INTERVIEW DATE: February 25, 2026
WAVEWEAR FRIENDS
Grace and Grit on Ice:
Grace and Grit on Ice:
Meet Isabella Flores
Isabella Flores
@isabellaflores_
Discipline: Ice Dancing
Team USA Athletes
- β’ Senior Level Ice Dance Team
- β’ National Championship Participants
- β’ 6 Hours of Training Together Every Day
How does Ice Dancing differ from other figure skating disciplines?
"It's about dancing with a partner without ever breaking apart, much like a waltz."
Ice dance is the only figure skating discipline that prohibits jumps. Instead of flashy aerials, the performance is filled with intricate edge work that sharply carves the ice and seamless coordination with a partner. This is why ice dance is often called 'Art on Ice' rather than just a sport. Originating from the 19th-century European Ballroom Dance, it has inherited the strict 'hold' rules where partners stay connected, feeling each other's warmth. As a result, it maintains the most classical and elegant tradition within figure skating.
"Another key difference is that ice dance requires significantly more endurance."
One of the biggest distinctions is the higher level of stamina required. While jump-oriented figure skating allows brief moments to catch one's breath before a takeoff, ice dancers must perform complex steps without rest from start to finish. Carrying out high-intensity choreography for a full four minutes leads to an immense drain on both muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
Is there a particular coach or figure skater you respect? If so, why are they your role model?
"I most admire Canadian ice dancer Tessa Virtue. I want to emulate her fluid dance lines and ability to maintain balance, so I focus heavily on balance during my own skating."
The only skater in history to receive a perfect Program Components Score (PCS). Tessa Virtue's hallmark is her incredibly smooth Edge Work, where the sound of the blade on the ice is almost silent. This is considered the most fundamental yet difficult artistic peak to reach in ice dancing. It seems Isabella looks up to her to learn this 'silent elegance.'
What is the biggest difficulty ice dancers face today?
"Today, as competition for high-level technical skills intensifies, ice dancers struggle with the trap of not breathing emotion and life into their performances."
Recent trends in ice dance demand 'faster, higher, stronger' physical performance. However, the essence of ice dance lies in communion with a partner and emotional delivery. In Isabella's response, which cautions against performances becoming mechanical due to technical tricks, one can feel the artistic stubbornness of someone who truly loves the spirit of the sport. Even in an age of technology, her insistence on artistic value stems from deep respect for ice dance.
What are Isabellaβs future goals?
"As a new team, our goal this year is to establish a solid position in the U.S. without being discouraged by various challenges. I dream of joining the U.S. National Team (Team USA) in the near future. We will take it step by step so we can compete on the international stage soon."
(Written in 2026) After a successful debut placing 10th at the 2023 U.S. Championships, Isabella's potential was recognized, leading to her inclusion in the Team USA entry. Most recently, her status has risen enough to be invited to the Grand Prix series, where world-class skaters gather. She is now evaluated not just as a new team, but as one of the key teams responsible for the future of American ice dancing.
Is there an experience in your career that holds special meaning for you?
"The Latin-themed performance we presented at the National Championships last year was an unforgettable moment. I want to feel that passion again in our next performanceβthe energy we poured out joyfully in front of such a large crowd for the first time."
In her confession of wanting to "feel that passion once more," we see the pure desire of a skater seeking endless growth. We feel that this sparkling longingβattainable only by those who know how to enjoy the stageβis what led her to stand before the world with the national flag on her chest.
Do you have a favorite WaveWear product?
"I really love the Y20 leggings. Thanks to the clean design and comfortable fit, I find myself reaching for them constantly (haha). Since I practice so many different movements, it's hard to explain the exact effect, but I am certain the adhesive silicone taping inside helped my performance. Also, I used to find daily taping so tedious, but WaveWear makes it so simple and convenient. (laughs)"
Technological innovation that smartly replaces the cumbersome taping process. WaveWear supports the 'physical balance' that Isabella values most, helping her from behind the scenes to immerse herself entirely in artistic emotion.
WaveWear wholeheartedly cheers for Isabellaβs beautiful journey on the ice.
