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Q: What inspired you to transition from competitive figure skating to creating outdoor, street-style skating performances?A: A large part of my inspiration came from a quest for freedom. Toward the end of my competitive skating career, and later during my professional show career, I began experiencing glimpses of what freedom on the ice could feel like. When the pandemic hit and my wife, Michelle, suggested we start making videos, it unlocked a whole new level of freedom for me%u2014there were no boundaries. I could skate to any music I wanted, wear whatever felt right, and express myself fully. That sense of freedom was incredibly liberating and pulled me deeper into the art of skating, helping me discover true authenticity on the ice. Now, every time I skate, it%u2019s from a place of authenticity%u2014and it feels amazing.Q: How has your relationship with figure skating evolved since retiring from competitive skating in 2018?A:My relationship with skating has constantly evolved, even throughout my competitive career. But toward the end, I began rediscovering the joy, self-expression, and artistry in the sport. Since retiring, this connection has only deepened. As I mentioned, the freedom I%u2019ve found%u2014especially skating outdoors on natural ice%u2014has healed my relationship with the sport. Being out in nature and moving to music that resonates with me has made me feel like that six-year-old kid again, stepping onto the ice for the first time. It%u2019s full of wonder, excitement, and joy. I had lost that feeling for many years, but since retiring and embracing wild ice skating, I%u2019ve reconnected with that playfulness and joy I had as a child.Elladj%u2019s influence, however, extends far beyond the rink. He has become a powerful voice for equity, diversity, and inclusion within figure skating, a sport where such conversations were often overlooked. As a former co-founder of the Figure Skating Diversity and Inclusion Alliance, and now through his Skate Global Foundation, Bald%u00e9 is paving the way for underrepresented communities to find a place on the ice. His advocacy has ignited crucial conversations about representation, accessibility, mental health, and even climate change%u2014showing the world that figure skating can be as diverse and inclusive as any other art form. Together with his wife, choreographer Michelle Dawley, Bald%u00e9 also founded The Art of Performance, a uniquely curated training camp for figure skaters, designed to harness artistry and empower individuality. Together with his wife, choreographer Michelle Dawley, Bald%u00e9 also founded The Art of Performance, a uniquely curated training camp for figure skaters, designed to harness artistry and empower individuality. With classes taught by Olympians and renowned skaters, this initiative bridges the gap between generations of skaters, equipping the next wave of athletes with both technical skills and the confidence to express their unique voices on the ice.In addition to his advocacy work, Bald%u00e9 has become the face of major global campaigns, partnering with brands like Canada Goose, Ray-Bans, and Lulu Lemon. His natural charisma and unique style have made him a sought-after figure not only in skating but across pop culture.Whether he%u2019s inspiring young Black skaters, collaborating with iconic brands, or advocating for mental health and diversity, Elladj Bald%u00e9 is more than just a figure skater%u2014he is a cultural force. His journey from Montreal to the world stage is proof that with passion, talent, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, one can truly change the game.Photo: Beau Grealy28 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 60