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Wait, skates? We give 'Frozen' on ice a (wobbly) whirl

Donna Freydkin
USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Looks easy, right? You pin a wig, pull on a tutu, and do a few pirouettes on ice, as Let It Go blares in the background.

Not so fast, denizens of fictional Arendelle.

The Oscar-winning animated juggernaut Frozen has grossed $400 million domestically, yielding its own line of dolls, dresses, wands and everything else you can imagine. And now, of course, it's come to an arena near you, courtesy of Disney On Ice Presents Frozen.

USA TODAY’s Donna Freydkin gets to live the dream of every pint-sized 'Frozen' fan as she prepares to skate with cast members of 'Disney On Ice Presents Frozen.'

Tickets aren't cheap. The houses are full. The little fans go nuts. And the ladies portraying the leads, Princess Anna and Queen Elsa, have a hard time, well, letting it go.

"Trying to focus while all the kids are around, dancing and singing and waving at you," says Taylor Firth, who plays spunky sister Anna.

Both she and Becky Bereswill, who laces up as Elsa, come from the world of competitive skating. "This is world-class skating, with high speed and the same demands," says Bereswill.

This reporter, who hadn't been on ice in roughly three decades, decided to give Frozen a spin. Here's what happened.

Donna Freydkin poses with Taylor Firth, who plays Anna, and Becky Bereswill, who plays Elsa

First step: Let's try standing

Balancing on skates isn't easy. Not even a little. And that's before you step on the ice. It's hard to maintain a center of gravity, never mind forward motion. And nothing boosts your confidence like having to hold on to a chair to skate toward Firth and Bereswill, who glide as though they were born for this. Which they were. "We used to compete against each other," Bereswill says. "I wouldn't say it's daunting. It's been a seamless transition."

Donna Freydkin prepares to skate in full costume as a citizen of Arendelle with cast members of 'Disney On Ice Presents Frozen.'

Being in the middle of the action is sensory overload

Imagine wobbling around in leggings. Now put on a heavy costume, complete with corset, long skirt, wig and hat, and do it again. And again. Under very bright lights. With loud music and tons of skaters whirling around you. While keeping to the very intricate and specific choreography. Sound simple? Totally.

Donna Freydkin (center) chats with performance director Gig Siruno (left) before skating as a citizen of Arendelle with ensemble performer Jeremie Boisier.

'Frozen' + actual ice = Disney magic

There's something utterly magical about seeing Anna twist on the ice, and Elsa wave to her adoring fans from her perch up high. Perhaps because the story takes place in an icy land, it's just transporting, even for this jaded journalist. "Everyone was singing — I didn't expect that at all," says Firth. "This is my fifth year on tour, and it doesn't compare to any other show."

As Taylor Firth (center) skates the part of Anna in 'Disney On Ice Presents Frozen,' USA TODAY’s Donna Freydkin skates in the background (right) as a citizen of Arendelle.

'It's a dream role'

The tour runs through February 2016, concluding in Sacramento. For the performers, the biggest challenge is staying healthy, which means trying to eat sensibly, avoid injury and keep extracurricular outings to a minimum. They put a premium on well-being. "I mean, it's a dream role," says Bereswill. "For both of us."

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