Although she never saw a live production of Disney on Ice as a child, skater Nadiri Brooks knew that was what she wanted to do as a career.
“When I was 12, I saw an advertisement for Disney on Ice. I cut it out and said ‘that’s what I wanted to do,’” said Brooks who is part of the ensemble for Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero. The show will be at the James Brown Arena Oct. 13-15.
Even though she didn’t see it in person, she did find it online.
“I watched it every single night with my mom. I watched every single performance,” she said.
Brooks spent her childhood in both Guam and Alaska. She became a competitive figure skater in her northern home. As part of the ensemble, she is on the ice the entire show, skating with the Disney characters.
Perhaps the contrast of the climates in her childhood homes is the reason that skating with the snowman Olaf as he pines away about summer is one of her favorite numbers.
“I skate along with him and Anna. It’s super fun,” said Brooks, whose favorite Disney character is Moana.
“She’s so powerful and strong. I feel like I really relate to her,” she said. “When I was younger, I lived in Guam. I think that’s why I chose Moana.”
While her competitive skating background helped her master her technical and artistic skills, Brooks said she doesn’t miss those nerve-wracking times on the ice. She prefers skating with the Disney production.
“It’s so different, performing for thousands and thousands of people. You see little kids dressed up like what you’re wearing even and singing along. It’s so magical,” she said.
And the best part?
“You don’t have to worry about the stress of judges,” she said.
Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero will be performed seven times, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Oct. 13, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., Saturday Oct. 14 and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday Oct. 15.
“Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for an adventure filled with tales of heroism from your favorite Disney stories in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero. Join Mirabel as she sets out to save her family’s beloved Casita, all while learning that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. See how far Moana will go when she embarks on an action-packed voyage with mighty demigod Maui in a quest to save her island, become a wayfinder, and find her own identity. Journey alongside Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman, Olaf, on their quest to protect the kingdom. Dive Under The Sea and test the power of true love with The Little Mermaid. Get tangled with Rapunzel as she dares to explore the world outside her own. And be there as Belle boldly tames the fearsome Beast. Discover that courage, determination and heart are all part of the hero in you!” according to a news release.
For tickets, go here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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