From “Tinkerbeau” to Sophia Loren, USA’s Isabeau Levito is savouring the life of a figure skating showgirl
Don’t ask Isabeau Levito who she is; rather, inquire about who she aspires to embody today. With the 2026 Olympic season on the horizon, this young USA figure skater seamlessly transitions from a New York socialite in her “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” program to an Italian diva channeling Sophia Loren. Levito’s artistic versatility is the highlight of her skating journey, markedly evident this Olympic season.
This past summer proved pivotal as she starred in multiple ice shows, allowing her to shed the anxiety of competition and embrace performance artistry. Following her celebrated performance of “Moon River”, Levito now graces the ice with a new short program inspired by Sophia Loren, completing her Olympic goals with an ode to her Italian roots. As she said, “I love playing characters. It’s not about me; it’s all about the performance.”
Returning after an injury that sidelined her early last season, Levito found herself on stage once again during the Stars on Ice tours. “These shows reignited my passion for skating and transformed my nerves back into excitement,” she reflected. “Instead of just aiming to ‘get through’ my routines, I started to perform.”
This season’s narrative beautifully intertwines with Levito’s cultural identity, as her choice to portray Loren coincides with the Olympics being hosted in Italy. The choreography is infused with elements reminiscent of Loren’s films, allowing Levito to bring a touch of cheeky elegance to the ice.
Character portrayal is a strength for Levito, who, unlike many elite skaters seeking formal acting lessons, instinctively captivates audiences by stepping into her roles. She finds particular ease in emulating Loren’s vibrant energy, saying, “It’s simply me having fun while performing.”
While Holly Golightly still lingers in her repertoire, Levito is eager to find a balance between athleticism and artistry throughout her Olympic pursuits. This is critical as she navigates through her senior competitive landscape, ensuring her performances blend both technical prowess and emotional connection. With talent, charm, and character depth, Isabeau Levito is poised to become a standout star, expressing her narrative through every graceful move on the ice this Olympic season.
