Netflix’s “Glitter & Gold” Offers Intimate Look at Ice Dancing’s Olympic Rivalries
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Netflix’s new four-part docuseries, “Glitter & Gold,” now streaming, provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes glimpse into the high-stakes world of competitive ice dancing as three couples prepare for the Milano cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, set to begin February 6th. The series, directed by Katie Walsh (“Simone Biles Rising”), follows the athletes through ten challenging months, culminating in December’s Grand Prix Final, and sets the stage for the Games as a dramatic series finale.
The Allure of Ice Dancing: Drama on and off the Ice
according to Walsh, the appeal of ice dancing lies in its unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and interpersonal dynamics. “People really lean into ice dancing as of the drama, the storytelling on ice, and also these partnerships,” she explained. “The relationships at the cornerstones of these partnerships create the intrigue and connect us. We can all relate to being intrinsically tied to another person to succeed.”
Chock and Bates: A Marriage Forged in Competition
The American team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, a married duo, are poised to capture hearts with their dedication both on and off the ice. The series highlights their intimate relationship and the challenges of balancing personal life with the demands of elite competition.
Gilles and Poirier: Resilience and Friendship
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are entering their third Winter Olympics in pursuit of their first medal. their story is one of profound resilience,as Gilles navigated her mother’s death and her own battle with ovarian cancer in 2023,at the age of 31.
“First her mom passes away of cancer and then Piper is diagnosed with cancer on her birthday,” walsh revealed. Now cancer-free, Gilles continues to compete alongside Poirier, who publicly came out as gay in 2021. Their strong friendship is a central theme of the series. “They are such supportive friends with each other, and Piper stood by Paul when he needed time off to fully be himself on the ice,” Walsh saeid. “You see that friendship unfold even further.”
“Glitter & Gold” captures a particularly poignant moment, featuring a tearful, fully miked exchange between the duo after receiving disappointing scores at a crucial event.”It’s fantastic they let us into that moment filled with disappointment, as it’s such a true moment and a reflection of them as people,” Walsh commented.
Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron: An Unlikely Partnership
The competitive landscape takes an unexpected turn with the emergence of a new French team: Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. Cizeron, widely regarded as one of the greatest ice dancers of all time, came out of retirement to partner with Beaudry, who previously competed with Nikolaj Sorensen.
“To have a new team vying for a medal,much less a gold medal,in a sport with a certain degree of predictability is entirely unprecedented,” Walsh stated. “I don’t see this happening again ever. But it certainly shakes up the standings here.” The series documents their rapid attempt to coalesce as a team in the year leading up to the Olympics,including humorous mishaps like selecting Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” for a competition with a ’90s music theme – only to discover the song was released in 1989. They also faced wardrobe challenges, with Beaudry’s skirt contributing to a fall during a key competition.
As Chock and Bates navigate their own challenges, they are “forced to step up their game really early on,” according to Walsh.
Ultimately,”Glitter & Gold” serves as the perfect primer for the 2026 Winter olympics,promising to immerse viewers in the lives of these dedicated athletes. “So when you watch the Olympics, you are fully invested in these six people and these three teams,” Walsh concluded. “Then hopefully you’re happy no matter what happens.”
