Richmond-born competitive skater Hori Kurtis has a warning for any adults attending at the Pacific Coliseum next week.
鈥淭hey鈥檒l hear the Frozen song,鈥� said Kurtis, referring to 鈥�,鈥� the 2014 song made infamous for its extreme popularity among toddlers and children, many who would belt out the chorus over and over again much to their parent鈥檚 dismay. 鈥淲e鈥檙e constantly singing it. We figure if you can鈥檛 beat 鈥榚m, join 鈥榚m.鈥�
The ice skating extravaganza features the stories and characters from Disney/Pixar鈥檚 and for the first time in a live production. Follow Dory, Nemo, Marlin and new pal Hank as they embark on a life-changing excursion to find Dory鈥檚 parents and discover the true meaning of family.
The kids can also cheer with Joy, Sadness and the rest of the emotions from Inside Out as they help Riley find the confidence to win the big hockey game, and venture to the wintery world of Arendelle where Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa from Disney鈥檚 and learn that love is the most powerful magic of all. See Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana and other Disney princesses make their dreams come true through their virtues of bravery, kindness and perseverance. And finally, celebrate true friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the rest of the gang.
, who just turned 24 and recently retired from competitive skating on the provincial and national level, said joining the Disney on Ice team as an ensemble cast member is a real accomplishment 鈥� one he鈥檚 enjoying a lot.
鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of a big deal,鈥� said Kurtis of landing the job, during a phone interview with the Courier from Kent, WA, where the show was performing. 鈥淚 sent so many audition tapes of me showing off tricks and past performances. It also takes a lot of training.鈥�
But, Kurtis added, all the effort was worth it and he鈥檚 thrilled to be skating in front of audience members who are so excited to see the show.
鈥淚鈥檓 an avid Disney fan and it鈥檚 a great place to work. I鈥檇 like to stay with the company.鈥�
Kurtis said he鈥檚 not really feeling any extra pressure about performing at home for the first time next week, despite the fact his family, numerous friends and former coaches will be in the audience.
鈥淥f course I鈥檒l try not to fall, but if I do I鈥檒l act it off,鈥� said Kurtis. 鈥淚 love acting and performing and with this show, even if you鈥檙e in a bad mood all of the smiles from the kids make it better. All of that waving just brings good energy.鈥�
Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart runs next week at the Pacific Coliseum from Nov. 22 to 26. Visit for ticket information.
@sthomas10
