Vanessa Bauer

Vanessa Bauer is a professional ice skater, keynote speaker and performer, best known for winning ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2018. A dynamic presence on screen and stage, she captivates audiences with her talent and authenticity. Vanessa speaks powerfully on topics such as resilience, grief, cross-cultural identity and mental health - drawing from a life shaped by challenge, ambition and creativity. Her ability to connect with people, both in performance and in person, makes her a compelling and in-demand speaker for a wide range of events.

Vanessa began skating in Berlin when she was just four years old, discovered by a coach who offered to train her free of charge. Raised on social welfare, she grew up in a working-class environment surrounded by wealth, often feeling like an outsider. Despite being bullied and unable to afford her own skates until her teens, she persevered. At 18, she joined Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, performing globally in ice shows that fused skating, acrobatics and dance. In 2013, she became the German National Junior Pairs Champion, a title that confirmed her growing reputation in the sport. Her early life taught her the power of persistence, and it’s that resilience she shares on stage today.

In late 2017, Vanessa moved to London and was cast as a professional skater on ITV’s Dancing on Ice. She quickly became a household name, winning the series in 2018 with Jake Quickenden and going on to reach the final five more times. Her role as a core professional and lead performer on Dancing on Ice solidified her position as one of the show’s most successful and consistent stars. In 2024, Vanessa was named a Fabletics Ambassador, aligning her with one of the world’s leading activewear brands, and became a Grief Encounter Ambassador, using her platform to support bereaved young people following the loss of her father to cancer in 2021. Her acting debut is set for release in 2025, marking her transition into film.

Audiences book Vanessa for her honesty, energy and ability to speak on issues that truly resonate. From overcoming eating disorders and managing grief to breaking into the entertainment industry without formal acting training, her story is raw and inspiring. She covers themes such as resilience & mental health, cross-cultural identity, women in entertainment, and movement as healing. These topics are not only timely - but they are also essential for audiences seeking courage, authenticity and connection. Vanessa is more than a performer; she is a role model, a storyteller and a voice for overcoming adversity with strength and grace.