Name: Colleen Clancy
Profession: Professional Figure Skater with “Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic”
What do you do for a living?
I’m a professional figure skater and I have the honor of performing with “Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic” where I portray the role of Princess Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.” I’ve visited over 40 countries throughout my skating career. It’s a dream come true to travel the world while bringing to life the Disney stories that families all around the world know and love.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
My skating journey began when I was 5 years old (a long time ago!) My mother was a competitive figure skater, and she got me hooked! I skated competitively from the age of 5 all the way until I graduated from Miami University. After I graduated, I worked for a while outside of the skating world but missed skating so much. After a little bit of time, I started training again and sent an audition video to “Disney On Ice.” About two months later, I found myself on a plane to Japan to start performing with the show!
The training required to perform in the show is a little different than my training as a competitive skater. Each week, after we arrive in a new city, we will typically have class where the entire cast gets on the ice, and we do edges and turn exercises as a group. We will also have warm-up ice for performers to warm up their tricks and prepare for the week ahead. After a morning of warm-up ice and class, we are ready for the show!
On my off days, I also really enjoy running so I can stay active and also explore whatever city I am in that week.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The most magical thing I get to experience as a performer with “Disney On Ice” is hearing the audience sing along to their favorite songs and seeing the joy and happiness on their faces when they see their favorite characters in person! When I’m performing and I see children dancing and singing, I get goosebumps!
Another thing I love, is that I get to continue in the sport I have been doing my entire life. I love skating and I am so grateful that I have found a career that has allowed me to continue with my passion for so long.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I distinctly remember a drawing I made when I was little, saying that I wanted to be a professional figure skater when I grew up. I watched Disney movies on repeat as a kid and now I get to portray those iconic characters while doing my favorite thing, skating!
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Keep challenging yourself in new ways. You never know what you’re capable of!
One fun fact NOT about your job?
Before joining “Disney On Ice” I worked for a state representative in the Michigan House of Representatives.
