NAJETE KADA, A FRENCH CHAMPION WITH FLANEURZ

NAJETE KADA, A FRENCH CHAMPION WITH FLANEURZ

A prominent figure in artistic roller skating with her numerous titles and achievements, Najete Kada contributes to the promotion of the image of Flaneurz. A model from the R/EVOLUTION FW2019 collection, she showcases it brilliantly.

 

Najete Kada is an artistic roller skater, a member of the SkateXpress collective, and also a coach for the artistic section at the Brie-Comte-Robert club. How is artistic roller skating practiced? Similar to figure skating on ice, this sport involves performing a series of acrobatic moves during a routine lasting several minutes. The performance is then evaluated by judges using a scoring system. It can be performed individually, as a duo, or even in groups for team skating. There are different dimensions depending on the specialty, which results in original performances and unique choreographies.

 

/A UNIQUE CAREER 

 

Why did you choose artistic roller skating? Did you ever think you would have a high-level sports career?

I grew up in the Paris suburbs, where artistic roller skating was part of the neighborhood. We could either play basketball or put on skates. Being more skilled with my legs than with my arms, I naturally gravitated toward skating. Additionally, my parents found it convenient to combine school and sports with a gymnasium just 300 meters from home.

As for competing at a high level, that came much later. I didn’t expect it at all. You start by having fun, and if you have talent and supportive people around you, you begin working toward the high level. I was lucky because one of the best French coaches spotted me and helped me progress.

© Fédération Française de Roller

What is your fondest competition memory? Can you tell us about your achievements?

Naturally, there is more than one!

I will always remember my first participation in the World Artistic Roller Skating Championships in 2005 in Rome. I was trusted to represent France at just 17 years old. I must also admit that the 2015 French Championships in Lille left a significant mark on me... After an underwhelming performance during the short program (5th in the provisional ranking), I managed to stay determined and fight back in the long program. Supported by the audience and my loved ones, I was carried by the adrenaline and delivered an almost perfect performance to finish on the highest step of the podium! I became the French Artistic Roller Skating Champion for the third consecutive time.

My track record is as follows:

/10-time French champion in solo (5 times) and group (5 times),

/6-time French vice-champion in solo,

/Winners of the Nations Cup in Group Category in 2015,

14 participations in the European Championships: solo (7th place) and group (4th place),

/ 5 participations in the World Championships: solo (15th place) and group (7th place).

© Cindy G 

If I wanted to become a skater, what advice would you give me?

You need to put on your skates as often as possible. This helps you understand yourself better and explore different practices: artistic skating, dance, urban commuting, or even skatepark skating. That way, you’ll discover which discipline suits you best! I believe it’s essential to stay open-minded about the entire skating universe to truly thrive. For example, personally, I enjoy diversity, so I have several pairs of skates. It’s the ideal approach!

 

/A PRESTIGIOUS AMBASSADOR

 

How did you discover Flaneurz, and what do you like about the concept?

I discovered Flaneurz when I joined the roller dance group SkateXpress two years ago. Florian, the co-founder of Flaneurz, introduced me to the concept, and I currently dance with him. Compared to all the skates I’ve tried, what I love most is the innovative and practical aspect! There's also the style and originality of the collections. It allows you to express your personality by choosing a pair that reflects who you are, while simply clipping on the rolling part. It’s just amazing! 

 © Antoine Motard

 

How do you use your Flaneurz on a daily basis ?

First and foremost, I use my detachable Flaneurz skates for dancing and getting around... And also for training! I teach artistic skating in several clubs around the Paris region. Having Flaneurz means I can arrive in sneakers and clip/unclip as many times as needed during the lessons. This allows me to better support my young skaters on the rink.

 

You are a model for collection R/EVOLUTION.  How did the photoshoot go? Do you have any anecdotes to share with us ?

Regarding the shoot day, I must start by saying we left very, very early. We were a group of friends with the Black Rocks. I knew we were going to have a great day full of skating and laughter! Flaneurz takes such good care of us, making us feel comfortable right away, and we have a lot of fun.

The production team had everything set up, and the locations were well-chosen and suited to our skating style. We performed group artistic skating choreographies. The one featured in the video is CLEAN,the last one that took us to the World Championships in October 2018. To be ready for the moment they shouted "Action, rolling!", we rehearsed on the new circular structure in Le Havre, right by the sea. The spot was very pleasant and attracted a lot of people out for a walk. After practicing with music for a while, more and more passersby stopped to watch us, to the point where they stood exactly where we needed to perform our choreography. The team had to politely ask them to move so they wouldn’t be in the camera’s frame. We felt like real stars!

© Anthony Finocchiaro

 

The face of our brand and values, our ambassadors make us proud. In addition to representing our brand, Najete continues to support us during this event. collection R/EVOLUTION FW2019 and we are delighted to have her among us..

 

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You can also follow Najete and share her passion for artistic roller skating on her account.  Instagram

 

© Flaneurz