The Doggfather on the ice
If you thought Snoop Dogg was done with the Olympics after his legendary performances in Paris, you're wrong. The American rapper is currently in Italy for the 2026 Winter Games and he's losing no time. On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, we saw a very special moment in the Milano Ice Skating Arena. Snoop Dogg, the man who brought hip-hop to the mainstream, sat fraternally in the 'Kiss and Cry' next to none other than Ilia Malinin, the reigning world champion in figure skating.
From my 30 years of experience in the dance world, I look at this with a smile. Why? Because this is exactly where entertainment and elite sports meet. Malinin, whom we call the 'Quad God' in the skating world, gave Snoop a personal masterclass. The rapper was visibly impressed when the 21-year-old American landed a crystal-clear backflip on the ice. Snoop held his hands in the air and gave an obvious score: a 'Perfect 10'.
The torch through the streets of Gallarate
It didn't stop with a visit to the ice rink. A day later, on Wednesday, February 4, we saw Snoop Dogg in action during the 59th stage of the torch relay. In the streets of Gallarate, just outside Milan, he carried the Olympic flame to loud cheers from the crowd. It's beautiful to see how an icon from urban culture is given such a central role in the traditional sports world. It brings an energy that we at Miss Salsa always look for: that mix of tradition and modern flair.
Who is Ilia Malinin, anyway?
For those who don't follow figure skating closely: Ilia Malinin is currently the absolute favorite for gold in Milan. He was born in Virginia as the son of two Olympic skaters and literally had the sport spoon-fed to him. In 2022, he made history by becoming the first person ever to land a quadruple Axel in an international competition. That's 4.5 rotations in the air, on a thin iron blade. Since late 2023, he has been undefeated and enters these Games with two world titles under his belt (2024 and 2025).
What makes him interesting to us as dancers is his choice of music and style. He doesn't shy away from skating to rap or modern soundtracks. He brings a 'swagger' to the ice that we rarely saw in the past in this somewhat conservative sport. Snoop Dogg said it aptly to him: "You're a legend, man. You inspire kids who want to be just like you."
The backflip: From forbidden to viral
There is also a technically interesting edge to this meeting. That backflip Malinin did for Snoop? It was banned in official competitions for nearly fifty years. It wasn't until June 2024 that the International Skating Union (ISU) decided to lift the ban on somersaults. Although the jump still doesn't earn points on the score sheet, it's a powerful tool for showmanship.
In the dance world, we know this principle all too well. Sometimes you don't do a move because the jury asks for it, but because the audience needs it. It's that connection with your spectators that transforms a performance from a technical exercise into an unforgettable moment. Malinin understands that like no other. He uses elements like the backflip and his own 'Raspberry Twist' to raise the profile of his sport.
What we can learn from this crossover
When I look at the interaction between these two extremes — a hip-hop veteran and a technical skating virtuoso — I see an important lesson for every performer. It's about charisma. Malinin has the technique, but by surrounding himself with figures like Snoop Dogg and allowing those urban influences in, he expands his reach. He is not just an athlete; he is a performer.
- Dare to break with tradition: Just as the backflip is now accepted, we in dance must also dare to experiment with new styles within classical frameworks.
- Performance is more than technique: A quadruple jump is impressive, but the smile and the 'vibe' complete it.
- Stay yourself: Malinin stays true to his roots and his love for modern culture, even in the rigid world of figure skating.
The Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo take place from February 6 to 22, 2026. Figure skating is held at the Forum di Milano and I can tell you: with Snoop Dogg on the sidelines and Ilia Malinin on the ice, we are going to see moments that change the sports world forever. It's a reminder of why we love movement and expression so much. Whether it's on a dance floor or on a 60 by 30 meter ice rink, the passion is the same.