That World-Record Ice Dance Is Even More Spectacular in This Close-Up Video

It's been four days now, and I still can't stop thinking about Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron's rhythm dance at the 2022 Olympics. Set to a heart-pounding John Legend medley, the gorgeous routine featured a dance style called waacking, first created in Los Angeles LGBTQ+ clubs in the '70s and recently revived on TikTok. Now, thanks to Papadakis and Cizeron, it's been translated to ice dance and has led directly to the French pair's first Olympic gold medal.

While Papadakis and Cizeron's more classical free dance was enchanting, it was the rhythm dance I couldn't get out of my head. The synchronization, the speed, the strength, the fierceness! On a night that included sexy, powerful performances to Janet Jackson and Billie Eilish routines, it was unlike any other program on the ice. And if you've also watched this program on repeat, you'll be very happy to know that a close-up, practice version of the dance just dropped on YouTube from figure-skating videography channel On the Ice Perspectives.

This routine, filmed during practice in September 2021, isn't identical to Papadakis and Cizeron's Olympic skate — you'll notice that the second song and some parts of the choreography are different. But the waacking style still comes through loud and clear, and it feels even more powerful because of the filming style. It's like you're on the ice with the pair, seeing the determination in their eyes as they hit every move. Watching this close-up video, it's no surprise that this routine that went on to earn Papadakis and Cizeron a gold medal, along with the highest rhythm-dance score ever recorded. Watch the up-close-and-personal perspective on this stunning routine above.