It all started with a mouse. But during the years, others have joined the Disney club: a duck, a lion, a wooden boy and a princess or two — just to name a few.

And these days most of them skate.

“Disney on Ice: Celebrating 100 Years of Magic” brings spins and double axels, Cinderella and the Incredibles, 18 stories and 65 beloved characters to the World Arena on Thursday — all choreographed to Academy Award-winning songs such as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

So how does it feel to be a part of the magic? Colorado native Whitney Thomas, 20, talks about life in the ensemble, the disconnect between competition and performing, and coming home to perform.

The Gazette:Can you tell us about your favorite number?Whitney Thomas:One of my favorites is the “Small World” production. Every skater represents a different country and I represent England. Another one really I like is the Mickey Mouse production. It’s Mickey Mouse’s marching band. We all come out in marching band costumes and the audience gets really excited. It’s a really high-energy number. Everybody gets on their feet and sings with us.Gazette: You started training at age 6. Was it pretty rigorous for you?Thomas: No. At first it was just for fun. I wasn’t really doing any other activities at the time, so my grandma enrolled me in learn-to-skate classes with my brother and it just stuck with me. A couple of months after that we started taking private lessons. As soon as I started taking private lessons, I knew that was what I wanted to do, and that I wanted to compete.Gazette: So, as an athlete, you’re probably pretty competitive. What was it like to transition from competitive skating to “Disney on Ice”?Thomas:The competitive lifestyle is a lot different than the show lifestyle and performing. I have to keep in mind that I am performing in front of thousands of people and we’re not competing. So it’s not just about your one skate and performance. (And) you have many performances with different people, so it keeps it exciting. You’re also very good friends with your co-workers, the other skaters, and it’s really easy to have fun. It’s not as demanding. It’s live entertainment, so it’s OK if something happens. We don’t make many mistakes, but if we do, it’s not the end of the world.Gazette: Do you still get nervous before each number?Thomas: A little bit, yes, because I was always used to being judged if you trip or you fall. I was … reminded, though, (in) the first year that the audience doesn’t know when you mess up. Only you know. And mistakes are going to happen, not very often, but sometimes they just do. But you can’t let that affect your performance. The audience is there to take in the whole show. They’re not just paying attention to your performance and it always makes me happy, like I’ve done a good job, when I see them happy.Gazette: As a Colorado native, you’re no stranger to snow and ice. Do you enjoy other winter sports?Thomas: I actually only did ice skating. I’ve never been skiing. I know that’s a huge shocker to everyone, because I’m from Colorado and everybody skis, but I’ve only done ice skating. And I’ve never really wanted to try a bunch of others because I just love skating.When I was little I wanted to do gymnastics because it’s similar, but skating is a very demanding sport. It’s something that you’re required to take very seriously, so there was never enough time. I think I chose right. I’m glad I did.Gazette: Since the tour is now on your home turf, will you have family rooting you on at the show?Thomas: Definitely. My parents will be in the audience.

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