Disney On Ice: Frozen Skates Into Northern CA- Our Interview With ‘Anna’ – Taylor Firth
From the first moment you sit down to talk to Taylor Firth, who skates into the hearts of everyone as Anna in Disney On Ice Presents Frozen, which opens in the San Francisco Bay Area beginning on February 17, you’re immediately struck just how perfect she is for the role. Bright, energetic, and yes, spunky, filled with just the right balance of determination, passion, and charm, it’s easy to see why Disney and Feld Entertainment brought her into their entertainment family and six years later, she’s still loving every second of it. From Jessie in Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 to the role of Merida and now the iconic Anna, Taylor knew from early on that she was born to entertain and perform.
Taking to the ice at just 6 years old, because she wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps, Taylor was a natural from day one, but although she competed and managed to be a National and International Medalist along the way, she shared with me she always knew that it was the world of entertainment is where she knew she had to be.
“I was known from very early on in the sport as an entertainer more than a competitor. The pressures and the nerves always seemed to be there with the world of competitive skating but when I got to just skate and entertain, that is where my heart was and where it still is.”
With the demands of skating at this level places on your young life through the years, what does she attribute to being where she is today?
“ I knew from the first moment I laced up that I was born to skate and perform but if it hadn’t been for the support from my parents, I honestly don’t know if I would have been able to stick with on some of those early, early mornings. I was always at the rink at 5:00 am and the commitment it takes, isn’t easy, especially when you’re younger but my parents were there to support me, and never once allowed me to give up. They always encouraged all four of us to stick with it because they could see where my love of skating could taking and it was obvious to them, even back them that my love of skating could take me places that I never dreamed of. It is because of them, and the support of my coaches and sisters that have me living my dream today with being a part of Disney On Ice. Coming from a Disney household, it was meant to be.”
Having been a part of Feld Entertainment and Disney On Ice since 2010, Taylor talked to me about some of the challenges that come with being on the road all the time.
“The biggest adjustment when I first came to the show was not having my family here, especially my 3 sisters. We are more than sisters; we are each other’s best friends and support system. We were always silly together, with tons of inside jokes that never needed to be explained but once I was away from home, suddenly there was nobody there that understood the jokes or the silliness. Once I got to know the people I’m on tour with, they became my family and helped ease me into a life on my own. This afternoon I get to go grocery shopping with my mom-it’s the little things like that that I truly miss, and make you appreciate the time you do have with your family even more.”
What’s the best advice that she got from her parents growing up?
“If you love it, go for it. The pay off is worth it in the end-don’t be afraid to chase your dreams.” Taylor also added in, “Listen to your parents. They’ve lived a lot more life than you have and can see down the road what lies ahead. Their life experiences help them to help you to live your dreams, even during the hardest of times when you may be ready to give up. My parents never gave up on any of us, and I’m so thankful they didn’t or I may not be where I am today.”
Down the road, when the time comes to hang up her skates, where does Taylor see her life?
“ Eventually someday, the time will come to be off the road. Someday I hope to be marries with a houseful of things and treasures I’ve accumulated from all over the world and have children. I’d love to stay with the Feld Entertainment and go into the corporate sides as many of the skaters do and work with them to build the shows and choreograph them. When I have children of my own, I would definitely love to be able to teach them to skate because such a huge part of me and the relationships I built over my life have come from skating but I’m not sure if I’d want them to compete. But if they chose to do that, at least I would be able to better guide them having gone through it myself. The one thing I would however teach them is never give up! As my parents taught all of us, you deserve to be whatever you put your mind to and work hard for.”
With the grueling schedule of touring, what does Firth do with her rare downtime?
“I love to sightsee, shop, go to the movies and just relax in my hotel room. I love spending time in with my friends whether it is going out or just sitting around talking, they’re my family on the road. I also love to cook although it can be hard to do while we’re on the road, I try my best to make food for myself whenever possible. I couldn’t travel without my crockpot and my skillet. “
As difficult as life is on the road, what are Taylor’s favorite things about being able to tour the world with Disney on Ice?
“Life on the road in a word is exciting! I get to be in a different city every week experiencing what our amazing country has to offer. And performing, there are no words to describe that feeling when you skate out onto the ice. To be able to bring these characters to life for families is my favorite part of skating. Kids get to see their favorite characters come to life right before their eyes, and parents are thrilled to see their children so happy.”
And lastly, I asked Taylor what she hoped that the audiences will get from her performance?
“I hope they see the joy I feel while I skate. Performing is my passion and I hope that the audiences feel that when they watch me skate.”
One thing is certain, Taylor’s infectious joy and passion for what she does comes through in everything she says and does and there could not be a more perfect skater to bring the role of Anna to life than Taylor Firth.
Don’t miss the fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination as Disney On Ice presents Frozen. skates into the San Francisco Bay Area beginning February 17. The heartwarming Academy Award®-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintry world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime. And be sure to wave to Taylor Firth as she takes on the role she was born to play, Anna and brings it to life.
Now everyone in your family can enjoy the magic of Disney On Ice presents Frozen when it comes to the Bay Area in February at the San Jose at the SAP Center Feb.17-22 and Oracle Arena in Oakland Feb. 24- Feb. 28.
S A N J O S E – SAP Center – 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA, USA, 95113
Wednesday, February 17 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, February 18 – 7:30 PM
Friday, February 19 – 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 20 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 21 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 6:30 PM
Monday, February 22 – 7:30 PM
O A K L A N D – ORACLE Arena – 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA, USA, 94621
Wednesday, February 24 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, February 25 – 7:30 PM
Friday, February 26 – 10:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 27 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 28 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 6:30 PM
Don’t miss Disney On Ice “Frozen” when it skates its way into the hearts of Northern California next week.
