Editor’s Note: This is part three of a three-part-series covering local figure skating and Isabella Brito.
Under bright arena lights, every detail of a figure skater becomes visible. Before a skater’s routine begins, their performance is already in motion. Each detail, from a pre-show costume design to the choice of moves while on the ice, comes together to sculpt the visual artistry of a program.
Costuming, the choice of clothing that a skater wears plays a significant role in shaping a performance. Across the different event categories that a skater can compete in, costuming works alongside choreography and music to tell a story on the ice.
“We always match the costume towards the music. Colors, what type of rhinestones, if there’s any accessories or props being used, it all depends on the music and choreography that goes with it,” UTEP sophomore and local figure skater Isabella Brito said. “For example, if you wanted a slow, emotional song, we’d pair darker colors with that.”
Skaters can build a clearer connection between the judges and audience by aligning each element of their performance with a specific tone that they are trying to reach. Some costumes can even go beyond basic designs, becoming a direct part of the story.
Brito showcased a program that featured her in an angel costume, in which the outfit included a flowing white skirt, silver rhinestone detailing and a full-sized wing set, transforming her into an ethereal figure out on the rink.
“It [the angel costume] brought the judges some sense of visuality,” Brito said. “We’re trying to tell a story, and some stories can get twisted in different ways because of costuming. We’re trying to really get the judges to grasp what we’re trying to tell out there.”
Costuming can also impact the way a skater feels, allowing them to be more confident, which brings a vibrant energy to show the audience. For Brito, she enjoys a stylish look that speaks with a sparkle.
“I love glitter, sparkles, and rhinestones, and I know it boosts my confidence,” Brito said. “The saying ‘look good, feel good, do good’ is what I really like to portray on ice.”
Aside from aesthetics, costuming also plays a role in how a performance is scored. In different event categories like Spotlight, Character and Artistic, judges tend to score costumes more heavily. A skater’s outfit can help dramatize different movements and bring attention to key movements.
“They judge hard on costumes because that’s a part of the event,” Brito said. “They judge on costume space, how it flows on the ice and how you work with it, also how it correlates with the music.”
With some judges leaning toward more traditional styles and others favoring modern performances, skaters often find themselves balancing both presentation and creativity in their routines.
The smallest details matter in a performance. Hair, makeup, posture and facial expressions all play a role in conveying a skater’s energy. Whether it’s subtle hand gestures or a smile at just the right moment, these little things communicate to a bigger picture.
“It can either make or break you. If I have a fun song and my face is blank, it’s not going to do anything for the audience or judges,” Brito said. “Every single performance that I’ve had, I always smile and I have no idea [during the performance] because I’m so concentrated.”
A skater’s movements are a language within itself, conveying an unspoken story in style. Signature elements like a split jump, a spread eagle or carefully timed hand gestures enhance the music and draws the audience into the story.
Brito explained that choreography is built around the song’s tempo and lyrics, where even transitions between moves are used to keep the story flowing.
“We can add a super big hand gesture, a pretty glide forward, good legs, good hands,” Brito said. “It depends on the beat of the music and the tempo of everything. If a singer is soft spoken, we really try to execute their words clearly for our movements.”
As figure skating continues to evolve, its athletes continue to find new ways to express their individuality through these details. Costumes can be experimental, movements can be unique, and accessories can be the final touch to one’s personal style. For Brito, her expression shows up in every performance, where no detail is an accident as her burning passion melts the ice.
Iziah Moreno the photo editor and may be reached at [email protected] and @iziiaaahh on Instagram
