Interview by: Janel Spiegel

 

I had the honor of speaking with one of the talented members of the Disney on Ice show. She is a professional ice skater and it is her fifth year with Disney On Ice. She took time to talk with The Valley Ledger about the magic of Disney.

 

Hi, please tell us a little bit about what you do in the Disney on Ice show?

Kira : I’m an ensemble skater, it means I get to be in all the big production numbers. I get to do a bit of everything.

How long have you been a part of Disney on Ice?

Kira :  This is my fifth year now. I’m loving every minute of it.

Did you start off as a professional ice-skater and did you always know that you wanted to do this?

Kira :  No, ever since I started skating, I was always for competitive skating. It wasn’t until I retired that I was looking to do shows. I didn’t want to be in any other show with exception to Disney on Ice. It was the only show that I would apply for.

Are you excited about the show and how has the show been going so far?

Kira :  I absolutely love the show. Its fast paced and energetic. We have a good range of classic tales, from Fantasia, Toy Story and all the through to the new films like Moana and Frozen. I am excited to show it off.

What has been your favorite segment of the show?

Kira :  My favorite segment of the show, part of show, it will take you back to a classic. Its Fantasia, where Mickey brings his broomsticks alive. I just love that whole number. That for me has to be the favorite part of the show.

What do you want to say to the fans? What would you like to say from your perspective? Disney means so much to so many people.

Kira :  I feel like ours is quite unique. It involves the audience. We also have costume contest. I feel like ours is quite an interactive show. Its exciting, upbeat and fast-paced. I think they’ll love it.

Do you guys ever get to travel around the cities you visit?

Kira :  Yes, when we go to a new city, we usually have a few a day or two days off. That’s usually time for us to take off and that’s when we go and explore cities. A good example of this is when we were in Japan and we had a busy schedule but we still had a day off, we went and climbed Mount Fuji.

What does it mean for you to see the happiness from the audience? How does that make you feel?

Kira :  My day is made when I see other people happy. When I’m out there on the ice and I see the kids react to all the Disney characters, there is nothing more rewarding to see them and hear them. It means everything. It’s the most rewarding thing that I personally have.

Did you grow up loving Disney movies and do you have a favorite? Or is that too difficult?

Kira : No, I grew up watching Disney movies and I had the classic Disney books as well. It is a little bit difficult for me to pick but I must say, I am going to stick with Frozen because I like the ice princess, Queen Elsa.

How do you think Disney has had so much longevity and keeps going with Disney on Ice?

Kira : Yes, I think Disney on Ice rolls with the times. Its everchanging, it appeals to the audiences. We have the classics and the modern. It appeals to people of our generation and the newer generation. It evolved with aerial acts.

How long does it take to put everything together or how do you prepare?

Kira :  We have a big chunk of the tour at the beginning where It is just rehearsal. Everybody learns the numbers and what they have to do. Throughout the tour we work on show specific or own techniques.

I thank you so much Kira for taking the time to talk with The Valley Ledger. The show sounds amazing. We cannot wait to see it. Merry Christmas. Thank you.

Kira :  Thank you.

 

Relive your Favorite Disney Moments as Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories Kicks Off in Allentown

Grab your mouse ears and get ready as Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories skates in to Allentown. Produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., this production will inspire families to make memories they will treasure forever. Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories at the PPL Center start at $15. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at the PPL Center Box Office, online at www.PPLCenter.com or by phone at 610-347-TIXX.  

Show Dates & Times:

January 30 & 31 at 7pm

February 1 at 11am, 3pm and 7pm

February 2 at 11am and 3pm

 

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy open the show with a high-energy opening that is a modern take on the film that started it all, Steamboat Willie. With some help from the audience, Mickey and pals venture through the various Disney worlds sharing meaningful moments from treasured tales spanning generations to determine what their favorite memory of all time is.

“In this new Disney On Ice production, we pay tribute to Walt Disney and the true original icon, Mickey Mouse,” said Executive Vice President of Feld Entertainment and Producer Nicole Feld. “Each section of the show was carefully selected to immerse families in an array of beloved stories that they have grown to know and love. With live hosts and interactive segments, we hope our fans have an amazing experience that leaves them with memories that last a lifetime.”

As Mickey looks back on unforgettable Disney moments, families will be taken on a high-seas adventure with Moana as she displays courage to save her island, journey to the wintry world of Arendelle as royal sisters Anna and Elsa discover true love is the most powerful magic of all, and experience the mysterious magic of Fantasia as a Sorcerer’s Apprentice makes brooms come to life. The Emotions –Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust– from Disney and Pixar Inside Out reel the audience into the action to help Mickey discover a beloved memory. The hosts of the show relive classic and contemporary Disney stories in an emotional rollercoaster with Mickey and the gang, fans will find themselves under the sea with their favorite, forgetful blue tang, as Dory embarks on a life-changing excursion to find her family. Audiences will also join the Disney Princesses as they use perseverance, determination, and hard work to inspire Mickey and children around the world to celebrate their favorite Disney memories. As the show builds to the finale, fans will have the opportunity to vote and pick outfits for Mickey and Minnie to wear during the final celebration.

Visit DisneyOnIce.com for the shows and dates coming to your hometown. Stay current on the latest developments through social media, including instructions on how to access presale codes for future Disney On Ice productions:

 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce

Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce @NicoleFeld (Show Producer)

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

 

GET TICKETS  http://www.pplcenter.com/

 

Interviews & Articles By: Janel Spiegel