A Show Worth Melting For: Disney On Ice presents Frozen

Taking to the ice at just five years old, Vilma Lehtinen built her skating career by attending a sports-focused high school and skating competitively to the highest level. Although she managed to qualify for Nationals, by the time she was 19, Lehtinen decided to put her competitive career aside, but enjoyed performing too much to just “Let It Go.” 

After watching the production of Disney On Ice travel to her hometown of Helsinki, Finland, Lehtinen decided it was time to pursue her passion for performance skating by auditioning for Disney On Ice Frozen. 

“This is an amazing opportunity to travel the world. I love performing, so getting to do that every day is really what I love about this. We get to see so many new places while traveling through the states that I’ve never seen before. It’s really amazing.” -Vilma Lehtinen

In June 2016, Lehtinen joined the Disney On Ice Frozen tour as an ensemble skater, a part where she is constantly on the ice as part of group numbers such as the Coronation or as a citizen of Arendelle, accompanied by multiple costume changes.
 
Do you want to build a snowman with Olaf? Be a part of Princess Anna and Queen Elsa’s adventures? Or help Kristoff and Sven as they encounter wintry conditions and mystical trolls in a race to bring back summer?
 
Discover the full story of Disney’s Frozen like never before at Disney On Ice presents Frozen at Royal Farm Arena Thursday, February 1st through Sunday, February 4th or at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Thursday, February 8th through Sunday, February 11th.
   

At what age did you become interested in ice skating? When did you decide to continue this sport and build it into a career?

I started skating when I was five years old with my little sister. I started because my mom had skated when she was younger as well. I kept competing and decided to quit my competitive career when I was 19 years old, but I always loved performing. Disney On Ice comes to my hometown every year in Helsinki and I had the opportunity to audition for the show. The rest is history. I really enjoy performing and that’s why I decided to pursue this career. 

How did you continue to develop your ice skating career through the years? Did you skate in college, part of any competition teams?

I went to a sports high school and was a competitive level ice skater until senior ladies, which is the highest level you can go. 

What interested you in being a part of Disney On Ice Frozen? What type of process did you go through in order to join the cast? How long have you been a part of Disney On Ice?

After auditioning, I got offered to join the show and I love Frozen, so I didn’t even think twice. I really wanted to join the show!

Before auditions we were asked to send videos that tell something about our own skating and then lucky people get the chance to audition. We did some steps, showed off our free skating elements, and basically what we can do on the ice. Then there was a part where they interviewed us to get to know something about who we are as people too. 

I joined the tour on June 2016. Frozen is my first and only show on Disney On Ice so far. 

I’ve been told you are an Ensemble Skater. What does that part entail? Do you have any costume changes? How many routines did you need to learn? Do you get any breaks throughout the show?

Being an ensemble skater means that you can find me in a lot of group numbers during the show. There are a lot of people on ice during the Coronation or as a citizen of Arendelle. Everyone learns all of the show because everyone needs to be ready to step into the rolls. We have a lot of costumes and changes might be quick, but they are really beautiful and I love wearing them every day.

How often do you practice for the show and what does a typical training day look for you?

Each week we practice when we get to the new venue. To get the feel of the new ice and surroundings and before we start on tour, we usually have a couple weeks of rehearsals to get all the new performers and old performers together and build the numbers. 

On tour we’re provided ice time before and after shows. I usually come early in the morning to skate before the shows and a couple hours before the doors open. We have one to three shows each day and are given opportunities to skate after the shows.  

Every day before the shows, we warm up together, which really is a nice way to bring everyone together. It really helps to make sure we are warmed up for the show and that’s really how we try to prevent injuries. During the days off, we are usually provided with a gym where we can maintain our condition. 

What have been some of the highlights of your career as an ice skater performer? What do you enjoy most about this tour?

This is an amazing opportunity to travel the world. I love performing, so getting to do that every day is really what I love about this. We get to see so many new places while traveling through the states that I’ve never seen before. It’s really amazing. 

It’s really hard to pick a favorite. I’m just really excited to see a new place every week while touring.  

What makes Disney On Ice Frozen special and why should families come see the show?

If you’re a really big Frozen fan, we follow very closely to the story line of the film. We also have our opening and final numbers where you get to see various Disney characters. It really is an amazing performance and I hope to see everyone there.