The Milan 2026 Winter Games are coming
Italy is gearing up for the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. From February 6 to 22, 2026, the sports world will be centered around snow and ice. At Miss Salsa, we naturally keep a special eye on the figure skaters, because that artistic expression on the ice is very close to what we do in the dance studio. In my 30 years in the dance world, I have often seen how top athletes and dancers learn from each other when it comes to body control and presentation.
The program for 2026 has now been announced, and there is a significant delegation from the north of the Netherlands aiming to make a big impression. Whether you're watching for the pure speed of the sprinters or for the choreographies on the ice, this is what you can expect from the Dutch participants.
Figure Skating: Dancing on the cutting edge
For dance enthusiasts, pair skating is the absolute highlight. Michel Tsiba and Daria Danilova are making their debut in Milan. It has been quite a journey for this duo. Although they met the international requirements, the NOC*NSF set the bar a lot higher. Only after a special request from the KNSB did they get the green light. I often see that kind of perseverance in dancers who train for years for that one moment on stage.
Their program in the Milano Ice Skating Arena (Mediolanum Forum) looks as follows:
- Sunday, February 15 (7:45 PM): Short program to 'Take back the power' by Raury.
- Monday, February 16 (8:00 PM): Free skate to 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin.
From my experience, I know that the choice of music is crucial for the emotion you convey. 'Stairway to Heaven' is a bold choice for a free skate; it requires a perfect build-up in energy and technique. More details about their preparation can be found here from NOS Groningen.
Speed Skating: Power and technique in Milan
In addition to the artistic power in the figure skating arena, medals will be contested on the long track at the Rho Fiera Milano. The contribution from Groningen is very strong here with names like Marcel Bosker, Chris Huizinga, and Jenning de Boo. What stands out is the technical innovation these athletes bring.
The 'Huizinga method'
Chris Huizinga has amazed the skating world in recent years with his technique. He skates his races in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters entirely with his hands on his back. In the dance world, we call that isolation; keeping your upper body as still and stable as possible to get all the power from your lower body. At first, he was looked at strangely, but now the 'Huizinga method' is a well-known concept. It shows once again that you sometimes have to step off the beaten path to achieve results.
The men's schedule
According to the official schedule from AD.nl and Schaatsen.nl, these are the most important dates for the Dutch men:
- Sunday, February 8 (4:00 PM): 5,000 meters (with Marcel Bosker and Chris Huizinga).
- Saturday, February 14 (4:00 PM): 500 meters (with the lightning-fast Jenning de Boo).
- Sunday, February 15 (4:00 PM): Team Pursuit Qualifiers.
- Tuesday, February 17 (2:30 PM): Team Pursuit Finals.
The rise of Jenning de Boo
Three years ago, almost no one knew him as a speed skater, but Jenning de Boo has grown into a world-class sprinter in a short time. He made the switch from short track, which is clearly visible in his agility in the corners. That explosiveness is impressive. In Milan, he will face off against the American sensation Jordan Stolz. For us as spectators, it's pure enjoyment: two athletes defying the laws of physics with their speed.
What we as dancers can learn from these athletes
Although a skater is on ice and we are on a dance floor, the parallels are significant. The focus Marcel Bosker needs for his 5 kilometers, or the precision of Michel Tsiba during a lift, is exactly the discipline we also strive for at Miss Salsa. Concretely, this means we look at how these athletes handle pressure.
Marcel Bosker honestly admitted that the international top is currently very strong and that the chances for medals in individual distances are slim. That realism is important. In sports and in dance, it’s not always about first place, but about delivering your best personal performance under maximum pressure.
Practical information for fans
Do you want to be there yourself in Italy? Ticket sales for the Games are now in full swing. Tickets for figure skating in the Mediolanum Forum are in high demand, so be on time via the official channels of Milano Cortina 2026. Prices vary greatly depending on the session and the seat in the arena, but expect amounts starting from around 150 euros for the finals.
The atmosphere in Milan will be fantastic. The city breathes fashion and design, which fits beautifully with the elegance of winter sports. For those staying home: the NOS will broadcast all important races and programs live, so we don't have to miss a moment of the action from Groningen and the Netherlands.
It will be a month full of passion and competition. In any case, I look forward to seeing how Daria and Michel translate their 'Stairway to Heaven' to the ice. That promises to be a moment of pure art that will silence even the most down-to-earth skating fan.