Lauren Anderson Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes 2013 Interview

Lauren Anderson developed an interest in skating after watching the Winter Olympics and decided to try it for herself. She began competing when she was seven years old and fell in love with the sport and all that it entailed. She says, 'My parents told me I would have to skate early in the morning before school, and I didn't mind. I would even sleep in my skating clothes."

Lauren joined Feld Entertainment in 2007 and says her favourite part about performing for Disney On Ice is experiencing the audience reactions. She says, 'It is wonderful to skate in front of a crowd and feel their energy throughout the show. I hope the audience leaves feeling happy because I am always so happy when I skate, and I love to share that feeling with them."

Lauren loves reading classic novels in her free time and enjoys sightseeing, taking pictures and going to art museums all over the world while on tour. She brings her camera with her everywhere she goes and has close to 10,000 pictures, which she hopes to put in a photo book someday. After retiring from tour, Lauren plans to attend university.

Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes 2013

Featuring eight of our most loved Disney Princesses and their devoted Princes, evil villains, breathtaking skating, daring acrobatics, high flying jumps and a fire breathing dragon, Disney on Ice: presents Princesses and Heroes is a must see for boys and girls these winter school holidays. From Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes is a high-energy, spine-tingling, giggle-making, magical adventure perfect for a winter holiday escape with the family.

Adelaide - Adelaide Entertainment Centre: 14 - 16 June
Newcastle - Newcastle Entertainment Centre: 20 - 23 June
Brisbane - Brisbane Entertainment Centre: 27 - 30 June
Melbourne - Hisense Arena, Melbourne: 4 - 8 July
Sydney - Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park: 10 - 14 July
Perth - Perth Arena: 19 - 21 July

TICKETS: Purchase tickets from Ticketek: 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au/disneyonice. Tickets start from just $28.50. Additional discounts apply. For more information visit www.disneyonice.com.au

 

 

Interview with Lauren Anderson

Question: What should audiences expect from Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes 2013?

Lauren Anderson: Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes 2013 is a show about several of your favourite Disney princesses and their heroes. The show features the classic tales of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and newer princesses such as Rapunzel and all their stories are woven together with Tinkerbell and we even have Minnie, Mickey and Goofy. It's a good collection of stories for people of all ages.


Question: What role do you play in Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes 2013?

Lauren Anderson: I portray the role of Snow White and it's a dream come true, I've always loved princesses and being able to skate as one is wonderful.


Question: How did you go about getting the part of Snow White in Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes 2013?

Lauren Anderson: I've skated since I was seven, I used to compete. I am from Minnesota and it's a big thing to skate and when I felt as if I was done competing I still really wanted to skate so I sent an audition video, then I had an audition when Disney came to my hometown and a few weeks later, I joined.


Question: What do you enjoy most about playing the role of Snow White?

Lauren Anderson: I love the versatility, she's an elegant princess but I love how graceful she is and with the role I get to do a solo; it's really fun to skate different parts and skate with a prince to show the story of Snow White.


Question: Do you share any personality traits with Snow White?

Lauren Anderson: I hope I do! I love how she is friendly and really loves animals and I also really love animals and I want to make the world a better place.


Question: Can you talk us through the pre-show training and rehearsals?

Lauren Anderson: We do lots of off ice and on ice training before the show begins. A brand new show takes about six to eight weeks in rehearsal but every year we'll spend a few weeks at the beginning in rehearsals and also have rehearsals every week to make sure the show is the best show we can put out there for everyone. It's really fun to do the rehearsals and make sure the show is great, extra skating is always nice.


Question: When and why did you begin ice skating?
Lauren Anderson: When I was younger I was trying out all the different sports that kids like to try including gymnastics, dance and soccer. Being a figure skater is a big deal in Minnesota as they have lots of ice rinks for figure skaters and for hockey; I thought it would be shame if I went through my childhood without knowing how to skate when we have many ice rinks. I tired ice skating one day and fell in love with it.


Question: What is the most difficult part of your work?

Lauren Anderson: The most difficult part is being away from my family when I'm travelling, it's really helpful to have Skype, mobile phones and the internet to stay in contact and to hear stories. It's nice to have the internet to be able to stay in contact which is why it's not as difficult as it was, before however it's still hard to be away from your family and friends who are at home.


Question: What do you enjoy most about performing?

Lauren Anderson: I really enjoy skating for an audience and being able to work off their energy and have fun with the audience to really do my best and skate, it's my favourite thing to do.


Question: What are you looking forward to most about performing in Australia?

Lauren Anderson: I was in Australia four years ago and I'm really excited to be back. I have lots of friends, from the shows, who are Australian and I'm excited to see them all. Australians are so friendly and everyone is so beautiful here.


Question: What's next for you?

Lauren Anderson: I'd love to do another show, I love to skate and I love to travel. I'd love to continue doing this, for as long as I can, it's my dream, I'm happy to be doing, what I'm doing.

Performer Profile

Age you began skating/performing: Competing at 7 years old, Performing with Feld at 19 years old (June 2007)
Why did you start skating? I fell in love with skating after watching the Winter Olympics and decided I wanted to try it out. My parents told me I would have to skate early in the morning before school and I didn't mind. I would sleep in my skating clothes. I fell in love with the sport and all that it entailed.
Skating achievements (Competitions/awards/tests): Gold test in USFSA freestyle
List your interests/hobbies/favorite pastime: I love reading classic novels, sightseeing, taking pictures, going to art museums and visiting exchange students all over the world.
Role Model(s): My parents – they have always told me to follow my heart and to do what makes me happy.
Toughest Challenge (During your performance career): Adjusting to life on the road and being away from my friends and family.
Personal and professional goals: Give 100% of myself to the show every show. To travel and see the world through other perspectives and locations.
What's the thing a lot of people don't know about you? My siblings and I are all eleven years apart. I also used to play the violin and would like to learn how to play the cello.
What is your favorite memory on or off the ice? Skating in South America and having the crowd sing so loud that we could no longer hear the music so we skated to the singing. It gave me goose bumps every time.
If you could be a professional athlete in any other sport, what would it be and why? I would love to be a ballerina. They are just so graceful and lovely.
What is your most prized possession? My camera. I love taking pictures of the places we travel. Someday I would like to put them all together in a photo book. I have probably close to 10,000 photos on two hard drives.
What does the future hold for you? Hopefully only good things! I'll have to wait and see!
Is there a particular cause that you support? Why? Many: ASPCA because I love animals. Feed My Starving Children – they package food that is rich in minerals and nutrients and only need to be boiled. Invisible Children – they help rehabilitate former child soldiers. Sierra Club – helping the environment.
Do you have any special skills (sewing, cooking, juggling, etc.)? Funny you should ask…I actually travelled with juggling balls my first year of tour and I would practice nearly every day. I'm also slowly learning how to cook and can sew a mean button.

Life On The Road

What is it like to live on the road? It's very different to live out of two 50 pound suitcases, but manageable. The trick is to find out what you can pack that can serve many purposes.
While on tour, what is your favorite thing to do during your free time? Checking out the local sites, reading, going to museums. Skype with friends and family back home.
How do you keep fit? (Music, routine, class) Always have my favorite songs on my iPod to keep me motivated. Dance all the time
What do you do for fun? Check out the local cafes and museums.
What are your tips for frequent travelers? Definitely join all the frequent flyer programs. Pack a spare set of clothes in your carry on. Always check trip-advisor before you go anywhere
What item(s) can't you live without on the road? Passport, camera, computer, kettle for tea
What have you learned by being on the road? I've learned how to pack efficiently and light (under 50 pounds). I've also learned how to grocery shop :)

Being A Performer

What do you enjoy about performing? I love the audience reactions. They are always so alive, and it is just wonderful to skate in front of a crowd and feel their energy through the show.
How would you describe your skating style? I would describe my skating style as being very graceful and soft.
What do you want the audience to get from your performance? I would like the audience to leave feeling happy. I feel happy when I skate and I would like to share that with them.
What advice would you give to kids who have a dream/desire to do something like skating? Keep at it. Perfect practice makes perfect.
If you weren't performing, what might you be doing for a living? I would probably be in school. I would like to go to university when I'm done skating.

Feld Entertainment

What Feld production are you currently performing in? Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes
What year did you join Feld Entertainment? 2007
How did you audition? I sent in a video resume, and I also did a live audition when the show was in my home town.
What did you do prior to joining Feld Entertainment? I was in high school
What countries have you performed in while traveling with Feld Entertainment? Japan, China, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Canada, Turkey

Hometown Information

Where did you grow up? Chaska, Minnesota
What major city is it near? Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hometown club where you trained: Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club
Who was your coach? Kelly Hume Bocklund
What High school/College did you attend, and if applicable, what degree did you receive? Chaska High School

Interview by Brooke Hunter