Richmond-born competitive skater Hori Kurtis has a warning for any adults attending Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart at the Pacific Coliseum next week.
“They’ll hear the Frozen song,” said Kurtis, referring to “Let it Go,” 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’s dismay. “We’re constantly singing it. We figure if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
The ice skating extravaganza features the stories and characters from Disney/Pixar’s Finding Dory and Inside Out 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’s 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’s Frozen 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 Toy Story gang.
Kurtis, 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 — one he’s enjoying a lot.
“It’s kind of a big deal,” said Kurtis of landing the job, during a phone interview with the Courier from Kent, WA, where the show was performing. “I sent so many audition tapes of me showing off tricks and past performances. It also takes a lot of training.”
But, Kurtis added, all the effort was worth it and he’s thrilled to be skating in front of audience members who are so excited to see the show.
“I’m an avid Disney fan and it’s a great place to work. I’d like to stay with the company.”
Kurtis said he’s 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.
“Of course I’ll try not to fall, but if I do I’ll act it off,” said Kurtis. “I love acting and performing and with this show, even if you’re in a bad mood all of the smiles from the kids make it better. All of that waving just brings good energy.”
Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart runs next week at the Pacific Coliseum from Nov. 22 to 26. Visit pacific.coliseumvancouver.com for ticket information.
@sthomas10
