
Sean Cavillo
