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Disney on Ice skater brings passion
By John Benson
Just like the Disney character Mulan, ice skater Natasha Kuchiki knows a little bit about honoring family and continuing tradition.
The California native was born to ice-skating parents, who took their young daughter on the road when they toured in the Ice Capades.
“I remember seeing my parents perform,” said Kuchiki, calling from Topeka, Kan. “I was on the road until I was 5 years old, so I grew up watching my parents. I also remember skating in between shows and getting in trouble.”
Today, former Olympic skater Kuchiki is playing the role of Mulan, who fights for her family’s honor in the Disney On Ice production “100 Years of Magic.” The magical ice affair comes to Youngstown for seven shows Thursday through Sunday at Covelli Centre.
“The story of ‘Mulan’ is about honor and pride,” Kuchiki said. “All of the female Disney characters bring such strength as a feminine trait in their own special way. Mulan is going off to fight for her family’s honor. She hides who she is because there is no son in the family.
“It really is an emotional roller coaster because there is happiness, sadness, anger and celebration. I can cover all four basic emotions. I really love acting. It’s always been another passion of mine.”
For folks who have a passion for Disney and Pixar classics, “100 Years of Magic” features a who’s who list of A-list animated characters. In fact, the show is being billed as the largest cast ever of lovable Disney stars on ice such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Stitch, Nemo and The Incredibles.
Not only will there be moments from Disney’s “Mulan” and “The Lion King,” but the show boasts beautifully choreographed figure skating to Academy Award-winning songs such as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Under the Sea,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and more.
When looking over Kuchiki’s “Disney on Ice” career, the 15-year-veteran has seemingly done it all with roles in “Grease on Ice” (Frenchie), “Tarzan” (Jane) and “Beauty and the Beast” (Belle).
However, being in the spotlight is nothing new for Kuchiki, who in the early ’90s was one-half of an internationally recognized pair team with partner Todd Sand. Her amateur career was highlighted by three U.S. National Championships, a bronze medal in the 1991 World Championships and sixth-place finish in the 1992 Winter Olympics.
“Being a part of ‘Disney on Ice’ gives you the opportunity to continue to do what you love,” Kuchiki said. “Skating always remains to be a part of you. It was so intense as a youth — with blood, sweat and tears — that a lot of times you continue after your competitive years because you want to keep going and you like to perform. And not only that, but we get to travel all around the world.”
Kuchiki said she’s performed in more than 600 cities and 32 countries with one universal truth that never changes.
“The kids love the show, and they’re always entertained throughout,” Kuchiki said. “Considering there are 10 of your favorite Disney productions in this show, it just goes from one segment into another one; we don’t get any attention deficit.”