The magic of the Winter Games: Why we are glued to the screen tonight
It is Saturday, February 7, 2026, and the atmosphere in sports-loving Netherlands is electric. While the first medals in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have already been distributed, we are preparing for the absolute highlight for everyone with a heart for dance: figure skating. As a dancer with more than 30 years of experience, I look at the Winter Games with a very different eye than the average sports fan. Where others pay attention to the speed of the skates, I look at the lines, the musicality, and the emotion that is laid out on the ice.
Tonight, there is something special on the program at the NOS. Through the livestreams of the NOS, we can witness the team event live in the Milano Ice Skating Arena. And believe me, this is not just any sporting event; this is elite sport disguised as pure art.
Tonight's program: Ice dancing and the short program
If, like me, you love the technical perfection of ballroom or the passion of salsa, then today's schedule is an absolute treat. According to the official schedules, the men's short program in the team event begins at 7:45 PM, followed immediately by one of my personal favorites: the Free Dance in ice dancing at 9:45 PM.
At Miss Salsa, we often talk about the connection between partners and telling a story without words. That is exactly what is happening on the ice tonight. In the free dance, couples have the freedom to choose their own choreography and music, which often results in breathtaking performances that give you goosebumps. It is actually just salsa or rumba, but on a razor-sharp blade and at a speed we can only dream of on the dance floor.
Studio Olimpico: Analysis with the greats
In addition to the live action on the ice, the NOS brings us Studio Olimpico again tonight. Presenter Dione de Graaff welcomes a variety of experts in the studio who take us behind the scenes of the Games. With guests like Ireen Wüst, former national coach Jeroen Otter, and former alpine skier Maarten Meiners, you will hear not only the results but also the stories behind the athletes.
What I find so beautiful about this talk show is that they go into depth. Jeroen Otter knows better than anyone what enormous pressure is on these athletes. The focus you need for a perfect four-minute program is comparable to the concentration a professional dancer needs during a championship. One misstep, one glitch in the timing with your partner, and your chances for the podium are gone.
The 'golden' Lola and the madness at Schiphol
While the action in Italy is in full swing, the Netherlands is buzzing with stories about our own heroes. One of the names dominating these Games is that of Lola Huybers. The short tracker from Gelderland is already being called the 'golden Lola' in the media, and the hype is enormous. In a remarkable report from De Gelderlander, we read about the confusion at Schiphol during a recent reception. Travelers wished the athletes success in Milan, while they were actually just returning or were at the airport for promotional purposes. It typifies the Olympic fever that currently has the Netherlands in its grip.
That passion for sport and movement is what connects us. Whether it's short trackers flying through the bend at 50 kilometers per hour or figure skaters landing a triple axel: it's about body control. From my experience in the dance world, I see the parallels everywhere. The strength in the core, the flexibility in the ankles, and above all, the charisma towards the audience.
What can we as dancers learn from figure skating?
You might wonder: what's the use of watching skating if I dance salsa myself? Well, quite a lot. Pay attention to the following points during the free dance tonight:
- Musicality: Watch how the skaters translate every accent in the music into a movement. That is exactly what we call 'shines' in salsa.
- Partnering: See how the man supports his partner. In ice dancing, the 'lead' is subtle but important. Without a strong base from the leader, the follower can never make those spectacular lifts.
- Expression: Even when the legs are aching and the lungs are burning, they keep smiling or projecting the emotion of the piece. That is the art of performance.
Figure skating at the 2026 Winter Games is a reminder to me of why we do what we do. It's about pushing boundaries and creating something beautiful. The Milano Ice Skating Arena is the stage for that passion tonight.
Concretely: How do you watch?
Don't want to miss anything of the performances on the ice? The NOS is making it very easy for us this year. You can follow the livestreams via the NOS app on your phone or tablet, or simply via the website on your laptop. For people who prefer to sit in front of the big TV: Ziggo customers can switch directly to channel 160 for the extra livestreams, and of course, NPO Start is the place where you can watch everything at your leisure.
In any case, I'll be ready with a cup of tea (and perhaps a little bit of healthy jealousy of those beautiful costumes) to enjoy the art on the ice. Because whether it's on suede soles or on steel blades, dancing remains the most beautiful language that exists.