Pictures by Melanie Heaney and Robin Ritoss
In December 2025, Brooke Tufts introduced her retirement from aggressive ice dance through a publish on her private Instagram account. She gained the gold medal on the Nationwide Solo Dance Last in 2021, 2023 and 2025 and over the past a number of seasons collected gold medals at worldwide occasions. In her closing competitors, she completed on the highest step of the rostrum on the Épinal Solo Ice Dance Worldwide in France.
Because the 2026 Nationwide Solo Dance Collection began this weekend, Brooke took a while to talk with us about her retirement, profession and future plans.
IDC: What was the turning level that made you are feeling able to retire from aggressive solo ice dance?
Brooke: I’ve been extremely fortunate to have such a profitable profession, and I reached a degree the place I really felt I had achieved every thing I got down to do. I chased the targets I as soon as solely dreamed about, and I proved to myself that I might grow to be the skater I at all times hoped to be. That alone gave me a deep sense of peace. However the true turning level was realizing that I used to be prepared for a brand new chapter. I felt a powerful pull to present again every thing this sport has given me. I wish to give what I’ve realized into the subsequent era of skaters, to help them the way in which I used to be supported, and to assist them discover their very own paths on this sport. Letting go of competing wasn’t simple, but it surely felt proper. It felt like development.
IDC: How lengthy had you been contemplating stepping away, and who have been the primary individuals you talked to about it?
Brooke: The concept of retirement had been quietly there for some time. It actually began in 2023 after I gained my second Nationwide Last gold medal. I bear in mind having a reflective second with my household the place it felt like, “Okay… what do I do now?” I had achieved every thing I got down to do in Solo Ice Dance, and a part of me felt like I had carried out my job. My household felt that too and gently began bringing it up. Then the information got here that Solo Dance would have worldwide occasions, and every thing shifted. All of a sudden I had a brand new aim, and I used to be so excited. I noticed I wasn’t able to step away from aggressive ice simply but, and that chance gave me a cause to maintain going just a little longer.
IDC: What feelings got here up as you wrote and shared your retirement announcement? Last Competitors – Épinal Worldwide
Brooke: The feelings have been very blended however principally joyful. Épinal had many tears, however they have been all stuffed with pleasure. I really don’t suppose I might ever put into phrases how grateful, joyful, and on the similar time just a little unhappy I used to be and nonetheless am. It felt like closing a chapter that formed my whole life. Greater than something, I wished to verify I left in a manner that confirmed how a lot this sport has meant to me. Skating gave me function, confidence, lifelong relationships, and reminiscences I’ll carry perpetually. I wished my closing moments on the ice to replicate that gratitude and respect for every thing it gave me.
IDC: Épinal was your closing occasion—how did it really feel stepping onto the ice figuring out it will be your final aggressive outing?
Brooke: At first, Épinal didn’t actually really feel like my final occasion. The Nationwide Last felt extra like that, however we’ll get to that. Once I went out for my Free Dance in Épinal, I had a second after speaking with my coach, Kristen Fraser Lukanin, and it lastly hit me. It was unhappy, however in the easiest way. It was stuffed with pleasure. For the primary time in a very long time, I felt no stress and no nerves. I didn’t care in regards to the ache from my damage. I wasn’t excited about each level or each stage. I used to be simply excited to skate. To actually skate. It felt like freedom, like every thing I had labored for got here collectively in that second. I acquired to be current on the ice and easily do what I’ve at all times cherished.
IDC: What second from Épinal stands out most vividly to you now?
Brooke: I can’t say there was just one single second, however the eight or 9 minutes between my title being introduced and my scores arising have been one of the best minutes of my life. Particularly after I went to bow. Ever since I used to be a child, I’ve been a skater who loves a crowd, and that crowd was unimaginable. Turning from the judges to bow and listening to the noise develop louder, I seemed out and simply thought, wow… I actually did it. When my scores got here up, the competitor in me was pleased with the quantity and the location. However the skater in me was even happier with how I carried out. I used to be pleased with the way in which I skated, of how I confirmed up in that second. Sharing that feeling with my coach made it much more particular. It was emotional, grounding, and extremely heartwarming unexpectedly.
IDC: Did competing internationally in your closing occasion make the expertise really feel completely different or extra significant?
Brooke: It positively made it completely different. I didn’t notice how many individuals internationally knew it was my final occasion, so going into it, it didn’t actually really feel like the top. That didn’t hit me till I stepped onto the ice for my Free Dance and seemed out on the crowd and simply thought, wow. In that second, every thing felt full circle. Being there, on a global stage, gave me a way of closure I didn’t even know I wanted. It tied up feelings I hadn’t realized I used to be nonetheless carrying about retiring from aggressive skating and made the choice really feel full in a extremely peaceable manner.
IDC: Was there something you informed your self within the locker room, warm-up, or proper earlier than skating that helped you keep current within the second?
Brooke: The one factor I stored reminding myself that was completely different from ordinary was, “Take pleasure in it.” I might begin to slip into my regular competitors mindset of make certain you do this, make certain you do that, after which I’d cease and inform myself that I already knew how to do that. My physique knew what it wanted to do. If I might simply let go and revel in it, every thing can be okay. On a lighter word, I truly by chance began a really very tiny electrical hearth within the locker room whereas getting my skates on for my Free Dance warm-up. I used to be utilizing a heating pad plugged right into a voltage converter, and it didn’t do an important job changing. Everybody was completely advantageous, no hearth division, no alarms, and it was simply me and some different U.S. skaters within the room. All of us began laughing, and it broke some nerves. It was a superb reminder that we’re all human in any case.
IDC: The U.S. Solo Dance Last in September ended with you successful—what did that title imply to you, particularly figuring out it was your final Solo Dance season?
Brooke: That title meant every thing to me. It meant greater than some other win I’ve had, due to how arduous this season actually was. I wasn’t even certain I might have the ability to make it via the 12 months, not to mention stand on prime on the Last. Each day main as much as it felt unsure, which made the method heavier however the second a lot extra significant.
IDC: Did that victory provide you with readability or closure as you moved towards retirement?
Brooke: Completely. Kristen and I have been hugging the second I stepped off the ice, throughout the announcer saying I used to be in first place. Once I heard these phrases, it felt like a weight had been lifted off of me. If we hadn’t already been holding one another, I actually suppose I might have dropped to the ground. All the stress I had been carrying into that occasion simply disappeared. In that second, I felt an awesome sense of peace and closure. It wasn’t nearly successful, it was about figuring out I had given every thing I had left. It felt full.
IDC: What do you bear in mind most in regards to the ambiance on the Last—your performances, the group, your teammates, and many others?
Brooke: The senior occasion is at all times so thrilling to observe, particularly in these previous few years. There may be a lot expertise that you simply actually by no means know who’s going to take residence the title, and that power fills all the enviornment. What stood out to me most was how supported I felt, greater than I ever have earlier than. I bear in mind trying into the group and seeing a gaggle of junior skaters with large smiles, prepared to observe, and even some juveniles up within the stands. That meant every thing to me. They’re the subsequent era who will get to expertise the rivalries, the highs and lows, and every thing that comes with this sport. I actually hope that occasion was inspiring for them and that they may see what is feasible for themselves at some point.
IDC: In case you needed to describe that competitors in a single phrase or feeling, what wouldn’t it be?
Brooke: Scary. That’s my one phrase, however there’s a lot behind it. This season introduced out so many variations of myself. I noticed the little me who merely cherished skating. I noticed the ten–13-year-old who hated leaping however refused to stop. I noticed the 14–15-year-old who was terrified to change to ice dance and felt like all these years of coaching is likely to be for nothing. All of these feelings surfaced throughout that whole week, each main as much as and in the course of the closing. On the Last, I attempted to faucet into that youthful model of myself. Somebody as soon as informed me that I didn’t hate skating, I simply hated leaping, and that concept stayed with me. It made every thing really feel much less overwhelming. I noticed I used to be nonetheless doing what I cherished most, which was merely skating, with out getting misplaced in all of the stress and particulars that include competing. My coach Kristen at all times says “simply skate,” and when she mentioned it to me earlier than that efficiency, it lastly clicked. So sure, I really consider that was my truest skating. It got here from a spot of honesty, love for the game, and remembering why I began within the first place.
REFLECTING ON CAREER AND GROWTH
IDC: In your publish, you thanked those that supported you all through your journey. Who had the largest influence on you as an athlete and as an individual?
Brooke: Kristen and Igor have gone above and past for me, each as an athlete and as an individual. We spend a lot time with our coaches, typically greater than with our personal households and you understand you’re with the proper individuals after they grow to be household too. They really turned my second mother and father. A humorous however significant instance is that with out Kristen, I in all probability wouldn’t have gone to school. After being homeschooled for ten years, the concept terrified me. My mother and father talked with me about it, however she was the one who lastly satisfied me I might do it. Earlier than Solo Dance, I used to be a freestyle skater for a few years, and my coach Tim Covington additionally had a huge effect on me. He coached me after I was mentally carried out with freestyle and wished to stop, despite the fact that the concept of quitting damage. He knew my love for choreography, and as a substitute of at all times pushing jumps, he typically let me create and discover that aspect of skating. These moments helped me fall again in love with the game and adjusted my path fully.
IDC: What a part of your development—technical, inventive, or private—are you most proud of?
Brooke: Actually, all of it. Artistically, I believe it was at all times in me, it simply took time and maturity to completely come out. Technically, I had quite a lot of work to do after I switched to ice dance. I’ll always remember my first classes with Kristen and Igor, which have been 45 minutes of nothing however crossovers. I had additionally by no means carried out a sample dance in my life, and there have been positively moments I assumed I’d take Igor down with me. However Kristen and Igor helped information me and produce out every thing that was already there. My technical, inventive, and private development all occurred collectively, so I can’t choose only one. Every half formed the skater, and particular person, I turned.
IDC: Solo Ice Dance has developed quickly; what modifications or enhancements have meant probably the most to you as a competitor?
Brooke: As a competitor, the largest change for me was seeing our packages develop, longer routines, extra components, and better expectations. Over time, it confirmed that we will do almost every thing {couples} do (minus lifts) and that Solo Dance doesn’t must really feel “lower than” simply because we skate alone. When Solo Dance turned worldwide, every thing shifted. It created an entire new enjoying subject and pushed me to grow to be a greater skater. It made me really feel seen as an athlete and as an artist, and I hope different skaters felt that too. These modifications validated our expertise and confirmed what Solo Dance actually has the potential to be.
IDC: What packages or moments out of your profession greatest symbolize the skater you turned?
Brooke: It is a robust query as a result of two very completely different moments come to thoughts: my first Solo Dance packages in 2019 and my packages from 2023. In 2019, I used to be model new to Solo Dance, it was all trial and error. I bear in mind asking why I needed to maintain a spiral for thus lengthy as a result of I didn’t even notice it was a component. These packages have been created in only a few weeks and have been very fundamental in comparison with what got here later, however I like watching them now as a result of they present how a lot development can occur in such a short while. Then in 2023, with my Latin Rhythm Dance and Riverdance Free Dance, every thing felt elevated. These packages have been difficult, however they confirmed how a lot I had grown as a skater. In addition they revealed how a lot potential I nonetheless had, which pushed me to maintain striving for extra. Collectively, these seasons symbolize each the place I began and who I turned.
CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
IDC: What was the toughest stretch of your skating profession, and the way did you’re employed via it?
Brooke: This previous season was the toughest of my profession. I used to be skating with a torn hip labrum and hip impingement that might solely be fastened with surgical procedure. Mentally, that was very completely different from any damage I’d had earlier than, there was no easy timeline, simply figuring out it will damage and worsen. Accidents like this may be actually blocking for athletes. It’s not simply bodily ache, however the fixed concern of constructing it worse and the frustration of not trusting your physique, which might maintain you again mentally as a lot as bodily. Some days have been good, however many have been actually arduous, particularly the weeks main as much as the Last. I pushed via as a result of I knew how a lot it meant to me. I didn’t get via it alone. My household, and buddies, supported me each step of the way in which, together with my bodily therapist, Sigrid, my coaches Kristen and Igor and my medical doctors. They stored me as mentally and bodily sturdy as potential, and that help is what carried me via.
IDC: Conversely, what achievement or breakthrough meant extra to you than the medals Themselves?
Brooke: Greater than any medal, what means probably the most to me is figuring out I used to be in a position to be a part of serving to Solo Dance develop. Having the ability to deliver extra recognition to the self-discipline, each nationally and internationally, is one thing I’m extremely pleased with. I by no means got down to “be” something aside from a skater who cherished what she did, however alongside the way in which I noticed that my profession might assist present others what Solo Dance is able to. Seeing extra alternatives open up, extra skaters attempt it, and extra individuals take it significantly has been simply as rewarding as any podium end. Understanding that I could have performed even a small position in that development means extra to me than any medal ever might.
IDC: Was there ever a second you almost walked away earlier however didn’t?
Brooke: Many occasions, particularly in my youthful years. The second that stands out most truly started with me quitting. I used to be sitting in my grandparents’ front room with my mother and grandparents proper after I began highschool. Skating wasn’t going properly, and we have been speaking about me stopping. I used to be devastated, despite the fact that on the time I refused to leap and refused to attempt ice dance, so I didn’t absolutely perceive why I used to be so upset. My household simply wished to see me joyful once more, they usually knew I wanted a change. They satisfied me to at the least attempt ice dance. My mother reached out to Kristen and Igor Lukanin, and that one determination modified every thing. It’s the rationale I’m nonetheless right here skating right this moment.
REFLECTIONS ON THE SOLO DANCE COMMUNITY
IDC: You spoke warmly in regards to the group—what makes Solo Dance particular in comparison with different disciplines?
Brooke: I’ve been competing for 18 years, and after I first began in Solo Dance, I had by no means seen so many skaters be genuinely supportive of each other, particularly throughout groups and from everywhere in the nation. At competitions, you’ll see teams from in every single place connecting and spending time collectively. In quite a lot of disciplines, groups have a tendency to stay to themselves, which is comprehensible, however in Solo Dance, everybody hangs out with everybody. It makes competitions extra enjoyable, and you’re feeling supported regardless of the place you’re. Because the years go on and every season will get extra aggressive, you possibly can really feel some stress right here and there, however that’s a part of the game. What stands out is how the help by no means actually disappears. One instance that simply stands out to me is a number of the Junior skaters. They don’t all prepare collectively, but they’re always laughing, cheering one another on, and displaying up for each other via each highs and lows. That sense of connection is what makes Solo Dance so particular.
IDC: What friendships or connections do you treasure most out of your aggressive years?
Brooke: My Krigor household will at all times be an enormous a part of my life. Throughout my aggressive years, I used to be often called “the rink mother,” “the wrangler,” and my favourite, “the large sister.” I’ve had the privilege of watching these youngsters develop from little ones into youngsters and shortly adults, and now being a part of their journeys as skaters is one thing I’ll at all times maintain near me. My greatest buddy additionally got here from this sport. Her title is Kim Cagnassola, and he or she was a freestyle skater. We’ve been greatest buddies for thus lengthy that I don’t even bear in mind assembly her. She’s 5 years older than me, and he or she took me below her wing, she was my rink mother and my massive sister. She helped me via a few of my hardest moments and celebrated my greatest ones, each on and off the ice, and that’s a bond I’ll at all times treasure.
IDC: How would you describe the help you acquired this season?
Brooke: Completely unimaginable, like I’ve mentioned earlier than the help in solo dance is unbelievable however this season was further particular for me as a result of I seen that the help went past my skating and it went in the direction of me as an individual and that meant a lot extra to me than the rest.
LIFE AFTER COMPETITIONS
IDC: Now that you simply’re retired from competing, what are you most excited to discover or deal with subsequent?
Brooke: I’m actually excited to deal with what comes subsequent exterior of competitors. Considered one of my greatest targets is to graduate from Montclair State College in 2027, which is definitely a 12 months early. That looks like an enormous accomplishment in itself after balancing faculty with such an intense skating profession. I’m additionally working towards getting my private coaching license, together with a couple of different certifications, and I’m excited to mix that with every thing I’ve realized as an athlete. Long run, I’d like to discover alternatives in commentating as properly, utilizing each my diploma and my skating background to remain linked to the game in a brand new manner.
IDC: Do you see your self staying concerned in skating—as a coach, choreographer, choose, or in one other position?
Brooke: Sure, actually, all the above. I at present coach with Krigor Studio, and I like having the ability to choreograph for skaters from throughout. I’m additionally a technical specialist for solo dance, and I’m going again to tech faculty to work towards increased appointment ranges, together with my {couples} appointment. Skating has given me a lot, and I’m excited to remain concerned in as some ways as I can.
IDC: What do you hope youthful skaters—particularly solo dancers—take out of your journey?
Brooke: I hope they be taught that there is no such thing as a single “proper” path in skating. Your journey can look completely different, it could actually change, and it could actually nonetheless be stunning and profitable. I need them to know that it’s okay to be scared, to wrestle, to begin over, or to take an opportunity on one thing new. Progress doesn’t at all times are available in the way in which you count on it to. I additionally hope they see that loving the game is simply as necessary as successful in it. Let your ardour lead you, belief the method, and encompass your self with individuals who consider in you. If my journey exhibits something, I hope it’s that you may construct one thing significant by staying true to your self and by no means giving up on what you’re keen on.
Brooke: I might inform her to pay attention and to take her time. You don’t must have every thing discovered immediately. Each correction, each mistake, and each gradual day is a part of turning into the skater you’re meant to be. Belief the individuals guiding you, belief your self, and keep in mind that development doesn’t must be rushed. You’re precisely the place you’re speculated to be.
IDC: When you consider your closing bow in Épinal, what feeling do you hope individuals bear in mind out of your skating?
Brooke: I hope individuals bear in mind the love. Greater than perfection or placements, I hope they felt how a lot I really cherished skating and the way grateful I used to be to be on the market one final time. That closing bow wasn’t about proving something anymore, it was about saying thanks to the ice, to the game, and to everybody who had been a part of my journey. I hope what stayed with individuals was the honesty in it, the emotion, and the reminder of why all of us fall in love with skating within the first place.
IDC: How do you hope your Solo Dance legacy is outlined?
Brooke: I hope my legacy is outlined as genuine, impactful and passionate I don’t wish to be remembered only for outcomes or titles, however for the way in which I confirmed up, for a way deeply I cared, and for a way I represented Solo Dance. I hope individuals see me as somebody who skated with honesty, and who made others really feel supported alongside the way in which. If youthful skaters see my journey and really feel impressed to consider in Solo Dance and in themselves, that might imply extra to me than any title ever might.
