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BY BILLY SUTER
A HUSBAND and wife team of skaters from Johannesburg will be among the cast of the lavish touring Disney On Ice production, The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice, when it reaches South Africa later in June.
Johannesburg-born Konrad Giering and Pretoria-born Yolande Giering will be skating with the international company when it opens its South African tour with a performance at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg from June 30 to July 9.
The show then moves to Durban’s ICC Arena from July 13 to 19, after which is will be at Grand Arena, GrandWest, in Cape Town, from July 19 to 23.
“This young and highly talented couple have known each other since they were five years old, and are excited to return to South Africa to skate in front of local audiences, as well as their family and friends for the first time,” says a show spokesman,
“Both Konrad and Yolande are proud to represent their country as part of the Disney On Ice family, and aside from the excitement of performing at home, they are pleased their fellow skaters will have the chance to experience Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town firsthand.”
Also an accomplished dancer, Yolande began skating at the age of seven, and went on to achieve her gold level test, Level 6 Skating Skills and Level 1 Coaching Test.
Becoming a skater came about by accident, after taking medical advice to correct a problem with her feet. She enjoyed it so much, she made it her career.
She encourages young skaters hoping to pursue a career in professional figure skating to follow their dreams. “It is possible and so much fun. Work hard on your performance skills, that’s most important.”
Yolande joined Disney On Ice in 2009 and has performed in the US, Canada and Asia. She says the best part of performing is seeing a full crowd enjoying a show.
As well as being an avid watersport enthusiast, Yolande does yoga every other day and also runs.
Konrad started ice skating at the age of four, and held the title of SA National Junior Champion from 2000 to 2004 and then again in 2007.
Training at the Gauteng North Club in Pretoria, he went on to represent the country at international competitions, including Four Continents and Junior Worlds.
This “rugby mad” and qualified Fine Dining Chef ,who loves a good “braai” and spending time gardening, grew up in Benoni.
Konrad explores his love of food by trying out new dishes when touring with Disney On Ice. Like Yolande, Konrad joined Disney On Ice in 2009 and he has since performed across every continent except Europe.
Along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, soon Yolande and Konrad will take to the ice with beloved characters from Disney’s Frozen, Finding Dory and Toy Story.
Plus, for the first time in South Africa, Disney’s Tangled will debut on the frozen stage.
More exciting news is the return of Simba, Timon and Pumbaa from Disney’s The Lion King.
Presented by Feld Entertainment Inc. and leading local promoter, Showtime Management in association with DStv, The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice is described as he ultimate family holiday show.
Take advantage of the special discounted savings on family tickets valid for bookings of four, five or six tickets in specific-priced ticket categories, valid for specific midweek and weekend performances.
Book at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000.
.....SoSuterBill..... 