Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier 2024 Worlds Free Dance. Photo: FloweringDagwood, via Wikimedia Commons
Canadian ice dance stars Paul Poirier and Piper Gilles turned the 2026 Winter Olympics into a historic celebration of queer joy on Friday, proving that they are masters of both technical precision and authentic storytelling.
The performance carried extra weight as it showcased Poirier’s continued legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes. Having been out for several years, Poirier used the world’s biggest sporting stage to lean into a “supermodel” aesthetic that felt like a vibrant celebration of queer identity and the freedom of self-expression.
Competing in the rhythm dance segment in Milan, the duo defied the often rigid, heteronormative traditions of ice dance. Their routine was a high-energy, tongue-in-cheek tribute to 90s ballroom and runway culture, choreographed with a level of theatricality that left both the judges and the crowd buzzing.
The pair performed to a high-octane mashup that perfectly captured the spirit of the community:
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RuPaul’s Supermodel (You Better Work): A direct nod to drag culture and an anthem of self-confidence, allowing Poirier to literally “work” the ice with effortless charisma.
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Right Said Fred’s I’m Too Sexy: Adding a layer of cheeky humor and camp, proving that elite athletes can be world-class while still having fun with their public image.
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