My Favorite Olympic Events (Figure Skating & Ice Dance)

One of the only reasons I find myself wanting to watch the Olympics, specifically the Winter Olympics, is to watch the Ice-Skating Events. While both Figure Skating and Ice Dance both take place in the ice rink, both are different from each other in very slight ways most may not catch. An easy trick is to think of figure skating as gymnastics on ice. It’s all about jumps, spins, and dramatic lifts. Meanwhile, ice dance is just that, dancing on ice, which is all about the footwork, rhythm, and musical interpretation in a routine.

“Both are Olympic sports - although figure skating has been part of it since the first official Winter Games in 1924, whilst ice dancing started only in 1976,”

Figure skating is basically Ballet on ice, and I think I got my love for the art from the OG Barbie movies that incorporated the dances from famous ballet shows, and the music from famous conductors. Still, my favorite event is the couples skates. I’m a romantic at heart and I love seeing how each couple works with one another. The chemistry and trust needed between partners to perform is so important, and effects the flow of the routine, while also adding certain emotions along with the music chosen.

I don’t necessarily find myself cheering for the “home team” during the Olympics. I enjoy watching the events to see the skill the competitors have. These events take years to perfect and require so much dedication. I love watching the ice skating events as a way to escape into a fantasy and see the personality and creativity of the competitors. I love watching the routines, the relationships of trust and pride on display. In a way ice skating makes me happy and relaxed, and also makes me feel hopeful.

What are some of your favorite Olympic Sports/Events?