|
It's a jungle out there
[Photo: Walt Disney]
Disney’s Jungle Adventures on Ice combines characters from three popular animated films, The Jungle Book, Tarzan and The Lion King. |
By MARY EVERTZ
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 3, 2001
TAMPA -- In the new Disney's Jungle Adventures on Ice, a swinging vine is lowered to the ice and a pair of skaters begin climbing, twisting and turning from ice to air in an intricate pattern of aerial acrobatics. For the first time in ice show history, skaters will leave the ice to perform a breathtaking "Spanish web" routine.
To play the roles of Tarzan and Jane in Disney on Ice, accomplished skaters Jamie Loper and Natasha Kuchiki had to learn how to swing.
 |
 |
PREVIEW
Disney's Jungle Adventures on Ice, six performances today through Sunday at Tampa's Ice Palace. Tickets: $11.75 to $18.75. Call (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100. |
The Spanish web routine they learned was debuted at the Moscow Circus in the 1960s with one acrobat performing stunts above the crowd.
The skaters were sent to study with veteran aerialist and choreographer Alla Youdina at her home in Vermont. For six weeks, Youdina took the skaters through an intense training program. To perform from a 35-foot rope, suspended from the top of the arena -- with no safety equipment -- takes daring.
"The skaters must learn to breathe and think together. Decisions must be made in a split second without a moment to spare," says Youdina.
Youdina, who began skating at the age of 4, is the daughter of a gymnastics coach. During her years with the ice show, she is credited with performing the first trapeze act while on skates.
To prepare the skaters for their roles, Youdina took them through two daily sessions, three hours each, of running, stretching and trapeze work, with a two-hour break in between.
"It was necessary to take a break because our bodies would be shaking from the rope work, our muscles stretched out," she explained.
With nothing to protect them from falling to the ice, the skaters depended on Youdina to guide them through the exercises.
In presenting Jungle Adventures on Ice, Disney drew from three of its most popular animated films -- The Jungle Book, Tarzan and The Lion King.
"The concept is really exciting because it's the first time we have linked three Disney stories together that have a common thread," says producer Kenneth Feld. "In addition to taking place in the jungle, they share similar morals about growing up and taking responsibility. The message is universal and translates to children all over the world."
The show was choreographed by Barry Lather, known for his work with Olympic medalists Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton, Katarina Witt and Nancy Kerrigan.
Back to Weekend
© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111
|
