Rising stars Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik danced to the top of the Rhythm Dance as the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships 2026 continued in Beijing Thursday. The USA took the top three spots and can aim for a first medal sweep in the Ice Dance in 21 years at the ISU Four Continents but the competition is not over yet. 

Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik clinch narrow lead 

The 90s were back in Beijing as favorites Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik led their teammates Caroline Green & Michael Parsons and Oona Brown & Gage Brown to a one-two-three finish in the Rhythm Dance, with the chance to repeat a podium sweep of the US Ice Dance couples back in 2005.

On the up: rising stars Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik (USA), who lead after the Rhythm Dance at the ISU Four Continents Championships in Beijing, China © ISU

Zingas & Kolesnik (USA) put out an energetic performance to “Poison” and “Something In Your Eyes” that was highlighted by fast-paced footwork and a rotational lift. The ISU Grand Prix Finalists collected a level four for the twizzles and lift to score 79.97 points, just below their personal best. 

“We had a lot of fun skating today,” Zingas said. “I think every time we performed this Rhythm Dance, it’s gotten a little bit more comfortable and just a little bit more enjoyable. That remained true for our skate today. 

“I’m really proud of our whole team,” she continued. “USA 1-2-3 feels pretty good. This is our third time at Four Continents. Two of them have been in China and we’ve had success in Asia over the last few seasons. We’re hoping it’s our good luck charm moving into the free tomorrow.”

All three teams had a quick turnaround from the US Nationals.

“US Nationals is such a special event and it carries so many emotions and especially this Nationals, I think especially for us. Qualifying for the Olympic team was the highlight of our career and a dream realized and along with that was a lot of emotions and a huge rollercoaster for us and a culmination of a lot of hard work,” Zingas explained. “Nationals is an amazing event and we just want to carry the same momentum and the same energy forward.”

Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik (USA) perform in the Rhythm Dance at the ISU Four Continents Championships in Beijing, China © ISU

Green & Parsons are on their competitors’ heels with another excellent performance to “I’m Too Sexy” and “Groove Is In the Heart” that was highlighted by level-three steps and level-four twizzles. The 2022 ISU Four Continents champions netted 78.66 points.

“It’s been a very interesting January for us and I think we’ve been dealing with a lot of emotions,” Parsons said. “So to go out there and just skate the way that we love and to hit that end pose always feels really good. This is just like a ‘yes, we love this program, yes, we love being here’ and we’re going to continue feeling that through tomorrow and hopefully further into the season, but we’ll see.” 

Green said: “This program is just so us and to be able to go skate in front of an audience and have them appreciate it as much as we do – it’s such a great feeling. I think that’s something that we really took away from Nationals into this event. It’s not about the score, it’s not about the placement, it’s about moments like this. We’re able to skate for others to enjoy it. When you’re training every day all you really have is to do it for yourself. So to be able to have people watching is something that we really feed off.”

Caroline Green & Michael Parsons sit in second place after the Rhythm Dance in Beijing, China © ISU

Brown & Brown went for a fun hip hop routine to “Jump Around” that entertained the crowd at the National Indoor Stadium. The siblings were rewarded with a personal best of 74.24 points. 

“We feel good, we’re definitely very excited for the week,” Gage Brown said. “First day is done, we’re ready for tomorrow. This is our first time at Four Continents Championships, it’s our first time in China. So it’s two new experiences. We’re really excited to showcase our work and our material and we’re ready for the week.”

Oona Brown & Gage Brown (USA) join their compatriots in the podium places after the Rhythm Dance in Beijing, China © ISU

Alicia Fabbri & Paul Ayer (CAN) came fourth at 73.20 points dancing to “Bombastic”, “Oh Carolina” and “Rock this Party”. Holly Harris & Jason Chan (AUS) placed fifth on 68.33 points, followed by Utana Yoshida & Masaya Morita (JPN) on 67.31 points. 

What and when 

The schedule of the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships 2026 is as follows:

Thursday, January 22: Women’s Short Program, Rhythm Dance, Pairs Short Program
 Friday, January 23: Free Dance & Women’s Short Program 
 Saturday, January 24: Men’s Short Program & Pairs Free Skating
 Sunday, January 25: Men’s Free Skating & Exhibition Gala

For more information, full entry lists and results, visit the ISU event page of the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships 2026. Find comments of the skaters and the press conference highlights on the ISU event website in the “For Media” section. For more information also see the Facts & Figures.

Follow the discussion on social media using #4ContsFigure and #FigureSkating. 

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