ST PAUL, Minn. — Sarah Santee says she began skating when she could walk. Her two parents, professional skaters, performed on Disney on Ice. Growing up, Santee said it immediately became a dream of hers.
"I’ve been seeing Disney on Ice skating since I was a young kid. I had that dream when I would grow up – not necessarily to go to the Olympics or anything, I wanted to skate in ice shows," Santee said. "I saw the joy that my parents had while traveling and I wanted to also follow in their footsteps."
Not only was it a dream of hers, but her two siblings set the goal as well. Now age 25, Santee, the middle child, is part of a family of five who have all toured with the show. She began when she was 18. Now in her seventh year with Disney on Ice, this weekend at Xcel Energy Center is the first year Santee is performing the show to her home state crowd.
"I’m the last one of my siblings to play Minnesota," she said. "I’ve been on the road for seven years but I haven’t played home yet."
Disney on Ice Presents Find Your Hero is a two-hour show featuring storylines from popular Disney movies that are relatively new, such as "Moana" and "Frozen," to timeless classics, such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Mermaid."
Santee performs as Ariel. She has the chance to perform couples skating, solo skating, and even aerial acts. She says the best part is being able to see the faces of the little ones in the audience.
"When I see the kids’ reactions, it feels like everything I’ve been working for, my career," Santee said. "It makes sense, it gives me life."
Disney on Ice Presents Find Your Hero has eight shows starting Thursday, Dec. 8 running through Sunday, Dec. 11.
Tickets are available starting at $20. You can purchase tickets here.