Figure Skater Alysa Liu Wins Gold with Music-Driven Performances

The 20-year-old Olympian spoke about her dance-inspired approach and the importance of connecting with the music.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old figure skater who won gold at the 2026 Olympic Games, is known for her full-body, dance-inspired approach to the sport. Liu, who has studied various dance forms over the years, spoke to The New York Times about how she aims to become an extension of the music she skates to, whether it's the disco of Donna Summer, the pop-inflected jazz of Laufey, or the hyperpop of PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. She emphasized the importance of skating to music she deeply connects with in order to achieve a flow state during her performances.

Why it matters

Liu's music-driven, dance-influenced style represents a modernization of figure skating, a sport that has traditionally emphasized technical mastery over artistic expression. Her approach has captivated audiences and helped redefine what's possible in the sport, showcasing the power of music and movement to create a truly immersive performance.

The details

Liu, who had retired from figure skating at 16 before returning to the sport two years later, brings a unique blend of technical skill and artistic flair to her performances. She studied a variety of dance forms, including flamenco, tutting, ballroom, contemporary, modern contemporary, ballet, and her favorite, hip-hop. While many skaters glide on top of the music, Liu aims to live inside of it, using her plush, pliant plié and spontaneous, joyful movements to become an extension of the music's voice.

  • Alysa Liu won gold at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.
  • Liu had retired from figure skating at the age of 16 before returning to the sport two years later.

The players

Alysa Liu

A 20-year-old figure skater who won gold at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina. Liu is known for her dance-inspired, music-driven approach to the sport, having studied a variety of dance forms over the years.

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What they’re saying

“The music allows me to get there, which is why it's so important I skate to music I like. I know every beat, I know every lyric. My body feels it.”

— Alysa Liu, Figure Skater (The New York Times)

The takeaway

Alysa Liu's gold medal-winning performances at the 2026 Olympics showcase the power of artistic expression and a deep connection to music in figure skating, a sport that is often dominated by technical mastery. Her dance-inspired, music-driven approach has captivated audiences and helped redefine the sport, paving the way for a new generation of skaters to prioritize creativity and emotional connection alongside technical prowess.