The battle for gold in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are in full swing. While the world watches the slopes and the ice rinks, we see a medal table that currently looks a bit meager for the Netherlands. Where we are used to sweeping up one medal after another right at the start of the skating tournament, the counter for the Dutch team is currently still at zero. Norway and Switzerland lead the list with three gold medals each, underlining the immense competition in snow sports.
In my thirty years in the dance world, I have learned that a good start isn't everything, but the tension is certainly palpable by now. According to the latest reports from AD.nl, we are still waiting for that first moment of success, while countries like France are already celebrating their first successes, as can be read at Sortir à Paris.
The art of presentation: Minions on the ice
As a dancer, I look at figure skating with a special eye. It is the sport closest to our world. It's about technique, but especially about the presentation and the choice of music. There has been much talk in recent days about a figure skater who was given the green light to use music from the 'Minions' films. This might seem like a funny detail, but in the world of judged sports, music choice is crucial. It determines the atmosphere, the choreography, and how the jury assesses your artistic expression.
In the dance world, we often see this too: do you choose a classical line or do you dare to surprise with something modern or even comic? The fact that Olympic federations are increasingly allowing athletes to deviate from standard classical music shows that the sports world, just like the dance world, is moving with the times. It's about entertainment value without losing technical perfection.
The emotion of top-tier sport: Michelle Dekker
The most heartbreaking moment so far was the elimination of snowboarder Michelle Dekker. The images of her gloves being thrown to the ground and the tears on the slope touched me deeply. It reminded me of those moments behind the scenes at major dance competitions. You train for years for that one minute, that one routine, and if it then goes wrong, your world collapses for a moment. The 'comforting hugs' she received show the human side of these Games. It's not just about the medal table, but about the passion behind it.
Focus and distraction: Jutta Leerdam and Jake Paul
Another topic occupying minds is the massive media attention for Jutta Leerdam. While she prepares for the race of her life, the 1000 meters, her partner Jake Paul demands a lot of attention. In the Italian media, she is even often simply described as 'the girlfriend of'. That is quite bitter for an athlete of her caliber.
From my experience as a coach, I know how important mental focus is. When you are on stage, whether that's an ice rink or a dance floor, the outside noise must fall away. The pressure on Leerdam is gigantic, especially now that the Dutch medal harvest has yet to get underway. We will see if she can live up to her role as favorite despite the circus-like atmosphere around her.
The resilience of icons: Lindsey Vonn
What is also impressive is the story of 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn. After countless surgeries and even a torn ACL, she is still trying to push her limits. Although she recently had surgery again after a hard crash, her American mentality remains admirable. In the dance world, we see this too: dancers who, despite injuries and age, continue to look for ways to practice their art. It is that unstoppable urge to perform that makes the Olympic Games so special.
What we can still expect
The coming days will be crucial for the Dutch position in the rankings. With 38 Dutch people competing for medals, there is still plenty of room for a comeback. The opening ceremony, featuring a moving Andrea Bocelli, set the tone for an event full of drama and beauty.
For us as dance lovers, it is mainly about enjoying the choreographies on the ice and the way athletes control their bodies under extreme pressure. Whether the Netherlands ends up at the top of the medal table or not, the passion and artistic choices on this world stage are a source of inspiration for every performer. We will continue to closely follow the performances of Jutta Leerdam, Femke Kok, and the other top athletes.