Disney on Ice presents Dream Big has come to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena this weekend! The ice show extravaganza features many Disney characters skating to their famous songs. The theme of the show is all about dreams coming true. In this show, you’ll see Moana and Maui, Aladdin and Jasmine, Miguel from Coco, Rapunzel from Tangled, Ariel and Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf from Frozen, and many more!
Today Chirp reader, Hazel, 3, got to see the first show. We asked her what she loved about it:
What was your favourite part? Seeing how all the dreams came true for the princesses.
Who were your favourite skaters? Elsa, Belle, and Ariel.
What was your favourite song?
“Let it Go” from Frozen.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Hazel!
To see if Disney on Ice is coming to a city near you, click HERE, and find out what it’s like to be a Disney on Ice performer by clicking HERE.
We talked to professional figure skater Sarah Santee who will be performing as princess Jasmine in the upcoming Disney on Ice present Dream Big show! Read on below to learn how she’s preparing for her role and her tips for young athletes with big dreams of their own.
Find out below how to win tickets to this performance in Toronto!
How are you preparing for your role of Jasmine in the Disney On Ice show?
The most important things I do to prepare involve both on and off ice activities. My skating partner and I must make sure we are both well nourished and warmed up off the ice in order to practice a few of our high-level pair lifts we perform in the show. Once we are warmed up, it’s important to practice on the ice and adjust every week to the new ice surface (size and type of ice).
How does it feel being a part of a show your parents were also a part of?
It’s such a unique feeling. My entire family is or has been a part of Disney On Ice, and it creates a natural and easy bond for us all. I couldn’t imagine not having this to share with my family. I think the most rewarding part is when they come to watch my show and begin reminiscing on a beautiful part of their lives. I know that they are proud that I am able to experience it, too.
What is your all-time favourite Disney movie?
My all-time favourite Disney movie is Mulan. I think it’s a powerful movie and can’t wait to see the live-action film.
What do you love most about ice skating?
What I love most about skating is the feeling I get when performing. It’s the perfect combination of athleticism and art. We are able to create and capture beautiful movements and emotions while still pushing our bodies to extreme and difficult levels.
Is there a character you would love to one day perform on ice?
I remember going to see Disney On Ice as a kid and watching a Sleeping Beauty segment. I loved it and decided that Aurora was my favourite princess because she wears a pink dress. I think my childhood self would be very excited to one day portray that role.
Do you have any advice for our readers who dream of becoming professional athletes?
The best advice I could offer someone who wants to be a professional athlete is to not give up. It can be challenging and there will be many obstacles, but the end result is completely worth it. The feeling of accomplishing something that you’ve been working hard at for so long is like no other feeling.
Thanks so much, Sarah!
For a chance to WIN a family pack of four tickets to see the opening night show on January 24, 2020 (Toronto):
Tell us the name of your favourite Disney character in the comments section below! *Don’t forget to include your name and age!*
ONE winner will receive four tickets for the opening night performance on January 24, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Contest Deadline: January 10, 2020 @ 11:59 p.m.
Winners will be chosen by random draw. Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Tickets courtesy of Feld Entertainment. Winner will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the show.
We spoke with author Kristen Calis about her story Scaredy Cat, which appeared in the October issue of Chirp! This fun rhyming story is about a black cat named Pepper who learns to overcome his fears on Halloween.
Read on to learn more about Kristen (including her favourite Halloween costume) and her story!
What inspired you to write Scaredy Cat?
I was inspired to write Scaredy Cat because I know some people are superstitious and believe black cats are bad luck. I have a black cat named Henri, and I know they are anything but.
Do you have any pets at home?
I have three cats: Kinsey, Henri, and King.
When did you start writing stories?
This is my very first published story, but I have been writing for fun ever since I was little.
What was your favourite Halloween costume growing up?
My favourite costume was Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. I loved wearing the ruby slippers.
Do you have any advice for young writers?
My advice is to write every day, even if it’s just a couple of sentences.
Thanks so much, Kristen!
Readers, you can listen to an audio version of this story (read by the author herself!), by clicking HERE.
Every September, cities across Canada hold marathons to celebrate Terry Fox and raise money for cancer research. In the latest issue of Chickadee, we featured Terry Fox’s story to celebrate the Canadian hero.
We talked with author and illustrator Josh Holinaty about retelling Terry’s story. Let’s hear what he had to say!
What inspired you to write the Terry Fox story for Chickadee?
Initially, the fine folks over at Chickadee approached me to see if I was interested in writing and illustrating a comic about Terry Fox, and I was more than happy to take part! Terry is such a huge Canadian hero with such an inspiring story, and he’s also a personal hero of mine. Also, I was up for the challenge to try telling the story of Terry Fox in only four short pages, while also giving him the respect he deserves.
What is your favourite panel in the comic?
There are a couple panels in the comic where Terry is running with the sun setting behind him, and I think those are my favourite. They feel epic and hopeful—or at least I hope they do! What I was hoping to get across in those panels is Terry’s determination and the legacy he left behind. All of Canada, and even the world, was behind him and his cause, but in the end he was just one person filled with huge determination to make change.
What did you enjoy most about writing and drawing this story?
I think my favourite part of working on this comic was researching and reading about Terry’s story to make sure I got the details right. (A tip to young writers and artists out there: researching your subject is important). Also, I’ve always had a soft spot for Terry’s story–he’s a real hero of mine. The story of his life never ceases to amaze and inspire me, even though I’ve heard and read about it since I was a kid myself. Being able to re-read his story was once again very enjoyable.
What do you admire most about Terry Fox?
His sheer determination is so inspiring. I’m still blown away at how far he ran in such a short time while also battling cancer. It’s truly powerful, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at the same time.
Are you taking part this year in the Marathon of Hope?
You bet! I’ve been a an avid runner for years, and every time I hop out for a run, the thought of Terry Fox crosses my mind. I’ll be sure to go for a run on that day and donate to the cause.
Thanks, Josh!
Readers, are you taking part in the Terry Fox Run in your community? Let us know in the comments below!
Today we caught up with the talented Geraldo Valério. He is an author, illustrator and the creator of “Art on the Fly,” a colourful story that appeared in the March issue of Chirp! We asked Geraldo to finish some fun sentences for us. Here are his answers.
1. When I was a kid, my favorite thing to draw was locomotives. My father worked for the railroad company. I was always amazed by those huge and noisy machines. I used to make simple drawings of locomotives with rectangles, triangles, squares and circles. That’s how I learned about shapes.
2. My hidden talent is baking. I love making all kinds of cakes—chocolate, lemon and coconut. Baking any kind of cake brings me great joy. The best part is eating them. I could eat cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
3. My favorite way to eat eggs is scrambled with peppers and herbs from my garden. Sprinkling some cheese on top doesn’t hurt.
4. A perfect day is spent in my studio creating my books. I really enjoy every part of making a book—from the first drafts and sketches to the final art. Best of all, I like sitting at my desk cutting paper, arranging coloured shapes and making collages.
5. The best way to end my day is going to a yoga class to move and stretch my body and calm my mind. After I have my dinner, I relax on the sofa reading a book or magazine until sleep comes.
6. My favorite books are all kinds of art books, history and nature books and novels and memoirs. I am very passionate about picture books.
7. My heroes are my friends. We have been together for so long through many moments of happiness and sadness. I’m never alone because I have great friends.
8. What I love most about being an artist is telling stories with beautiful and engaging images.
9. My advice for young artists is to get to know what really excites and motivates you to be creative. Find time in your day to work on your ideas and work every day of the week. Soon, you will realize this is the best time of your day. I love working!
Thanks so much, Geraldo!
Readers, if this interview has you feeling inspired, send us photos of your artwork for a chance to be featured on the Chirp blog! You can send the images to chirpblog@owlkids.com.
Hey readers,