One skate closer to their dreams

IT'S a dream come true for two south-west figure skaters who have been selected to perform in Brisbane's upcoming Disney on Ice spectacular.

Grace Caley, 10, and Isabelle McKewen, 13, were treated to a visit from two of Disney's top international skaters last Tuesday for some last minute mentoring before the June 28 opening performance.

The pair missed out on churning up the ice with their idols Ashley Mandapat and Jenna Leffert, who are visiting from America, while Iceworld at Acacia Ridge underwent refurbishment.

However, the olympic rink will have the best ice in Australia when it re-opens in coming weeks, according to Iceworld Figure Skating Club president Sheryl McKewen.

"It is a great opportunity for the girls," Ms McKewen said.

"Only 18 Queenslanders were selected to skate for Disney on Ice in front of 5000 people.

"It's a great achievement."

No ice has meant hard work outside of the rink for Grace and Isabelle in preparation for their appearance in the Princess and the Frog pre-show.

The pair's choreographer Tina Wang said the visit by the Disney skaters was uplifting for the team.

"They're really good mentors for the young girls," she said.

"It's almost like they are reliving their childhood dreams."

Ms Leffert said her visit to Australia gave herself and Ashley a chance to not only promote the Let's Celebrate show, but also to meet the young Brisbane crew and make them feel comfortable about performing to a stage audience.

Grace, who aspires to be in the Olympics, said it was "unimaginable" to meet the professional skaters from Disney on Ice.

Disney on Ice's Let's Celebrate will be held at Brisbane Entertainment Centre from June 28 to July 1.