In the world of Disney on Ice, Alexander Allen is the guy who never shuts up.
That’s part of his charm as host of “Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party,” which runs through Sunday at NRG Stadium. It guides the audience through Mickey Mouse’s journey as he embarks on a quest to find Tinker Bell after he is kidnapped by Captain Hook.
For Allen, it’s a role that encapsulates the things he loves like the artistry of an on-ice performance and the dazzle of a Broadway show.
“I lead with my personality, my vibe and my urban flair. That’s how I want to feel on the ice,” said the Maryland native who joined Feld Entertainment, which produces the ice show, in 2007.
Allen, 34, discovered figure skating at age 11 at a friend’s birthday party and soon began lessons at an ice rink near his home in Alexandria, Virginia. He skated competitively and performed in Disney-themed shows in costumes made by the skaters’ parents.
He was also guided by his mother’s prayer, “Lord, let my baby see the world.
Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party
Or: NRG Stadium, NRG Promenade
When: April 14-17
Details: Tickets starting at $25; ticketmaster.com
Now Allen performs in Disney shows in which costumes are made by seasonal designers that cost thousands of dollars, and skating has taken him around the world. He has been on four world tours with Disney on Ice and was a skating soloist for Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas.
“My mom and my family are the backbone of what I’ve done,” he said. “I’m grateful to be able to bring them to see the show. I can’t buy them from them yet, but they don’t have to pay for the tickets.
As much as being a professional skater was his destiny, it is also a responsibility.
“I don’t perform for myself. I know there are other little chocolate kids who could use some form of affirmation that they can do it. Representation is hugely important,” said Allen, who often wears hairstyles of cultural representatives like cornrows with a bun or a curly mohawk.
Of the 291 skaters on all Disney on Ice tours, there are currently 17 African American skaters. Sport lacks representation. According to US Figure Skating, only 2% of competitive skaters are black, 3% are Latino, and 1% are Native American.
Allen wants to inspire more skaters of color.
“When you see someone who looks like us, there’s a sense of pride. I have to be on point because they see me as an inspiration.
Just before stepping onto the ice, Allen says a quick prayer, that he will always do better than his last performance.
“I believe your gift will make room for you and everything will fall into place. I continue to chisel my gift.
