12/18/2014
Lowell Sun
By Melissa Almonor
BOSTON -- UMass Lowell graduate, Burlington native and Disney on Ice skater Jessica Caprio is more than excited to be coming home. "Except for the fact I am playing in Boston, we don't go home," she says riding the bus on her way to practice in Moline, Ill.
Disney on Ice presents the Worlds of Fantasy show at the Boston's Agganis arena Dec. 19-29. The show will focus on Disney favorites such as "The Little Mermaid," "Cars," "Tinker Bell," and "Toys Story 3." Caprio's personal favorite is "The Little Mermaid" number -- she calls it a "classic." She also highlights the special technology in place for the "Cars" routine including snow tires. " 'Cars' really comes to life," said Caprio.
Caprio has been skating with Disney for four years with her main role as an ensemble skater though she says skaters "come prepared" to play multiple roles. She is also an understudy for a fairy in the "Tinker Bell" production.
The 26-year-old began skating at the age of 7 through her own free will. Her brother played hockey at the Burlington Hockey and Skating Association where she saw figure skaters and told her parents, "I want to do that."
Her current job has allowed Caprio to travel all over the world including Italy, Poland, South Africa and Ireland, which holds a special place in her heart. But before Caprio was traveling the world with her Disney family, she was a typical busy college student at UMass Lowell. She graduated in 2010, double-majoring in management and marketing -- a focus far from ice skating. She continued to coach skating throughout her college years and was president of the university's dance team.
She recalls her time on campus, her freshman year, and her off-campus apartment as unforgettable. "I loved it, it was so much fun."
Caprio was a dedicated River Hawks hockey fan, saying, while a student, "I've been to almost every hockey game." She also said she would jump at the chance to bring Disney on Ice to the Tsongas Arena. "The opportunity would be amazing," said Caprio.
So how did she get this dream job? Caprio actually sent in an audition tape to Disney prior to attending the university. She pursued her college degree while continuing to skate in productions when a producer made the connection between Disney on Ice and Caprio. She's been skating professionally ever since.
The skater has been on the road since September and won't be back home until her last show in May. Though her busy schedule doesn't allow Caprio much time at home, she remains close to her family who make a trip to watch her once a year. Last year her family traveled all the way to Europe to watch her perform.
This December will mark the first time Disney's Worlds of Fantasy show has been to Boston, much closer to her hometown.
To be a professional ice skater is a dream come true, yet this local girl has future visions of public-relations work.
"I'd like to use my degree" and have "that corporate job," she says. But for now, the life of the skater is pretty sweet. "I learned to appreciate things I never had before," said Caprio.
Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy runs Dec. 19-29 at Boston's Agganis Arena, 952 Commonwealth Ave. at Boston Univeristy. Tickets are $15-$95 with free admission for children under 2. For more information, visit www.agganisarena.com.
Upcoming ice shows...
Disney on Ice Princesses & Heroes, Dec. 26-29, Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence, R.I.
Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy, Jan. 21-25, Verizion Wireless Arena, Manchester, N.H.
- Disney on Ice Frozen, TD Garden, Boston, Feb. 13-22