How World Champion Alysa Liu Turned MacArthur Park Into a Skating Moment Fans Say They’ll Never Forget

SAN FRANCISCO — At the Skating Club of San Francisco’s gala exhibition, the crowd expected another impressive performance from America’s figure skating star, 2025 World Champion Alysa Liu. What they didn’t expect was to witness a performance that felt less like a routine and more like a personal confession — a moment where athleticism, artistry, and emotional storytelling came together in a way few skaters achieve.

Liu’s choice of song — the dramatic, sweeping MacArthur Park — was bold from the start. Known more as a classic pop anthem than a typical figure skating score, the track carries emotional weight and theatrical flair. It’s a piece that demands attention, and from the first note, it became clear Liu intended to give exactly that. As the orchestra swelled, she stepped onto the ice with the kind of presence that makes you lean forward in your seat — not just to watch a performance, but to feel it.

What struck many fans most was not just the technical precision — although there was plenty of that — but how deeply Liu seemed to connect with the music itself. From the controlled edges during the softer passages to the emotional release as the chorus built, her movements reflected an understanding of the song that went beyond choreography. She didn’t just skate to MacArthur Park — she interpreted it, letting each phrase shape her performance and tell a story of passion and reflection.

Viewers watching online reacted almost instantly. Social media lit up with comments calling the performance a “slice of pure emotion” or “a masterclass in musical interpretation.” Many were surprised by how a routine that wasn’t part of competition felt so urgent and alive, with one fan posting, “This isn’t a performance. It’s a moment I’ll remember forever.”

Part of what makes Liu’s artistry so compelling — even at just 20 years old — is how she blends ambition with vulnerability. She has the technical chops to execute difficult jumps and combinations with ease, but she also carries a rare ability to convey narrative through movement. While many skaters rely heavily on spectacle, Liu finds power in subtlety — she lets the music breathe, and in turn, invites the audience to do the same.

Behind the applause was a young athlete who has already experienced a whirlwind of achievement — world titles, national championships, and performances on skating’s biggest stages. Yet even with that résumé, there’s something refreshingly human about watching her skate MacArthur Park. It’s a reminder that, for Liu, skating isn’t just about competition or medals. It’s about connection: between movement and music, between athlete and audience.

As the final note faded and the crowd rose to their feet, it was clear this was more than just another gala skate. It was a defining moment in a season full of promise — one that fans of figure skating won’t soon forget.

And for Alysa Liu, it wasn’t just a performance.

It was proof that at the highest levels of sport, artistry can still take your breath away.