Frozen fun

Disney stars skate into Bangkok

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs are courtesy by BEC-Tero

For many kids in Bangkok, the wait is finally over. Disney On Ice is returning to Bangkok once again! The brand new show, Disney On Ice Presents Magical Ice Festival, will feature scenes from well-known films such as Tangled, Rapunzel and The Little Mermaid, as well as the popular Frozen which makes its debut in the show. Fans can also meet many of their all-time favourite Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and a bunch of princes and princesses.

At a recent press conference, Student Weekly had a chance to meet up with the talented skater Nicola Trippick, who plays The Little Mermaid’s Princess Ariel. The British skater took some time to chat about her role with Disney on Ice and her life as a professional skater.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about yourself?

Nicola: I’m an English ice skater and I’ve been working and touring with Disney On Ice for six years. This is actually my second time performing in Thailand. My first time was five years ago.

Student Weekly: When did you start to skate?

Nicola: I started ice skating at the age of 10 and competed internationally for England. I coached skating for a couple of years before joining Disney on Ice in 2010.

Student Weekly: What made you become interested in skating?

Nicola: As a child I enjoyed gymnastics and dancing. When I was nine years old I went ice skating with my sister and took to it straight away. I think I had a natural talent for it, so it became something that I felt very passionate about. It inspired me to enter international competitions and choose skating as my career.

Student Weekly: What’s been your best moment with Disney on Ice?

Nicola: I’ve made lots of everlasting memories, but my favourite performance is when Ariel turns from a mermaid to princess. The transformation, where I dangle 30 feet above the ice and do tricks, is very exciting. It’s something very challenging for me as I had to train in a circus for a few weeks to learn the skills. It’s something new and exciting for the audience.

Student Weekly: How does it feels to play Ariel?

Nicola: It’s amazing to be able to play a princess. It’s every girl’s dream. It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get where I am today, but it’s something that’s definitely achievable, and I’ve made it because I wanted it so badly.

Student Weekly: How do you manage to skate comfortably in your Ariel costume?

Nicola: [Laughs.] It takes practice because it’s not easy to skate with a dress like that. But you get used to it.

Student Weekly: Do you have any other favourite Disney characters?

Nicola: I’d be happy to play any other roles but Ariel is my favourite of all the Disney princesses, so I’m very happy with my role. I love her personality. She’s a lovely, funny girl and quite adventurous.

Student Weekly: Why should families see Magical Ice Festival?

Nicola: We have a good mix of characters in this show. We have Rapunzel from Tangled and Elsa and Anna from Frozen. The show has improved and is more up to date, with new lighting and some funky music. I’m sure the kids won’t be disappointed with the show!

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Disney On Ice Presents Magical Ice Festival will run from March 30 to April 3 at Impact Arena. Tickets are 600 to 2,500 baht at Thai Ticketmajor. For more information, call 02 262 3456.

 

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