‘I could skate before I could even walk’
Grab your Mickey ears and get ready to celebrate 100 years of Disney. More than 50 favourite characters will be skating in Nottingham on the latest Disney On Ice tour. We spoke to Olivia Oltmanns, who plays Elsa from Frozen
How old were you when you got into skating?
I was two years old. My mother is a figure-skating coach and would joke that I could skate before I could even walk. Skating is in my blood and I’m grateful that I fell in love with it early on.
What has been the toughest challenge during your performance career?
One of my biggest challenges was during my competitive career. I suffered from a fractured back. Doctors told me that if I skated, I would be in tons of pain but I would not make it any worse. I skated a full and successful season with a fractured back. Every day was a struggle, but looking back now, I am grateful for the lesson. The whole experience made me 100x tougher and stronger.
What is the best and worst thing about living on the road?
The best thing about living on the road is all of the new cities, countries and cultures I get to experience each year. My not-so-favourite thing about tour has to be living out of my suitcase. It’s tricky packing your whole life up in just two 50lb bags.
What have you learned by being on the road?
I have learned countless great lessons during my time with Disney On Ice. Most importantly I have learned that people and experiences are irreplaceable. The people that I have met along my journey have helped shape me into who I am today.
Seeing new places and cultures with my friends and co-workers is a highlight of my life and something I don’t take for granted.
What advice would you give to kids who want to follow in your footsteps and be a performer?
Always work hard and follow your dreams. You are truly capable of anything you put your mind to.
How did you get to be a performer in the Disney On Ice show?
I ended my competitive figure skating career soon after my final national competition in 2015. That was a bit of a turning point in life for me.
If you click on “Careers” on the disneyonice.com website, it gives you all the information you need to apply to join us on the road.
I’m so happy Disney On Ice came into my life at the moment it did. I get to continue skating in a different capacity while also traveling the world. For me, nothing could be better than that.
What are you most looking forward to about visiting Nottingham for the tour?
I have never been to Nottingham before so I am super eager to see all that the city has to offer.
What I know for sure is how excited I am to experience the audience at the show. Each city brings a different energy and I am looking forward to that. I can’t wait to see all the smiling faces out there!
What can the audience expect from the show?
Our show has a little something for everyone. We have 50 different characters and 14 different stories. You will see everything from classic stories like Pinocchio to more modern stories like Toy Story and Frozen!
Our show is truly for all ages. I love seeing parents and grandparents enjoying the show and reliving some of their favorite Disney classics along with their kids.
I hope anyone who can, comes out to see our magical production. For showtimes and tickets visit Disneyonice.com
■Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham from November 20 to 24. Tickets are priced from £20.16 to £51.52. To book visit motorpointarenanottingham.com.