Dancing on the cutting edge in Milan
It is 9 February 2026 and the atmosphere in Italy is palpable. While the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are in full swing, the dance world is preparing for one of the most visual highlights of the tournament. Today, the Rhythm Dance is on the program for the ice dancers. Those who know me know that I have been around the dance world for more than 30 years. Whether it's on a wooden floor or a slippery ice rink, the principles of movement, expression, and musicality remain the same. Tonight at 9:20 PM local time, the focus is on the art of ice dancing, a discipline that has undergone a massive transition in recent years.
An article from the official Olympics website looks ahead to this crucial day. The battle for medals breaks loose, but for us dancers, the Rhythm Dance is the moment where technique and emotion merge. It is fascinating to see how these athletes defy gravity while telling a story to music. It's not just skating; it's choreography at the highest level.
The battle of the titans on ice: Chock, Bates and the return of Cizeron
When looking at the favorites, we cannot ignore the American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates. In recent years, they have dominated the international floors, or rather, ice rinks. With three world titles in this Olympic cycle to their names, they are the combination to beat. What makes them so strong is their ability to take on a completely new identity every season. Their connection, the way they mirror and complement each other's movements, is something many a salsa or ballroom duo can learn from.
But the real surprise we are looking at today is the French duo formed last year: Laurence Fournier-Baudry and Guillaume Cizeron. Cizeron is, of course, a legend in the sport, known for his strong fluid movements and deep edge work. The fact that he is now on the ice with a new partner creates an interesting dynamic. It takes years to find the perfect 'connection' in a dance pair, so the fact that they are already competing for the top spots is a major achievement. At Miss Salsa, we always emphasize the communication between leader and follower; on the ice, that communication is a matter of millimeters and fractions of seconds.
Dutch pride: Jutta Leerdam in the 1000 meters
Although at Miss Salsa we primarily look at artistic sports, today we cannot ignore the women's 1000 meters. Jutta Leerdam, the queen of the sprint, appears at the start. Although long-track speed skating is purely about speed and power, as a dance expert, I also see the beauty of movement here. The rhythm of her strokes, the angles she makes in the turns; it is a form of mechanical perfection that is almost hypnotic.
According to Sport-Express, Leerdam is one of the big favorites, along with her compatriot Joy Beune. However, the competition from Japan's Miho Takagi will be fierce. It is interesting to see how these women handle the pressure. In the dance world, we also deal with those nerves before a performance or competition, but here it's about hundredths of a second. That requires a mental focus that is admirable.
What we as dancers can learn from the Games
You might wonder what a salsa dancer has to do with the Winter Games. Actually, a lot. The discipline these athletes display is exactly what you need to become a good dancer. Think of the core stability needed for those pirouettes on the ice; it is identical to what you need for a series of fast spins in salsa. The way the ice dancers use their arms to finish their movements, that 'finishing' of a line, that is pure art.
Today, February 9th, medals will be awarded in five different sports, including alpine skiing and ski jumping. But for lovers of movement and aesthetics, the ice rink in Milan is the place to be. The Rhythm Dance is a compulsory segment where all pairs must interpret the same theme. This year we see many influences from the '80s and '90s, which creates an energetic and recognizable atmosphere. It reminds me of the time when I first started dancing; I see that passion and fire back on the ice today.
The technique behind the emotion
In my 30 years of experience, I have seen technique in the dance world evolve to an almost athletic level. In ice dancing, you see that even more strongly. The rules are strict: the distance between partners, the height of the lifts, the synchronization of the twizzles (fast turns on one leg). If one thing goes wrong, the whole house of cards collapses. That is the reality of top-level sport and top-level art.
What we are going to see today with Chock and Bates is likely a lesson in musicality. They don't dance to the music, they 'are' the music. That is the highest goal you can pursue as a dancer. Whether you are on skates or in dance shoes, it's about making the audience forget how much effort it takes. It must look effortless, even if your muscles are burning and your body is gasping for breath.
A day full of action
In addition to ice dancing and long-track speed skating, a lot more is happening on this 9th of February. We see the women's slopestyle final in freestyle skiing and the big air final for female snowboarders. Also the mixed doubles curling tournament continues. It is a full program that shows how diverse the sports world has become. But for us at Miss Salsa, ice dancing remains the absolute crown jewel of the day.
The broadcasts start tonight and I recommend everyone to take a good look at the feet of the ice dancers. Notice how they shift their weight and how they move their upper body independently of their lower body. That is isolation technique that we train for hours in salsa lessons. It is beautiful to see how these disciplines overlap and reinforce each other.
We look forward to Jutta Leerdam's results and hope for Dutch gold, but my heart will mostly beat faster tonight at the first notes of the Rhythm Dance. The passion of the dance world is alive and well, even at temperatures below freezing.