The Winter of 2026: Dancing on the Cutting Edge
The decision has been made: the program for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo is finalized. From February 6 to 22, 2026, the sports world will stand still for a moment, and at Miss Salsa, we look at it with a special eye. In my 30 years of experience in the dance world, I have learned that elite sports and dance are often closer to each other than you think. Whether you are spinning a tight salsa combination or carving a turn at 60 kilometers per hour on the 1000 meters; it's all about balance, core stability, and that elusive 'flow'.
For the Netherlands, this tournament is of vital importance. As we could read in a sharp analysis by de Volkskrant, our national pride for gold medals is almost entirely dependent on speed skating. This brings enormous pressure for the 38 Dutch athletes who have secured a starting spot.
The Skating Program: When should you be in front of the TV?
The skating competitions take place in the Rho Fiera Milano, a massive convention hall that has been transformed into an ice temple for the occasion. It is a special location; skaters describe the ice there as 'ringing ice', which technically has everything to do with the acoustics and the hardness of the floor. For us as dancers, the surface is sacred, and it is no different for these athletes.
These are the most important dates for the long-track speed skaters (times are subject to change):
- Saturday, February 7: Women's 3000 meters (including Joy Beune and Marijke Groenewoud) - 4:00 PM
- Sunday, February 8: Men's 5000 meters - 4:00 PM
- Monday, February 9: Women's 1000 meters (Jutta Leerdam and Femke Kok) - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, February 11: Men's 1000 meters (Kjeld Nuis and Jenning de Boo) - 6:30 PM
- Saturday, February 14: Men's 500 meters & Women's Team Pursuit Quarterfinals - 4:00 PM
- Sunday, February 15: Women's 500 meters (Femke Kok and Jutta Leerdam) - 5:03 PM
- Tuesday, February 17: Men's & Women's Team Pursuit Finals - 2:30 PM
- Thursday, February 19: Men's 1500 meters - 4:30 PM
- Friday, February 20: Women's 1500 meters - 4:30 PM
- Saturday, February 21: Men's & Women's Mass Start - 3:00 PM
For a detailed daily overview, you can visit the AD program.
The Art of Figure Skating: The Minion Drama
In addition to the brute force on the long track, there is, of course, figure skating at the Mediolanum Forum in Assago. This is where sport and dance literally merge. There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté. He wanted to perform his routine to music from the Minions, but got stuck on copyrights. In the dance world, we know everything about music rights; just try putting a video of your choreography on social media without the sound being muted.
Fortunately, there is good news: after a massive lobby from fans, Universal Studios gave the green light at the last minute. Sabaté is allowed to perform his 'Minion routine' on the Olympic ice after all. This shows once again how important the connection between music, entertainment, and sport has become. It's no longer just about the jumps, but about the whole picture – exactly how we approach things at Miss Salsa as well.
Sven Kramer and the Flip Side of the Games
Not everyone is entirely enthusiastic. Former champion Sven Kramer recently spoke critically about the current course of the Winter Games. He called the tournament 'overhyped' and stated that the athletes sometimes seem like mere extras in a commercial circus. From my experience, I see this more often in large productions. The art is to guard your own core as an artist – or athlete. Jutta Leerdam seems to be a master at that; despite all the media attention surrounding her relationship with Jake Paul, she remains focused on that one mission: gold in the 1000 meters.
What We as Dancers Can Learn from the Skating World
You might wonder: what's in it for me if I'm in the dance studio every week? Actually, quite a lot. The technique skaters use for their cornering is a masterclass in weight transfer. When a skater leans on their 'edges', it is the exact same control you need for a perfect spin in salsa.
Specifically, you can look at:
- Core stability: Without a strong core, you cannot skate fast, but you also cannot lead or follow tightly.
- Sense of rhythm: Take a listen to the strokes on the ice. There is a cadence to it that is almost musical.
- Mental pressure: The Games in Milan still maintain strict protocols (no handshakes, face masks in certain areas). The ability to perform under restrictive conditions is a lesson in discipline.
Practical Information for Fans
Want to be there yourself? Tickets for the skating sessions are not cheap; expect prices between 180 and 280 euros per session. Figure skating often goes beyond that. Milan, however, is a fantastic city that will buzz with energy during the Games. The TeamNL House will be located this time in Superstudio Più on Via Tortona, a hip spot in the middle of the city where sport and lifestyle come together.
Whether you watch for the pure speed of the 500 meters or for the theatrical flair of figure skating, the 2026 Olympics promise to be a spectacle. In any case, I'll be ready to see how 'our' skaters perform their own dance on the ice. It is the ultimate combination of strength and elegance, and that is exactly what we strive for at Miss Salsa every day.