Disney Princess on Ice & U.S. National Championships competitor Sophia Adams shares her love of figure skating
Sophia Adams will be helming the role of Princess Jasmine in Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder which runs from 9 – 17 March at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Striking for a balance in life may be as simple as carving out time regularly to indulge in an activity of your choice. Yahoo chats with personalities who share their passion for a sport or wellness activity they enjoy, which helps them take on the world with zeal. We hope this monthly series will inspire you to find an interest that will add that sparkle to your life.
Sophia Adams, one of Disney’s Princess on Ice, was born and raised in Anaheim, California. At only 30 years old, she has already chalked up some serious milestones and achievements to date. During her teens, she competed twice in the U.S. National Championships for figure skating. At the moment, she is living the best time of her life having an exciting job with Disney which allows her to travel and experience the world. In this article, Sophia shares how she got hooked on skating and eventually how figure skating presented her with the opportunity to explore the world.
Figure skating is such a unique sport in that it requires physical strength and endurance, while also inspiring grace and creativity.Sophia Adams on the joys of figure skating
Yahoo Life Singapore: What is one sport, fitness, or wellness activity you love, and how did you get started? Share any personal stories on how you grew to love skating from a young age.
Sophia Adams: I began skating when I was 5 years old. My parents took me just for fun, and I ended up loving it right away!
What are its benefits and what do you love about it?
Figure skating gives me the feeling of flying. I love being able to move my body and dance while gliding on the ice. Using this skill to perform for audiences and many families is another great reason I love my sport. It’s also an easy daily exercise for me!
Whatever you decide to do, give it everything you can. Pour your love into your art.Sophia Adams on giving her best
How often do you indulge in it and with whom?
I skate a lot with my partner Nelson, and we perform together as Aladdin and Jasmine in the show “A Whole New World”. I love skating with him especially when we perform various lift choreography and create acrobatic shapes while moving over the ice.
What do you need when engaging in the sport or wellness activity, and what are they each used for?
Figure skating does not require any physical tools. The most important thing is to have a big, beautiful sheet of ice and figure skates! This includes the boot and blades which we have to assemble because they do not come together. Since the ice can be really cold, of course, you need really warm clothing!
...we learn more when we're not at our best because if we were "perfect" all the time how could we open up to new achievements?On bouncing back after setbacks
You have competed in the US figure skate Championships before. How was it like competing at such a big scale and how did you deal with the stress of it all?
To be honest, handling stress is not my strength, but I learned to manage it through hard work in my physical practices on the ice, as well as mental practices off the ice such as breathing techniques, visualizations, and positive self-talk. During competitions or even my Disney On Ice performances today, it’s all about trusting yourself and believing you can do it.
Have you felt let down or low before? When was it and why? How did you bounce back?
Just last year I went through a few rough patches, but it taught me so much about myself and equipped me with new habits to practice for the future, such as resilience and an understanding that not every "let down" experience reflects what I am capable of. That being said, the biggest takeaway from this is that we learn more when we're not at our best because if we were "perfect" all the time how could we open up to new achievements?
What is it like being one of the Disney Princess on Ice? Share some interesting and/or fun behind-the-scene anecdotes with the Yahoo Singapore audience.
I love portraying the role of Jasmine. She is a fearless and strong princess which makes it exciting to embody her when I skate. I love telling stories through her character with skating movements. Disney produces such great music as well. When portraying Jasmine I perform “Speechless”. The song truly showcases her point of view and brings her to life in a magical way.
What advice do you have for aspiring girls who wish to pick up ice skating or figure skating?
Whatever you decide to do, give it everything you can. Pour your love into your art. Art being skating and your life!
Share with us one thing you learned from this activity or what you wish others to discover about it.
Figure skating is such a unique sport in that it requires physical strength and endurance, while also inspiring grace and creativity. Figure skating gives me a chance to escape and be individually artistic. It can be internally personal while also fun to share with others.
I love portraying the role of Jasmine. She is a fearless and strong princess which makes it exciting to embody her when I skate.On taking on the role of Princess Jasmine
As a well-known figure, what is one way you inject positivity into the public as a Disney on Ice performer?
I love telling stories through the characters I portray with skating. Jasmine is a fearless and strong princess which makes it exciting to embody her when I skate. Portraying a character such as Jasmine can be so positive and inspiring to share with audiences, especially young kids.
What unique performances can Singapore look forward to at Disney On Ice this year?
Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder brings more than just ice skating as we transition through stories such as Mary Poppins, Incredibles, Moana, Frozen, Lion King, Toy Story, and Aladdin. We have aerial acts, special effects, and of course Mickey and his friends.
Spoiler Alert!: Jasmine has a moment where she, quite literally, soars in the air. I partake in an aerial flying act where I skate on the ice and then am lifted into the air where I perform movements and tricks while Aladdin, portrayed by Nelson, shows me “A Whole New World”.
Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder runs from 9 – 17 March at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Get your tickets here.
Inspired by Sophia Adams? Yahoo Life Singapore trawls the Internet on relevant gears and tools for you to set you on your way to a similar hobby or interest.
[CLICK ON IMAGES FOR PRODUCT LINKS]
Skating Skirt Lady's Skating Costume
For the ultimate comfort, look no further. This beautiful skating costume is made of high-quality spandex fabric and highly elastic, bringing you the most comfortable wearing experience. Hand-sewn, this costume's every detail is tailored to provide you with the ultimate comfort on the rink. Due to its delicate material, be sure to wash it by hand and dry naturally. Machine washing is prohibited. Pick from nine sizes. Four colours available.
Figure Skating Pants, crystal-studded
What do you look for in a pair of skating pants? This trusty crystal-studded pants is not only pretty but its high-quality spandex fabric also comes with high elasticity, is breathable, slightly waterproof and skin-friendly all at the same time. Its thermal fleece lining is guaranteed to keep you warm on the ice. Available in 11 sizes, you can rest assured you will find one that suits you.
Jackson Softec Mirage Women/Girls Ice Figure Skates
With its stunning looks of gunmetal sheen using shiny holographic polyurethane upper, this pair of skates will make fellow skaters turn their heads in the rink. Its unique, modern, lightweight design provides support and comfort. Factory-sharpened Ultima Mark I blades make for smooth skating. Available in 2 colours.
Jackson Ultima SoftSkate Womens/Girls Figure Skate
These ice skates have reinforced vinyl upper with padded covered tongue and rolled padded collar providing support, warmth and comfort all at the same time. Trendy and fashionable, the Finesse Series skates feature new fashionable, no maintenance PVC outsoles and is designed with fashionably-placed chrome insert that adds style and sophistication. Available in 4 colours.
Ice Skates for Girl and Women
An all-round stunner, this classic high-top sneaker style lace-up skates are lined with soft padded PVC collars. Its eye-catching colour is sure to invite nods of approval in the skating rink. The blade is made of stainless steel material which is also lightweight, allowing for the greatest recreational skating comfort. With the additional in-sole, you can choose to wear the skates with or without the in-sole according to your comfort level.
Athletico Ice Skate Blade Covers - Guards for Hockey Skates, Figure Skates, and Ice Skates
Protect your blades against rust with this cover made of terry cloth material. This is a small item that can make your skates last longer.
Holisogn Ice, Figure, Inline and Roller Skate Bag
Featuring four unique colour patterns, this bag carrier for your skates is made of long-lasting oxford cloth and nylon material that is built to last. With three major compartments and four functional pockets, the capacious bag can be carried two ways be it on the shoulder or by hand. Two holder pads in the interior reduce the friction between the blades/skates and the bag.
Lunar New Year Sueded Terry Front-Overlap Pullover
Designed to be on the move, this Lululemon pullover's front overlap allows for maximum movement while keeping you feeling cosy and comfortable. Made of soft suede feel of cotton terry fabric. Look stylish and stay comfy in the rink. Available in two colours.
Lunar New Year Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket
This wonderfully warm down puffer has a cinchable hem that lets you customize the shape and keep out cold drafts. Water-repellent and windproof, this jacket has a 600-fill-power goose down which insulates anyone on the skating rink.
CRS Cross Padded Skating Gloves
Warm Padded Protection for Ice Skating Practice, Figure Skating
Let's face it. Injuries are inevitable in our learning journeys. Made of a polyester/spandex blend, these fleece-lined skating gloves provide not just warmth, but injuries from falls as well, thanks to its uniquely designed custom pads to cushion the impact of falls. Its stylish sleek design goes with everything and enhances the grace and artistry of each performance. Available in 2 colours.
Skating Spirit Thermal Figure Skating Competition Gloves (1 Pair)
Sparkle Rhinestone Decoration
Add some bling to your routine. These competition gloves come with fleece-lined thermal fabric to keep your hands warm. The back of the gloves are decorated with rhinestones making it perfect for figure skating and ice dance performances or competitions. Item comes with 8-10 extra rhinestones so you can add on or fix to existing gloves. Available in 4 colours.
Adidas Originals Tie-dye socks
With two pairs per pack, these adidas socks bring much cheer to your feet. Sporting the classic three stripes and Trefoil branding, these cotton blend socks provide all-day comfort. This product is made with a minimum of 50% of a blend of recycled and renewable materials.
Nike Everyday Max Cushioned
Training Crew Socks (3 Pairs)
The thick terry sole gives you extra comfort for foot drills and lifts, while high-friction yarns in the footbed reduce slippage. While its Dri-FIT Technology helps you stay dry and comfortable. Its mesh fabric at the top of the foot offers ventilation while the crew silhouette delivers a comfortable fit around the ankle. Perfect for long wear and drills on the rink.
Other inspiring fitness reads:
Iman Fandi shares her passion for dance
Benjamin Kheng shares his enduring love for swimming and why you should get started
Actor Lawrence Wong shares his passion for skateboarding and how he strikes a mind-body balance
Zheng Ge Ping on his fitness transformation & tips on maintaining muscle health
Under Armour ambassador Allan Wu invites you to join him on the run at UA's All Out Mile
Former National athlete Joy Kuan shares tips on eating clean for peak sports results
Malaysia's first Asia's Next Top Model rep Melissa Th'ng on the secret to staying positive
Actor Aaron Mossadeg shares his passion for sports and how he transformed his physique
Pro tennis player Leylah Fernandez shares her ups and downs & her favourite Lululemon attire
Find out how Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson strikes a mind-body balance
Singapore's fastest Ironman, Choo Ling Er, juggles motherhood & recovers from a near-fatal accident.
Omstars TV star, yoga teacher and author Kino MacGregor gets in touch with self via yoga
Learn how you can be slim, calm and sexy through yoga like Tara Stiles
How Singapore's Ironman triathlon Ewin Teo Conquers the blues and failed runs
Singapore's youngest Brazilian Jiu-jitsu champion, Jedd Tan, sacrifices teenage years
Yoga instructor Roxanne Gan shares how yoga grounds her & what it can do for you
Ultra-marathoner and author Natalie Dau on overcoming her darkest moments
Actress Ya Hui reveals why she's taking a pause from work and how it has helped her
Podcaster Stephanie Bovis shares how she 'crawls out of the hole and into the light'
Naomi Yeo on how sound bath meditation pulled her through her insecurities and jealousy
24hr Murph Challenge: How a friend’s death kickstarted the suicide awareness challenge
MMA superstar Mr Choo Sung-hoon, aka Sexyama, delves into motorsports and shares why he joined Physical 100
