Gabriella Papadakis and Madison Hubbell will dance together, a world first for two women

In a press release released on Saturday, the Art on Ice gala announced that the two Olympic champions would line up together.

“A small revolution in the world of figure skating”. Oliver Höner, producer of the Art on Ice show and former skater, will bring together two Olympic ice dancing champions, the French Gabriella Papadakis and the American Madison Hubbell. The two dancers announced, Saturday December 14 in a video posted on Instagram, their intention to form a couple during a skating gala in February, a first aimed at “breaking gender stereotypes”. Two women are not allowed to compete together in official competition.

This world first aims to “show that our sport can be more inclusive, more modern and more courageous”explained Gabriella Papadakis, who announced at the beginning of December that she was ending her career with her partner Guillaume Cizeron. “We also want to break with certain stereotypes around expectations towards women in sport: to always be feminine, frail, even fragile”she added.

“With this project, we dream of a future where everyone can find their place on the ice, regardless of their vision or identity”added Madison Hubbell, in a show which will focus on “the inner journey of every human being”according to its producer Oliver Höner. A historic moment for the two skaters who should perform together at the Art on Ice gala, scheduled in several cities in Switzerland in February 2025.