Feb. 21, 2026, the Winter Olympic Figure Skating Exhibition Gala took place in Milan, Italy. The exhibition gala serves as a space for skaters to perform more personal, risky and lively routines without the pressure of being scored. The creative freedom led to a variety of unforgettable performances and was the highlight of the Olympic Games for many.
Arguably, the most lighthearted performance of the night was gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov’s Kung Fu Panda routine. He stepped out on the ice in a full panda suit, complete with a red-and-gold robe. Skating to “Kung Fu Fighting”, he playfully “fought” fellow skaters, dressed as Deadpool and Sub-Zero. The routine was playful and entertaining, with Shaidorov performing impressive tricks like a triple toe-loop while also clumsily falling on the ice, where he was lifted and spun by his feet. The performance ended with him skating to “Baby One More Time” and leaving the ice to be greeted by Jackie Chan holding panda plushies for him. The routine showcased a silly,carefree side of him on the ice, unlike his gold-medal-winning routine a week prior.
Alysa Liu also delivered a standout performance with her interpretation of “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. In a sparkly blue dress, she began with doll-like poses and gestures towards the camera, performing with charisma and precision. Her feminine and playful performance gained traction on social media, drawing over 13 million views on TikTok. Her alternative, laidback style contrasted with the upbeat, feminine performance, highlighting her versatility on and off the ice and showcasing the very talent that earned her a gold medal.
Niina Petrokina’s rendition of “Cell Block Tango” was captivating, as she theatrically “killed off” fellow skaters Illia Malinin, Junhwan Cha and Tim Dieck. The dramatic performance and surprise cameos had the audience on the edge of their seats, and she showcased her mature elegance and impressive agility on the ice. Both her solo work and her chemistry with the male skaters made the routine impactful, making it one of the most talked-about performances of the night.
From clumsy pandas to secret murderers, the Olympic Gala allowed the skaters to embody a range of personas, making each performance unique and unforgettable. Free from the pressure of competition, the athletes’ personalities and creativity shone on the ice, reminding us that figure skating is not only about scores and perfection, but also about artistic individuality. Together, these performances highlighted the artistry and creativity that are often overlooked in figure skating, displaying why the sport is so captivating to audiences worldwide.
