Kensington skater joining Disney on Ice

KENSINGTON - A dream is about to come true for a 19-year-old figure skater from Kensington.
Rachel Macaulay flew out of Halifax early this morning to join the Disney on Ice Finding Nemo ice show tour in Syracuse, N.Y. Feld Entertainment, in agreement with the Walt Disney Company, produces the touring ice show, which continues until the end of May.
"I'm kind of nervous and excited at the same time," said Macaulay, a graduate of Kensington Intermediate-Senior High School who has studied arts at UPEI the last year and a half.
"It's going to be a good experience, that's for sure."
Macaulay is scheduled to participate in her first practice today at 4 p.m. Her first performance with the ice show will likely happen in Syracuse on Thursday.
"There's going to be a lot of hard work and a lot of hours on the ice," said Macaulay, who is looking to gain two things from her experience.
"I have never really been out of Canada other than once, and I hope to gain some knowledge in that (travelling)," she said. "And I hope to become a better performer."
Macaulay was inspired to join Disney on Ice after her teammate with the UPEI figure skating team, Chelsey Moore of Winsloe, experienced the tour a few years ago.
"Right then and there I knew I wanted to do it, too," said Macaulay.
Has Moore offered any advice?
"She actually told me to act goofy because they like that, and to work hard," answered Macaulay, who will not know what role she will play until she joins the tour.
To apply for Disney on Ice, Macaulay had to submit a skating tape and the selection process also included other activities skaters are involved with, noted her father, Brendan. News of Macaulay's acceptance to the tour came via email.
"I kind of freaked out to Mom (Betty) and Dad wasn't home at the time," said Macaulay. "Then I called him and we kind of all freaked out together. It was unexpected."
Macaulay praised her parents and Cindy Stavert, who has coached her for 13 years, as influencing her skating career.
"She (Stavert) began the whole thing," said Macaulay following Monday night's on-ice session with the Kensington Area Figure Skating Club. "She came with me to all the competitions and supported me. She always knew what I needed."
Quick Facts

A look at Rachel Macaulay:
- Has skated with the Kensington Area Figure Skating Club for 13 years, starting when she was six.
- Daughter of Brendan and Betty Macaulay of Kensington.
- Completed her Diamond Dance in 2007. This is a rare accomplishment.
- A junior competitive freestyle-level skater.
- Has also achieved her Gold Skills and Gold Interpretive.
- Has attended the renowned Mariposa Skating Club in Barrie, Ont.