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‘A Dream And A Drive’

Lakewood Native Skates For Disney On Ice

Being a part of the ensemble, Morgan Johnson plays the part of several characters throughout the show. Submitted photo

Dreams are not the result of an overnight formula. They take time and determination. Jamestown area native, Morgan Johnson knows this first-hand. A childhood hobby now has her touring the country with Disney on Ice.

The Southwestern graduate has been ice skating with the Jamestown Skating Club since she was 4 years old. Life on the ice has been a part of her for quite a while.

“I have been competing my whole life,” she said. “My coaches were big into shows as well, so being out there, in front of so many people, is not new.”

A student of Kirk Wyse and Lenel van den Berg, Johnson found her path to her first big show by sending in an audition tape and was subsequently called for a live skate audition in Buffalo, and landed the part of an ensemble skater.

“I was so excited and began crying because I was so happy to make it onto the cast,” she said.

Morgan Johnson

Being a part of the ensemble, Johnson plays the part of several characters throughout the show. That means a crazy schedule of wardrobe changes and quick changes throughout the night. It’s tough but she seems to thrive on the busyness and challenge.

Not just a professional skater, Johnson is also a college student. Taking classes in mathematics and communication from the University at Buffalo, she said she has had to find a delicate balance.

“I loved my college experience on campus,” she said. “Now, I take online classes. We have shows from Thursday to Sunday. That leaves the rest of the week for my studies. The balance is challenging, but I am loving it all.”

Life on the road is right where Morgan wants to be, she said.

“I love it. I love the travel and getting to see so many places. Life on tour is different than normal life so it has been quite an adjustment. I love touring the country doing what I love,” she said. “I want to try to grow and maybe find my way onto the international show.”

Life on the road is not without its challenges, Morgan said.

“The biggest challenge has been trying to figure out how to live out of two suitcases,” she laughed. “I mean, I like to shop. Seriously, it is hard to be away from home but I love the new experiences.”

Those experiences are what helps to keep Morgan relaxed and to recharge. The troupe of skaters on the road are a big family, making for some fun times, she said.

“I love to watch movies,” she said. Sometimes all 35 of us in the cast will go out and have a night on the city where we are, or just grab dinner. Sometimes I like to just go to the gym to help keep in shape.”

Being from what she calls a small town, Morgan said she knew the road to success would not be an easy one. She had some words for those that come from a similar place.

“If you have a dream, go for it,” she said. “I have a passion for skating. Being from a small town, you can do it. You can achieve those goals. All you need is a dream and a drive. You can do it.”

As for the future, Morgan said she wasn’t sure.

“I have no idea what the future holds. It’s nice to see where life takes me,” she said. “I want to make a difference in the world and make it better place.”

Morgan Johnson can be seen on the ice of the Key Bank Center, in Buffalo, as a green army man, a butterfly, a fish, even costumed as a town person, from Jan. 24-27 for seven performances.

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