What’s it like to be in ‘Frozen’ ice skating show?

If any kid flick came custom made for an ice skating show, it would be Disney’s infinitely popular animated feature “Frozen.” And Tila Tilley, a performer with “Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen,’” chuckles at the irony.

Tilley, who’s been lacing her skates for 13 years performing in “Disney on Ice” shows, has never seen anything quite like the “Frozen” phenomenon. The Academy Award-winning film, which grossed more than $1 billion at the box office worldwide, continues melting the hearts of fans.

Tilley witnesses this appeal firsthand from the ice skating rink, performing as an ensemble member of the “Frozen” ice skating show cast. The show will be at Infinite Energy Center in Duluth April 20-24. When she’s not slicing the ice as a citizen of Arendelle, Tilley slips into a bumblebee costume and skates alongside Olaf the snowman as he croons “In Summer.”

“It’s the story of sisterly love,” Tilley said. “It’s not just about getting your handsome prince at the end. It’s about family, perseverance and getting through difficulties no matter what.”

Perseverance has played a big part in Tilley’s life as a professional ice skater. Having first hit the ice at age 5, the Canada native set her sights on a skating career. Today she spends as long as 14 months on the road with “Disney on Ice,” a job requiring discipline, physical stamina and passion for her craft.

Tilley recently slipped off her skates long enough to chat about life touring with “Disney on Ice,” strengthening a marriage on the road, and the responsibility of rubbing elbows with Mickey.

On what she likes most about her job:

“Obviously, my favorite part is the performing, getting out there on the ice and seeing the children’s faces. It’s great seeing them dressed up as ‘Frozen’ characters and watching their faces light up when you get out there. It really gets you going. And the traveling is pretty amazing. I really can’t complain about traveling the world doing what I love to do. It’s been quite the whirlwind. I’ve been to Spain, Portugal, Asia and all over the U.K. It’s pretty incredible.”

On being married and being on the road:

“My husband was a ‘Disney on Ice’ performer for nine years, and then he transferred over to crew and became production stage manager. I never could have imagined I would have married my husband on the ice show, but we’ve been married for five years. I think being married while working on the road together strengthens our marriage, because we understand what each other is going through day in and day out.”

On life as a professional skater:

“Most of us start skating at a very young age, when we’re 2, 3, 4 and 5 years old. We grow up competing and get used to all of the pressures. Although the ice show is still serious, there’s a little bit of a lightness to it, more so than when you’re competing. There’s just something incredible about being able to perform for the children who want to be you someday. We have rehearsals and character development coaches who come out, so we always have the chance to be more than we can be. There are always resources out there to help us out. We have amazing people who come out and help us. The choreographers are great. So we definitely have the tools.”

On her love for her craft:

“It is something that I constantly love, but we all wake up some days and think, ‘It would be great just to chill out today.’ But when you get to the rink and put those beautiful costumes on, that feeling goes away. You step on the ice and say to yourself, ‘What was I thinking? I’m doing what I love.’ And people are loving it too. That’s all that matters.”

On her responsibility representing the Disney brand:

"I take such pride in it. Everyone loves Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. We have them in our 'Frozen' show. Just to be able to skate with them on the ice is pretty fantastic. I first went to Disneyland when I was 5, not knowing that one day I would get to perform in 'Disney on Ice.' It's phenomenal. I sit back and realize I really have a great thing going on here."