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As introduced in my previous Wanderlust Ice & Ink articles, I work as a professional pair figure skater and aerialist on ice, currently performing aboard cruise ships sailing throughout the Caribbean from the United States. While life at sea often takes center stage, the period before returning to a contract remains largely unseen. What many perceive as a holiday or a simple break between assignments is, in reality, a carefully structured phase of preparation. Returning to the ice after several weeks away requires far more than packing a suitcase and boarding a ship. Training sessions, physical conditioning, choreography reviews, pair skating practice, administrative preparations, and creative projects all become part of a daily routine designed to ensure a smooth transition back into professional performance. Behind every show performed on board lies a profession built on discipline, consistency, and constant refinement. Whether working on pair elements, rebuilding stamina, maintaining technical precision, or preparing future artistic projects, this period between contracts offers a revealing glimpse into what life as a professional skater truly involves beyond the spotlight. This article follows a typical day during that preparation phase, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the routines, responsibilities, and realities that shape the profession before stepping back onto the ice at sea.

A new editorial series by @sarahaerial.ice. From skating shows around the world to life on board a cruise ship as a professional pair figure skater, seen through the lens of a lifestyle journalist. My behind-the-scenes journey is now live on the Podcast Journal & YouTube. I’ve spent the past decade skating across the world, from arena shows to international tours, and writing between airports, rehearsals, and curtain calls. But performing on a cruise ship introduced an entirely new rhythm: a floating stage, a life in motion, and an adventure I’ve come to absolutely love. That’s why I created a new series within my Wanderlust Ice & Ink: Life On Board as a Pair Figure Skater at Sea, an editorial and video project dedicated to what it truly means to live, train, and perform as a professional skater on a cruise ship.

Depuis des décennies, le patinage artistique évolue grâce à des athlètes d'exception, des entraîneurs visionnaires et des avancées techniques qui n'ont cessé de repousser les limites de ce qui semblait possible sur la glace. Pourtant, rares sont ceux qui ont entrepris un défi encore plus ambitieux que celui de maîtriser ce sport : réinventer le système même sur lequel il repose. Alexander Liubchenko fait partie de ces pionniers. « Va profiter de l'instant. » — Alexander Liubchenko Tout au long de l'histoire du patinage artistique...

For decades, figure skating has evolved through remarkable athletes, visionary coaches, and technical milestones that have continually pushed the boundaries of what seemed possible on the ice. Yet only a handful of individuals have attempted something even more ambitious than mastering the sport itself: reimagining the very system on which it is built. Alexander Liubchenko is one of them. «Go and enjoy the moment.» - Alexander Liubchenko Throughout the history of figure skating, only a handful of individuals have dared to question th...

Beyond its reputation as the fashion capital of Italy, Milan is also one of the country’s richest cultural destinations. Walking through the city reveals a fascinating mix of artistic districts, historic churches, legendary theaters, and remarkable museums. From Renaissance masterpieces to iconic opera houses, Milan’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its history. During my time in the city, I explored several places that capture this unique atmosphere. Here are five cultural landmarks that help reveal the soul of Milan.

Milan is recognized as one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, shaping global style through its designers, craftsmanship, and industry influence. Yet beyond the runways, the city’s approach to fashion is deeply connected to a broader cultural language, one that has been shaped as much by performance as by design. At the heart of this influence stands Teatro alla Scala. For centuries, the opera house has defined a visual and expressive code built on posture, discipline, costume, and dramatic presence. On stage, every movement is intentional, every silhouette structured, every detail designed to convey meaning. This theatrical language has extended far beyond the opera. It has influenced the way elegance is perceived in Milan, precise, controlled, and expressive without excess. From the refined geometry of the Quadrilatero della Moda to the understated power of Italian tailoring, Milanese fashion reflects this heritage of performance. During my time in the city, it became clear that fashion in Milan is not only designed, it is performed. Here are five facts that help understand how Italian fashion and La Scala define a unique cultural code. Milan is one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, alongside Paris, New York, and London. Its reputation is built on strong designers, craftsmanship, and an industry that has shaped global style for decades.

À Bukavu, dans l’Est de la République Démocratique du Congo, Blaise Bulonza incarne la résilience et l’engagement. Juriste de formation et lui-même en situation de handicap, il a choisi de transformer son parcours personnel en une force collective en fondant l’association INAM, Initiative pour l’Avenir Meilleur. Son objectif : offrir dignité, éducation et espoir aux enfants et adultes les plus vulnérables. Au milieu des collines de Bukavu, un homme incarne avec force et humilit...

Milan is often associated with fashion and design, yet its culinary scene reflects just as clearly the identity of the city. From traditional trattorias to modern cafés, dining in Milan reveals a culture based on simplicity, quality ingredients, and a strong sense of place. During my time in the city, several addresses stood out not only for their food, but for the atmosphere and lifestyle they represent. Here are five places that offer a clear perspective on Milan’s food culture. From...

Before becoming one of the world’s fashion capitals, Milan was already a city shaped by empires, artists, and powerful dynasties. From the Roman city of Mediolanum to the Renaissance courts of the Sforza, its streets reveal layers of history that still influence its architecture today. While attending the Milan–Cortina Olympic Games and watching the figure skating events in the arena, I also had the chance to explore the city beyond the competition. Walking through Milan means moving between centuries, where Gothic cathedrals, neoclassical monuments, and modern design coexist. Here are five historical facts that help understand how Milan became the city we see today.

Stepping into the Milano Ice Skating Arena for the women’s free skate felt like arriving at the final chapter of a story that had been quietly building all week. The short program had drawn the first hierarchy, with Japan’s Ami Nakai leading and Kaori Sakamoto close behind, while Alysa Liu sat in third place within striking distance. But the final night promised something larger. In Olympic figure skating, the free skate is where the competition expands, more time, more elements, more room for ambition, but also more space for pressure to surface. Yet when the decisive moment arrived, the story of the night moved in another direction.