PREVIEW: Disney On Ice presents Dream Big at Utilita Arena Sheffield
and live on Freeview channel 276
Just ask 28-year-old Annee Magee - who has landed the dream role of playing Beauty and the Beast star Belle in Disney On Ice's new UK touring show Dream Big.
BUY TICKETS: Guarantee your Disney On Ice presents Dream Big seats with nine performances at Utilita Arena Sheffield from Wednesday to Sunday, December 14 to 18, 2022 – for tickets and more information CLICK HERE.
Today Annee told her story to inspire others to follow their dreams
The 28-year-old former yoga instructor said her dream as led to tours of Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Philippines and now Europe.
"Growing up, Belle and Cinderella were probably my two favourite princesses, and to be able to step into those shoes and portray that character to audiences around the world is an incredibly wonderful feeling,” said Annee, from Oregon, USA.
"The energy of the audience really helps me. I thrive off of that energy. And it makes me kind of put into perspective of why I'm doing this in the first place like I'm skating, because first and foremost, I love it.
"But I want to be able to share that love with those that are watching me perform and hopefully inspire others - or at least bring a smile to their faces."
Courage leads the way for Disney’s most adventurous heroes and believing is just the beginning in this new ice adventure, Dream Big.
It brings beloved characters to life through cutting edge figure-skating, eye-catching costumes and stunning set designs, with Innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, high-flying jumps and breath-taking skating.
This year’s ice spectacular also features popular characters such as Coco’s Miguel Rivera, who disguises himself to enter the Day of the Dead festival, Frozen’s own Let It Go snow queen Elsa and ocean adventurer Moana, along with Jasmine, Ariel and Aurora.
The show also features Mickey, Minnie, Belle, Genie, and many more as audiences will be transported to Disney’s exciting worlds where heroes of every kind seek to fulfil their dreams in this live experience.
It's not just about the ice-dancing. The colourful costumes and perfect props help to bring the magic to life.
Skater Taylor Dean, 28, from Brisbane, Australia, who portrays Drizella,one of Cinderella's ugly stepsisters, says: "I really love that costume because she's bright green and she's got a lot of layers going on. So that one's fun.
"But my favourite to wear is one of the butterfly costumes from out in summer number and they just feel really pretty wearing you know, bright pink and lots of crystals. So this one's a lot of fun.
"When we bring a performance to the ice, it's really so many different aspects that create the story that we're telling. We've got the athleticism of our figure skaters. And we've got gorgeous makeup and amazing lights and music.
"But without the wonderful costume pieces, it's really hard to portray the specific characters that we're trying to be. So having these gorgeous costumes really helps bring that full picture together, so that you can see the, you know, the full story that we're telling and the characters that we're portraying."
Marc Laporte, aged 30, from Quebec city, Canada, who plays Sleeping Beauty's Prince Philip, said: "Props are very important in the show, like the costume are - a prop makes the magic happen, like the shield and sword I use as Prince Phillip to fight with the fire breathing dragon.
"We have great props, they make the story believable, interesting, and a celebration."
The most important part of the show is the audience.
Jackie Soames, Performance Director, said:" Sometimes we get whole families dressed up to see the show - it's absolutely amazing. We really love to see that.
"We like loud audiences and Sheffield is always really good.
"Dream Big is a great compilation show. We have so many different stories within the show. It's so wonderful for all the family. It's so exciting.
"You get to see Mickey and Minnie in the flesh really close to you. We get to see all the great characters, hear all the great songs and have interaction with the performers. It's such an amazing experience for the whole family.
"Expect your spirits to be lifted, expect to be taken places that you've never been to before. And a lovely family experience."
For tickets visit www.utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk
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