Surya Bonaly Art on Ice 2008
Despite all the doubts, resistance and negativity from those who said, “Nobody needs that!” or “Are you mad, inflicting that on the famous Hallenstadion?”, Reto Caviezel and Oliver Höner went ahead and did it anyway. After all, who else would risk launching a brand new show format on the biggest stage in Switzerland? And so, Art on Ice was born! Thirty years later, the show is one of the most successful live productions in the world.
“Against all Odds” is exactly what Art on Ice 2026 is about: it shines the spotlight on the tough journey artists must take to make a name for themselves in their industry. It’s about the courage it takes to trust your inner voice, to defy all resistance and to ask yourself the one big question, “What if it does work?”.
Among the performers who have taken to the ice are many who simply did it their own way, trusting their inner voice instead of just following the rules. Surya Bonaly, three-time participant in Art on Ice, was the first woman at the Olympics to perform a backflip despite this move being banned since 1976. She even managed to land it on one leg! Her athletic style clashed with the classic image of the figure skating scene, so, after a fall, she decided to do her own thing. With that one courageous backflip, she made history and became an inspiration for many, including the storyline of Art on Ice 2026. The line-up of this anniversary show is full of artists who listened to their inner voice. Here are some examples:
When Art on Ice was in its infancy, Brazilian artist Romero Britto was preparing for his first major exhibition in New York. Growing up in the favelas, he would paint on cardboard and newspaper – driven by hope, creative joy and colour. His art was ridiculed for being “too simple” and “too commercial”. Today, Britto is one of the most famous pop art artists in the world and the most commissioned of his generation. He has worked with brands like Disney, Coca-Cola and Bentley, designed works of art for the World Cup and the Olympic Games and also painted portraits of distinguished figures like Elton John and King Charles III. His positive, fun-loving art style fits perfectly with Art on Ice 2026. Britto designed the anniversary logo and painted an exclusive artwork for the show, and his colourful pieces will make up part of the staging for several performances.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek is another person who embodies the spirit of Against all Odds. Once a promising single figure skater, she ended her career in 2001 when she was just 17. This was followed by 16 years away from top-flight competition, and many considered her career to be over. But Deanna listened to her inner voice, to that whisper, that said, “What if it does work?”. At the age of 34, she returned to the ice as a pair skater – a completely new discipline for her. Together with Maxime Deschamps, she fought her way to the top at the 2024 World Championships in Montreal and marked her comeback with the gold medal no less. At 40 years of age, Deanna has become the oldest female figure skater to win the World Championship title. Her story proves that it’s never too late. And that sometimes the greatest successes come when nobody expects it – except yourself.
Jess Glynne had a hard time finding her way into the music industry as a singer, with many saying that her voice wasn’t good enough. The producers of The X Factor rejected her, so she worked behind the scenes in the industry and never gave up. Thanks to some bold collaborations, she finally made it into the charts precisely because of her distinctive voice.
James Bay, painfully shy by nature, says himself that he first had to learn how to be the centre of attention. A great art lover, he is strongly inspired by visual aesthetics.
Stress: growing up between cultures, marked by a difficult childhood and inner struggles. When he begins to talk openly at his concerts about his experiences of depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety, a lot of people say, “You can’t do that”. But he does it anyway, touching thousands of people with his honesty.
Stefanie Heinzmann experienced poor health as a teenager before being thrown into the limelight of the music industry at the age of 18. Everyone told her to adapt and conform to a certain image. But she found her own way, cut her hair off and remained true to herself. She did it anyway. And now she’s more authentic, stronger and more beautiful than ever before.
After Noah Veraguth split with his band Pegasus after many years together, many things were called into question. But instead of quitting, he started afresh as a solo artist performing from the heart without compromise. He did it anyway. Because his voice and his music are unique.
Our journey begins at Splendid Bar, a piano bar that has inspired many in its time. During the show, we meet artists, figure skaters, musicians, dancers, acrobats and painters – each with their own stories, struggles and stumbling blocks. Everyone asks themselves the same questions:
What if it doesn’t work? What if it’s too risky? What if the audience hates me? And yet they dare to take the plunge. Because there’s this spark, this whisper, this voice that says, “What if it does work?”.
In between scenes, Splendid Bar becomes an abstract virtual stage – a place of reflection. An open space where artists talk about the decisions that have shaped the course of their lives. Even the founders are making their return to the bar. To where it all began thirty years ago.
Against All Odds is a tribute to all those who have the courage to be different. To all the crazy people who dare to do something new, challenge themselves, inspire others and follow their inner voice. To all those who, against all odds, risk everything to turn their convictions into art. They were not successful despite being different, but because they were different.
Against All Odds is a tribute to all those who have the courage to be different. To all the crazy people who dare to do something new, challenge themselves, inspire others and follow their inner voice. To all those who, against all odds, risk everything to turn their convictions into art. They were not successful despite being different, but because they were different.
Marcella Camenzind is Head of Creation & Design at Art on Ice and has been part of the show department since 2015. The 43-year-old has a soft spot for animated films and comics and loves rummaging through flea markets. She finds inspiration and ideas for the show in music, films and podcasts.
