Dancing on Thin Ice: The NOS Livestream You Don't Want to Miss
Tonight at 9:30 PM I'll be glued to the screen, and I hope you will be too. The NOS is broadcasting the livestream of the rhythm dance during the Winter Olympics in Milan. For those who don't know me yet: I'm Vanessa and I've been active in the dance world for over 30 years. Although my heart lies with salsa and ballroom, I look at ice dancing with a professional eye. It is essentially ballroom dancing, but on a razor-sharp edge and at a speed we can only dream of on the parquet floor.
What makes this edition of the rhythm dance (formerly called the short program) so special is the theme chosen by the international skating union ISU. For 2026, that is: the music and dance styles from the '90s. That means tonight we won't see any classic waltzes or tangos, but choreographies set to hip-hop, eurodance, and maybe even a touch of grunge. For a dance coach like me, it's a treat, because how do you translate that specific '90s vibe' into the technical requirements of figure skating?
You can follow the action live via the NOS livestream or on television via channel 160 on Ziggo. The program Studio Olimpico also pays extensive attention to this discipline, with analyses from experts who bridge the gap between top-tier sport and artistry.
What exactly is the Rhythm Dance?
In the world of figure skating, you have various disciplines, but ice dancing is the branch that is closest to 'regular' dance sport. In contrast to pair skating, you won't see any spectacular jumps or throws here. It's purely about the steps, the expression, and the connection between the two partners. The rhythm dance is the first part of the competition, followed by the free dance later this week.
In my years as a dancer and coach, I have learned that the foundation of every good performance lies in foot technique. In ice dancing, they call that 'edge work'. The deeper the skate cuts into the ice, the more points the jury awards. In tonight's rhythm dance, the pairs must meet a number of mandatory elements:
- The Twizzles: These are fast, traveling turns on one leg. In the dance world, we would compare it to a series of pirouettes moving across the diagonal of the room. It is crucial that both partners turn exactly in sync.
- The Pattern Dance: A set pattern of steps that every pair must perform. This year, that pattern must be seamlessly interwoven with the '90s music.
- The Lift: In ice dancing, the man may not lift the woman above his head, as in pair skating. The lifts must be shorter and lower, which often results in more creative and dance-like poses.
The Link with the Dance Floor: '90s Nostalgia
The '90s theme brings an interesting challenge. In the world of ballroom dancing, we saw the rise of more athletic and expressive forms during those years. When I look at tonight's favorites, such as the American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates, I see how they use that nostalgia to tell a story. They use not only the music but also the style of dress and the specific 'groove' of that era.
This is educational for us as dancers. How do you maintain your technical posture while moving to a beat by 2 Unlimited or Snap!? Ice dancing forces athletes to sometimes let go of their frame (the position of the arms and upper body) for the interpretation of the music, only to tighten it up again in a fraction of a second for a mandatory step. That is exactly the dynamic we also look for in salsa: control versus letting go.
The Technical Jury versus Artistic Expression
On the NOS livestream, you will see that two scores are given: the technical score and the score for the 'program components'. The latter is where artistry comes into play. In my 30 years of experience, I have often seen that a pair can be technically perfect but fail to move the viewer. In ice dancing, that is fatal. The jury looks at composition, presentation, and skating skills.
An interesting detail for the real enthusiasts: tonight, pay attention to the distance between the partners. In ice dancing, they are actually not allowed to be separated from each other for more than five seconds. This creates constant tension and requires an enormous amount of mutual trust. It reminds me of the lessons I give on 'leading and following'; on the ice, that communication is non-verbal and accurate to the millimeter.
Practical Information: How to Watch?
The NOS has shown in recent days that they are on top of the action. With the new NOS app on smart TVs, it's easier than ever to follow the livestreams without being dependent on the regular broadcast on NPO 1 or 2. If you miss the 9:30 PM livestream, you can often watch it back immediately via the NOS website or NPO Start.
Besides the rhythm dance, there is of course much more to experience. In Studio Olimpico, former athletes such as Ireen Wüst and Jeroen Otter regularly join in. Although they come from the skating world, their analysis of peaking at the right time is universally applicable to any top-tier sport, including dance sport.
What We as Dancers Can Learn from These Athletes
I often get asked why I watch figure skating so much. The answer is simple: the discipline and the precision. An ice dancer trains for hours on a single crossover to make it as silent as possible. We can take an example from that. Whether you are a beginner in salsa class or an advanced ballroom dancer, the focus on the basics – the feet and the connection with your partner – is what distinguishes a good dancer from a great dancer.
So, grab a drink, turn on that livestream, and enjoy the '90s beats on the ice. Watch the twizzles, admire the synchronicity, and be inspired by the way these athletes elevate sport to art. Ice dancing is more dynamic than ever this year, and with the expertise of the NOS via the livestream, you won't miss a single step.
After tonight's rhythm dance, we are getting ready for the free dance, which is on the schedule for later this week. That's where the final medals will be decided and the pairs get even more freedom to show their own style. But for now: enjoy the '90s vibe'!