Getting into characters

She transforms from Alice to Snow White, a fish and a pirate in just under two hours.

American Katherine Erickson, is a principal skater and part of the cast of Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove.

The 30-year-old said that playing four different roles is not easy - adopting accurate and natural characteristics for each role requires much practice.

To develop her personas, she repeatedly watches the movies her characters are from and mimics their mannerisms.

She said: "I had to practise in front of a mirror for months to perfect each character. But it's exciting to bring each one to life in my own way."

Her quadruple roles demand that she train constantly - up to six hours a week - on top of performing in nine to 12 weekly shows.

The troupe started its Asian tour last July and has been on the road for about nine months, travelling to a new location nearly every week.

A typical day will see Mrs Erickson heading to the gym before beginning rehearsals for her two main roles. She plays Alice in Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, while taking on two more ensemble roles as a pirate and a fish.

NEW TRICKS

An 11-year veteran of the troupe, she spends each rehearsal practising lifts and routines with her skating partners and tries out new tricks and stunts.

She then prepares herself for the day's shows, which are usually in the afternoons and evenings.

At age four, Mrs Erickson saw her friend ice skating and wanted to be just like her.

She has not looked back. She said: "The first time I stepped on the ice, I knew that I loved it. Skating was a totally new experience."

The Disney On Ice troupe was also where she met her husband, Michael, seven years ago.

They married two years ago and travel together with the troupe where Mr Erickson is part of the property department.

The show, which opened here on March 19, will feature a medley of hit Disney songs and memorable characters like Belle, Mulan, Peter Pan and the Mad Hatter. Characters from The Lion King are also part of the show.

On playing a princess, Mrs Erickson said: "It's an honour to be playing Snow White because she was the first Disney princess who inspired many generations.

"Everyone from my 76-year-old grandmother to my seven-year-old niece know and love her."

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