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Real-Life Figure Skating Details in Netflix's Spinning Out

Figure Skating Fans Are Obsessed With These Real-Life Details in Netflix's Spinning Out

Netflix's Spinning Out isn't exactly a meticulously-researched sports drama, but that doesn't mean the show is void of any references to the real world of figure skating. The series follows a fictional set of figure skaters — led by Kat, who turns to pairs skating after an injury derails her singles career — but there are several details in the series that will have fans of the sport nodding in recognition. With inspiration cribbed from real costumes, programs, and more, plus a few cameos from champion skaters, Spinning Out is sure to keep skating superfans tuning in! Ahead, we've rounded up a few of the most noticeable details. Did you spot any that we missed?

Image Source: Netflix

1. Kat Takes Fashion Cues From Legendary Skaters

On several occasions, Kat's costumes evoke some famous and familiar real-life costumes from some of the world's best athletes. The most obvious is the sparkly red dress she wears for her and Justin's Romeo and Juliet program, which she pairs with a low bun. The look is almost a recreation of the costume Tessa Virtue wore when she and Scott Moir won their second Olympic gold medal in ice dancing, skating to Moulin Rouge. In flashbacks to Kat's accident, we also see her wearing a black and white dress with a feather-like pattern that's very similar to the dress Russian skater Alina Zagitova wore for her short program at the 2018 Olympics, where she eventually won gold.

Image Source: Netflix

2. Tessa Virtue's 2018 Olympics Free Dance Dress

Image Source: Getty / Roberto Schmidt

3. Alina Zagitova's 2018 Olympics Short Program Costume

Image Source: Getty / Aris Messinis

4. Johnny Weir and Other Famous Skaters Pop Up

Although most of the characters are played by actors and not professional skaters, there's one exception: Gabe, a rival of Kat and Justin's, is played by Olympian Johnny Weir. He's not the only skater to show up in the series, though. Jenn's coach, who appears in only a handful of scenes, is played by Dylan Moscovitch, a retired Canadian pairs skater and former Olympian.

Plus, one of the most famous amateur skaters in the country makes an appearance! Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness, who's been documenting his progress of learning to skate on social media, makes a brief but memorable cameo as Bruce, Gabe and Leah's choreographer.

Image Source: Netflix

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5. Johnny Weir at the 2010 Olympics

Image Source: Getty / Vicenzo Pinto

6. Jonathan Van Ness Learning to Skate

7. Dylan Moscovitch and Liubov Ilyushechkina in 2017

Image Source: Getty / Koki Nagahama

8. The Hardest Skills Are Left to the Pros

The entire first season of Spinning Out follows Kat's journey as she switches from singles skating to pairs, and the show doesn't shy away from showing some of the lifts and throws that are specific to the discipline. Of course, the actors didn't actually perform much of their own skating, especially the risky pairs moves. For several of the most challenging competition segments, real-life Canadian pairs skaters Evelyn Walsh and Trent Michaud stood in for Kat and Justin.

Image Source: Netflix

9. Evelyn Walsh and Trent Michaud at Skate America in 2018

Image Source: Getty / Lindsey Wasson

10. Jenn's Costume Pays Tribute to One of the All-Time Greats

Jenn's gorgeous costume at regionals features a black mesh top and intricate waves made of several shades of rhinestones. Korean skater Yuna Kim won the gold medal at the 2011 World Championships wearing a very similar costume, down to the long sleeves and the pattern on the bodice.

Image Source: Netflix

11. Yuna Kim's 2011 World Championships Long Program Dress

Image Source: Getty / Oleg Nikishin

12. Kat Gets In on a Hot-Button Skating Fashion Debate

Kat is seen wearing her skating tights pulled all the way over her boots in several scenes, which might look a little weird to viewers. It might seem like a tiny detail, but the question of whether tights should go over or inside the boots is one of the most hotly debated topics in the world of figure skating. It tends to be a choice worn by younger or less experienced skaters, but log onto Twitter during any competition and you're sure to find fashion critiques and arguments on both sides!

Image Source: Netflix

13. Joanna So Wearing Over-the-Boot Tights at Four Continents in 2019

Image Source: Getty / Mark Ralston

14. Haven't Seen the Show Yet? Watch the Official Trailer

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