What’s it like to see the world and get paid to do it? What’s it like to have thousands of adoring fans clapping for you every night? What’s it like to dress up in pretty princess clothes for your JOB? Well, Jennifer Atkinson knows! She is a performance skater in the Disney on Ice Princess Wishes show. A hometown girl from Cottage Grove, I spoke with Jennifer while she was on the road about the upcoming Princess Wishes show at Target Center. Even after my cell phone dropped the call and she had to call me back, and in spite of being a world-wise traveler, she was just a good ole dose of Minnesota nice!
As an ensemble skater in the show, Jennifer is in almost every single number. (That sounds exhausting. I bet she can eat whatever she wants with all that daily exercise.) As Ariel is her favorite Disney princess, it’s no surprise her favorite number to skate in is Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid. Before she came onto the Princess Wishes show, Jennifer skated in another Disney on Ice show – Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey.
Jennifer has been a performance skater since 2006. She started skating at age 5 and didn’t consider performance skating as a career choice, really, until college. She had several friends who began performing and she thought she’d give it a try. She graduated first (with a degree in business management), and then auditioned here in Minneapolis. She was hired and has been going strong ever since!
Visiting such countries as Singapore, Belgium, Brazil, and Thailand, Jennifer has learned a few things. “I always travel with my computer. It’s my connection to home. No matter where I am, I can chat with friends and family over the internet.” What on earth did we do before computers?
I asked her what her favorite country was so far, and she said she really liked Australia. Foreign, yet enough similarities with the United States that she still felt comfortable. Her favorite U.S. city? Washington, D.C. She recently performed there and had time to do all the tourist things. And she happened to be there in the few weeks there was good weather – always a bonus.
While performance skating is certainly a passion, eventually she will “retire” back home to Minnesota and create a regular life. She is torn between focusing on utilizing her business degree or making a life full of creativity. With a penchant for scrapbooking, Jennifer craves the creative outlet and hopes to find a way to blend the two. But for now, there’s no need to worry about such life-changing decisions. She’s performing every week, traveling everywhere, and having the time of her life.
Minneapolis is just one stop on this 9 month tour, and Jennifer said she is really looking forward to coming “home” for a week. What’s on her list of things to do when she gets here? Hang out with family, get a haircut, and go to the Mall of America. Ah, you can take the girl out of Minnesota….well, you know the rest. We hope you make it out to see Jennifer and the rest of the cast of Disney on Ice Princess Wishes! We'll be there opening night clapping and cheering and wishing we were princesses.
About Disney on Ice Princess Wishes: Performing at Target Center from March 3-6, audiences will be transported to a world where dreams really can come true. With the help of the magical pixie Tinker Bell, the Disney Princesses embark on an adventure to find their heart’s fondest wish. Ariel dreams of a life above the sea, Mulan finds her inner strength, Jasmine discovers a whole new world and Snow White finds her true love. Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty also find happiness in this beautifully imagined ice show.
Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice Princess Wishes features an incredible display of special effects, stunning set design and elegant artistry on the ice.
Starting one hour before each performance, families will be treated to the Disney Princess Pre-Show, an exclusive fairy tale collection of gowns and treasures from the Disney Princess stories. This bonus experience is free with ticket purchase and includes a special appearance by a live Disney Princess.
Purchase your tickets today!
