For many of us, simply staying upright on ice skates is an achievement in itself—never mind attempting any kind of coordinated movement. But for Taryn Jurgensen, the ice has always been more than just a frozen surface; it’s been a part of her identity since she was a child. Her performances consistently reveal a rare combination of technical mastery and deep artistic expression.
In one particularly striking video, Taryn steps onto the ice with calm confidence, completely in her element. The audience watches in anticipation as she prepares to perform to a song she knows intimately. The opening notes of Alexandra Burke’s version of “Hallelujah” fill the rink, setting the tone for what’s to come—a performance that stirs both admiration and emotion.
It’s remarkable to think that the figure skating we know today didn’t take shape until the mid-1800s. For centuries, skating was simply a way to enjoy frozen lakes and rivers in winter. Then came Jackson Haines, whose groundbreaking approach in the 1860s added elegance and flowing movement to what had been a stiff and utilitarian practice. His vision gave rise to the modern form of figure skating, transforming it into a blend of athletic precision and artistic beauty.
By the 1890s, the International Skating Union was formed, and the sport began its journey toward becoming a global spectacle. Today, figure skating is one of the most watched and celebrated events in the Winter Olympics, with audiences drawn in by its fusion of grace and challenge.
Motivated by her love for the freedom that skating provides, Taryn entered the prestigious Los Angeles Showcase, eager to share her abilities on a bigger stage. Her performance to “Hallelujah” was nothing short of breathtaking. She glided effortlessly, every motion rich with emotion, every spin and leap perfectly timed. Her delivery was a seamless balance of strength, control, and vulnerability—capturing the spirit of the music while highlighting her elite skating skill.
Each move she executed reflected countless hours of practice, and the audience responded with awe. Judges, too, were deeply impressed, awarding her the Funakoshi Trophy—a high honor recognizing both technical excellence and expressive artistry. It’s easy to see why this recognition was so well-deserved. Watching her performance feels like witnessing poetry in motion.
The video of her routine quickly resonated with viewers around the world. It spread across social media platforms, amassing millions of views and inspiring countless people who were touched by the purity and emotion of her skating.
There’s something uniquely powerful about figure skating—its ability to combine athleticism with storytelling. Performances like Taryn’s remind us why this sport continues to captivate hearts across the globe. What is it about skating that moves us so deeply? The blend of discipline and beauty, perhaps, or the way a single routine can express what words cannot.
If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a figure skating performance, you know the feeling. It’s not just sport. It’s art.