Nathan Chen

“For more than four decades Ice Theatre of New York has done something that almost no one in our sport really thinks to do. And they have insisted that figure skating belongs in the same conversation as contemporary dance, music, as visual arts. Really establishing that they belong in this cultural fabric in such an amazing city like New York City. But what moves me even more than is what happens off the stage, off the ice. Introducing so many New York City public school children to the joy of ice skating. And that is how our sport grows, how an art form grows, so if anyone is being honored tonight it should really be Moira, Jirina, the ensemble, the choreographers, and all of you all supporting this organization to continue flourishing.”

- Nathan Chen - 2026