Interview
Matthew Kershaw
Disney on Ice Performer
Interviewed By = Mauricio Segura
Growing up on the Isle of Wight in England, Matthew Kershaw was not a typical grade-schooler. Starting when he was 6 years old, Matthew woke every morning before dawn, traveled to the mainland to skate, and came back to his small island in time for school. His hard work paid off; he won his first medal at age 7, and went on to place 5th in the 2005 British Primary Championships and 3rd in the 2007 IJS Junior Qualifier, before landing a spot in Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 in 2011.
A member of the United Kingdom’s National Ice Skating Association, Matthew enjoys traveling with Disney on Ice. “I love being able to bring entertainment to other people,” he says, adding that he wants audiences to feel they get the most value possible from his performances.
Matthew hopes to tour with Disney on Ice as long as he can, and his ultimate goal is to land a principal role in a Disney on Ice show. When he someday returns to England, he would like to finish his coaching qualifications and help young skaters achieve their dreams. His advice for kids who want to become ice skaters is simple. He says, “If you want it, go get it!”
Matthew was nice enough to take a few minutes to speak with us. Check out what he said...
GBM - When and how did you first realize you wanted to become a professional ice skater?
Matthew - Well, Ive been skating since I was 6 years old, and my parents had always taken me to shows in England. It looked like an amazing experience and I always wanted to do it. I've always enjoyed performing and I new it would be something I would end up doing eventually.
GBM - Great! Now, taking young skaters into account who might wanna follow in your footsteps, how does one get a spot in Disney on Ice. Can you tell me a little about your journey?
Matthew - Certainly! I was competing at a senior level in Briston up until 2010. That was the extent of my skating. I had some friends who were skating for Disney and they gave me the contacts where I had to send a video of my skating skills and tricks. I sent it off and they called me for an audition which was held at Wembley in England.
GBM - Oh wow, Wembley? Talk about intimidating!
Matthew - Ya right? Ha ha! So ya, I nailed the audition, and the rest as you can say is history I guess.
GBM - Exiting process.
Matthew - Yes!
GBM - What would you say is the most enjoyable aspect of being a part of Disney on Ice?
Matthew - Oh, that's tough. There are a lot of aspects. Like being from Merry Old England, I've seen amazing places in California, Florida... But, its definitely gotta be when I'm on the ice, and I see the kids going wild, you know, they're loving it? We have a part in the show called, Throwdown Showdown, from Hannah Montana but with Woody's roundup gang. All the kids get up and start dancing, and it's a wonderful thing to see from the ice.
GBM - I bet! It pumps you guys up at the same time.
Matthew - Exactly, ya. Its the longest part of the show at about 9 minutes, and 6 minutes into the show. So at that point, we're all like, ya c'mon let's party. And we know it's just going to be a wild experience.
GBM - The wilder the better. What character(s) do you play?
Matthew - I'm part of the ensemble. I'm one of the dancers in the Throwdown Showdown, I'm also in the beginning when all the main characters are getting introduced. Everyone loves that bit. Then I'm on again in the finale.
GBM - What goes into putting this show on? How long did you have to rehearse and get down the choreography before stepping into the ice in front of a live audience?
Matthew -We started in Mexico in August. This is the second year of the tour, but my first. We had, I think, five days to learn the entire show.
GBM - Five Days?
Matthew - Ya, nutts, I know. After that, we flew in at night and spent the next three days on ice practicing before finally stepping out in front of the audience. It was very hard, very demanding. But quite rewarding once it was done live.
GBM - And you make it look so easy, Who would've known!
Mathew - Laughs
GBM - What about travel. You're practically in a new city every week. Do you get to sight-see, or is it merely work and no play?
Matthew - Well ya, the majority of time we do. I mean, we got into San Jose at half past ten on Monday. So yesterday we had the day to relax. We won't have too much time away while were here, but hopefully when we get to Florida, we'll have more time to relax and enjoy the area.
GBM - Florida is nice. Any word on moving on to Europe?
Matthew - I'm not quite sure at the moment. It hasn't been determined, but I would love to go to Europe and especially back home in England.
GBM - Right, nothing better than performing for the friends and family.
Matthew - Ya, you got it.
GBM - Do you miss being away from home?
Matthew - Well ya! These days its easier, especially with performing. But like the holidays, Christmas was pretty hard. But at the same time, all of us here are like one big family. We look out for each other and that's good.
GBM - Well said. Back to the show itself, I've often heard it said that if you've seen one Disney on Ice show, you've seen them all. What would you tell those people to convince them to go see Toy Story 3?
Matthew - Yes, well the Toy Story movies are quite popular as it is. In the first half of our show, we have a mashup of Toy Story 1 and 2. But in the second half it just Toy Story 3, where we introduce new characters only seen in that 3rd film. So we incorporate things from all three movies and its fun to watch the reproduced live on ice. They'll see things that will make them say, Oh yes, I remember that part. The younger parents might have grown up with the first two, so their still fans. But its totally different seeing live and its a great experience.
GBM - Great. I'll wrap it up with this. Personally, what are your plans after Disney On Ice?
Matthew - I'd like to get as much experience in this and see where it takes me. I would love to someday coach. Id love to pass on my experiences and professionalism forward. Maybe even tour some more as much as I can.
GBM - Well I wish you the best. It's been fun talking to you and I thank you for taking the time to sit down and share a little of this cool ride your on.
Matthew - Ha ha! Thank you, it was fun!
