The Hustle Starts Early: 8-Year-Old Figure Skater Aalia Cheng is Bringing Hip-Hop to the Ice

In the world of figure skating, grace, elegance, and classical music have long defined the sport. But 8-year-old Aalia Cheng is changing the game, blending the raw energy of hip-hop with the artistry of skating in a way that’s all her own. She’s bringing attitude, rhythm, and a fresh perspective to the ice, proving that the hustle starts early.

We sat down with Aalia to talk about how music fuels her performances, her love for hip-hop and pop, and how she’s carving out her own unique path in figure skating.

Figure skating and hip-hop might seem like different worlds—how do you bring them together in your performances?

I love music and dancing to music! I really like a lot of pop and K-pop, which has a lot of hip-hop influence. Hip-hop has so much energy and attitude! Figure skating also requires energy and expression, so hip-hop works really well with my skating!

You recently skated to “Rasen in Okinawa.” How does music influence your skating style?

I really, really love Rasen in Okinawa—because I’m half Japanese! Most skaters skate to classical or softer music, but hip-hop is unique in skating. Not many skaters use it in their programs. Those two reasons motivated me to blend my expression into this program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9VPgOvc0BU

If you could skate to any hip-hop or pop artist’s song, who would it be and why?

There are too many! My parents think Linkin Park, and I’m still thinking about it… but for now, probably Rasen in Okinawa! I also love Chinchilla and Olivia Rodrigo! My parents love Numb by Linkin Park because the song has meaning and connects to our skating experiences. And Olivia Rodrigo’s music has so much energy—it’s easy to skate and dance to!

Skating is all about rhythm and flow, just like dance. Do you take inspiration from hip-hop choreography when creating routines?

Yes! I hear so much music with hip-hop rhythms, and it’s so easy to dance and skate to! Most skaters use pop or classical music, but I loved Little Girl Gone(Chinchilla), and it was one of my favorite songs to freestyle, dance, and skate to!

What’s your go-to song to hype yourself up before a big performance?

Lately, definitely Rasen in Okinawa! I love the beat, it’s in Japanese, and I can really feel the song! I also love how she collaborates with OZworld and Chico Carlito. The song is super cool and helps me get ready!

Hip-hop and pop culture celebrate individuality—how do you express yourself on the ice?

I try to find my own moves and ways to express myself that no one else does. Skating is really hard, so I have to look for unique steps, ways to move my blades, and different hand, body, and leg movements.

Some of the biggest artists talk about “the hustle” in their music. How do you relate to that mindset as a young skater?

I asked my dad what that means, and he said it’s an old-school term for doing whatever it takes to get ahead! I think that’s really cool because, in skating, we have to develop or we don’t progress—and our coaches don’t like that! So, to me, hustle means working super hard, pushing my limits, and landing really difficult elements so I can be the best I can be!

If you could collaborate with any music artist to create a performance, who would it be?

Either Chinchilla or Aiwich! I love their sound and how they rap. They have a lot of girl power! As a skater, I need to be strong, just like their songs. Skating takes a lot of power, and I have to push through!

Social media is a huge part of both music and sports. How do you use it to share your journey and connect with fans?

I have an Instagram page that my parents manage. I’ve gotten quite a few followers, and I’m really proud of that! I also have a YouTube page. My IG shows my progress, and I’m going to start making videos to teach other young skaters basic moves and elements. I also want to collaborate with local artists in Los Angeles!

What’s one lesson from hip-hop or pop culture that helps you stay motivated in skating?

To be yourself and find your own way to express yourself. Hip-hop and pop music have so much energy, and I use that energy to push myself harder!

Fashion is a big part of both figure skating and the music industry. How do you incorporate your personal style into your skating outfits?

YES! I love all the bling, crystals, patterns, and outfits! Depending on the program or song, the outfit has to match the vibe and make a statement!

What’s one song that perfectly describes your journey as a young athlete?

Little Girl Gone by Chinchilla.

Many artists and athletes talk about overcoming struggles. Have you faced any challenges in skating, and how did you push through?

Yes! Little Girl Gonereally helped me mentally and emotionally. My skating journey has had tough times, dealing with isolation and even bullying. This song gave me the motivation to push through because of how strong Chinchilla’s message is.

I really connect with the lyrics:
“I know my own worth.”
“I get stronger every day.”
“I pack a punch when backed into a corner.”

The line “Little girl gone, got a gun from a gangster… run little girl faster!” really speaks to me. To me, the gun is my blades. The gangster is the competition. I’ve always been the littlest girl on the rink (though I’m getting bigger now!). This song fires me up and reminds me to be mentally, emotionally, and physically strong—because figure skating is way tougher than most people think!

If you could perform at any major pop culture event—like the Super Bowl halftime show or a music awards show—where would it be?

Stanley Cup halftime!!! Hockey fans and skaters know how incredibly difficult skating is! They would definitelyappreciate our program! My dad and I have this vision for an exhibition during halftime—either to Bodies by Drowning Pool or Kickstart My Heart by Mötley Crüe. Both songs have intense energy, just like high-level skating!

What’s next for you in your skating career, and how do you see music playing a role in it?

Landing the double axel and trying my best to land two of the five triples before I turn 9!!


At just 9 years old, Aalia Cheng is proving that hustle, passion, and music can break barriers in figure skating. With her fearless attitude, love for hip-hop, and dedication to her sport, there’s no doubt she’s just getting started. Keep an eye on her—she’s bringing a whole new energy to the ice!

🔥 Follow her journey on social media and stay tuned for more! 🔥

@aaliacheng

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