Interview: Skater Sierra Gilliam talks 'DISNEY ON ICE 100 YEARS OF WONDER' at Osaka Jo Hall

Sierra Gilliam is a skater on Disney on Ice (Click here to see Review: DISNEY ON ICE 100 YEARS OF WONDER) and also a double gold medalist and regional competitor. She started skating when she was 5 and she joined Feld Entertainment in 2022.

How did you feel when you were chosen as a member of this tour team?

At the time, it was one of my dreams to skate with them, so I remember. I was working at a bagel shop and I got the email that day. I was so excited. I was like stop working for a moment just so I can tell my friends. And it was just very new feelings to have a good dream that I've had for such a long time, from 2. Just excitement for what was to come and also gratification because I've worked for a long time and it was really nice to have all my hard work pay off so I could accomplish this.

Is this your first time in Japan?

Yes. So far, we’ve been to Yurihonjo(Akita), Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. On the days off, it’s a little bit of exploring around. And we have them some sightseeing and just lots of different things in Japan and it's amazing so far. I love it here. Beautiful.

What do you think is the key highlight of the show?

It's hard to choose, there's so much. There's always something going on but I do love how we have different acts on the ice as well as in the air. You might have noticed during Elsa solo, we have aerial acts as well as her solo and Ali Parade(“Prince Ali”) as well. So I just really love how our show brings just all sorts of different performances together. 

Is that also your favorite part?

It’s hard to choose. I do love the Ali Parade, Aladdin segment as well just because there's so many things to watch and the colors are amazing and the effects on the screens as well. And with them, Jasmine flying, and the aerial acts are just there's so much going on. You just can't figure out what to look at.

What do you think for you is the best part of being part of Feld Entertainment?

Feld Entertainment has created the place here where we can come together as a community. This community, I have with the performers in the cast and the crew here is something I haven't experienced anywhere else. So just being able to share this experience with them as well as spend time outside of our performances together, if you form a connection that, I think it’s a lifelong which is really special.

What was the hardest part of during the rehearsal and how did your manage it?

The hardest part is honestly just it takes a lot of mental energy to come to work everyday and put your body through all of that. And you as much as you want to be there, it's so exhausting and I save just dealing with that. It helps to have find a space and time on your own. Just reading or listening to music and just go on a walk and just relax.

Do you have any messages to those who haven't seeing it yet, but interested in seeing?

I just would love to say that everyone’s support is extremely important. That’s one of the best parts of being a performer. And I hope they enjoy the show.

Do you have any messages to Japanese fans?

Honestly, very similar. Just energy and the love that we feel during the show is what we want to share and feeling love from the audience is really special, too. So I just want to say thank you.

Photo Credit:[Disney characters and artwork ©Disney]

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