Disney on Ice: Behind the Scenes

From the characters:

Beijing This Month (B for short below): Would you please introduce yourselves to our readers?

Anne Ramos (A for short below): I came from Alaska and have been with the troupe for seven years. My role is Mulan.

Natalia Zaitseva (N for short below): I am Russian and play Belle.

Dmitri Savine(D for short below): I am also Russian and have been with the troupe for 10 years. I am the Prince (in Beauty and Beast).

B: Anne, the character Mulan originated in China and is almost a legend here. What was your understanding of the story before you were picked to play the role?

A: We have performance coaches, who help us with our dances and in understanding of the roles, the storyline, etc., so there's no problem in understanding. I will continue to do my best.

B: Is there any similarity between you and Mulan?

A: Yes, I think so, such as bringing honour to my family and being true to myself.

B: You are of Chinese descent, right? Is it helping you with this character?

A: Yes, I am of Chinese descent on my father's side. It was an advantage when I competed for this role.

B: Natalia, what did you do before you joined the troupe?

N: Skating. I started skating at a very young age and had competed in skating for 10 years in Russia.

B: Did you partner with Dmitri before you joined Disney?

N: No. We did not know each other until we joined the show.

B: Then did you encounter any difficulties in the very beginning?

N: Yes. We had to practice a lot to get familiar with each other. We should love each other as friends.

D: We should be close to each other.

B: What are your favourite Disney characters?

N: The Little Mermaid.

D: Hercules.

From Manager Robert Stoker

B: What's the main feature of the China tour of Disney on Ice?

Robert Stoker (R in short below): It is different from our former performances in

China. It has so many stories and characters, but I am very confident of our show.

B: Why did you choose Jiminy as the host?

R: You know, Jiminy is an older character and knows the history of Disney, so he

was a suitable choice to introduce other characters.

B: The ice rink at Shenzhen Stadium covers only 300 square metres. Is it hard to perform in that space?

R: No. Though I have never been to China, I saw photos of the venues beforehand and adjusted our performances. We believe we can give a spectacular show at whatever venue. The venue cannot decide the show.

B: Are the heavy costumes a major problem for the skaters?

R: No, they are not. We chose performers with very good skills. They may have been skating for 10 or 15 years. For them, heavy costumes will not disturb their skills. In addition, they practice a lot.

B: Did you make changes to meet the demands of Chinese audiences?

R: Only small changes, such as the language. Disney is so popular that all the children can understand the show. We perform almost the same show all around the world, just as Disneyland is always the same in every country.

B: What's the most fun aspect of your work?

R: I work behind the scenes and see my favourite characters.

B: What's your favourite character?

R: Timon. He has good personality. Crazy. Optimistic.

From Performance Director Cory Obst

B: Do you craft the whole performance?

Cory Obst (C in shor below): No. I cooperate with the performers and we create the

dances together.

B: Do the heavy costumes limit your dance design?

C: No. The costumes and the props are no problem for the performers. They do not influence the skaters or my arrangements.

B: Can you skate?

C: I have skated my whole life and practice every day.

B: If you performed in the show, which character will you choose to play?

C: John Smith (from Pocahontas). I like the music when he dances. I also like this

character.

B: What's your feeling when you watch the show?

C: I am proud of our performers. They are doing their best. I like the smiles and laughter

of the audiences.

B: Any challenge?

C: The challenge is to bring together all the cast members and get them to co-operate as a team.

B: How did you achieve today's success?

C: Rehearsals and practice. There is no shortcut.

B: How do you keep the kids' attention?

C: They know the characters and love them. We refresh the images in their minds on the ice.

B: Is the interactive part planned or unprompted?

C: It is planned to arouse the audience's interest and to attract more attention.

B: At last, can we say that Disney on Ice feels like your child?

C: Yeah, I feel like a father and I am watching my child grow up.