It’s impossible to put into words the breathtaking beauty of this performance.
Ice dancing requires coordination, strength, and precise teamwork, and Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron demonstrated all of these qualities in their routine to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” The performance became one of their most recognized exhibition routines outside official competition, praised for its emotional depth and flawless execution.
The pair began skating to the center of the rink. Gabriella wore a striking red dress, while Guillaume wore black, creating a visual contrast that complemented the delicate tone of the song. Every step, lift, and transition was carefully designed to match the rhythm and emotion of the music, showing their years of training and innate connection.
Gabriella and Guillaume are among the most accomplished ice dancers in history. Their career highlights include:
- Olympic Gold Medal – 2022 (Beijing)
- Olympic Silver Medal – 2018 (PyeongChang)
- Five World Championship titles (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022)
- Five European Championship titles
- Multiple Grand Prix Final victories
- National French Championships
What makes them stand out is not just their technical mastery, but the way they channel emotion through their movements. As Guillaume explained in an interview, “We always try to be the most sincere in our interpretation, to really give something true to the public. People often tell us they can feel this connection— I think that’s one of the things that people like.” This sincerity is evident in the “Perfect” routine, where every glance, glide, and gesture expresses the song’s romantic and heartfelt mood.
When the final note of the song played, their routine ended at the exact same moment, giving the performance a complete and powerful finish. The audience stood almost immediately, applauding the clarity, precision, and emotional weight of the dance. Clips of the performance quickly spread on social media, praised for how seamlessly the choreography and music blended together. Years later, the routine continues to be shared online, reaching over 9 million views on YouTube.
After retiring from competitive skating in late 2024, their careers took separate paths. Guillaume Cizeron returned to competition in 2025 with a new partner, Laurence Fournier Beaudry, representing France. They achieved major results, including winning the 2025 Grand Prix de France, and are preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Gabriella Papadakis shifted her focus toward show skating and choreography, performing again in Art on Ice 2025, including a high-profile same-gender routine with American skater Madison Hubbell, while continuing to explore artistic projects and creative performances outside of competitions.
Their “Perfect” routine is a testament not only to their extraordinary talent but also to the emotional storytelling possible on ice. It’s no surprise that this performance remains one of the most beloved routines in ice dancing history.
Don’t miss their stunning routine—watch and feel why they claimed the top spot.