In honor of National Siblings Day, we’re highlighting the special bond shared by sibling skaters across our tours. Families who grew up on the ice together and now get to share the spotlight in the most unforgettable ways.
Abby & Matthew Samuels
“We’ve been sharing the ice, and life, side by side since we were kids. Back home in South Africa, we started skating when we were just 4 and 6 years old. Today, we’re both performers for GIỚI THIỆU VỀ DISNEY ON ICE!”
It was a journey that began when Matthew joined and encouraged Abby to follow, even helping put the application together.
“Whenever we end up on the same tour, we get the chance to perform together, and it instantly feels like home no matter where we are in the world. One of our most special memories was this past Christmas, when we landed on the same tour and our mom flew in to watch us skate together at GIỚI THIỆU VỀ DISNEY ON ICE for the very first time.”
Sarah, Ryan & Jessie Santee
“Ice skating has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember, something we all stepped into as soon as we could walk. Growing up training side by side at our local rink shaped so many of our core memories, and getting the chance to carry that shared passion into adulthood has been incredibly special. Touring together with GIỚI THIỆU VỀ DISNEY ON ICE felt like everything coming full circle: doing what we love, together, in front of audiences around the world and always having a piece of home with us no matter where we were. From joining the show at different times to finally skating in the same production in 2020/2021, every moment has meant something.”
“One of our favorite memories will always be the night our parents watched all three of us perform in the same show, a full‑circle moment for them too, after sharing their own stories of touring with. Skating and working together isn’t just a job for us; it’s a lifelong bond that started on the ice and continues to grow with every mile, every show and every memory we make together.”
Laura & Paul Balanean
“Growing up, our parents always reminded us that ‘siblings share the same blood, which means they’re the most important person by your side.’ Now that we’re older, we fully embrace and understand this. We feel incredibly lucky to be touring the world together and working for the same company. It has brought us some of the best memories to share with loved ones later in life.”
Laura first joined GIỚI THIỆU VỀ DISNEY ON ICE in 2019 and, in 2022, Paul joined her tour in France.
“It took a little time before we reunited on the same tour again, but when it finally happened in Japan in 2024, it was the best time ever! Now we’re traveling across Europe together, including a stop in our home country, Belgium, which was a dream come true!”
For Laura, having her big brother by her side while exploring the world makes it feel a little more like home. Paul works with Feld Consumer Products as a Distribution Clerk and Laura as a skater.
“Even with different roles and schedules, we manage to spend so much time together regardless. Some of our favorite memories include spontaneous hikes and visiting Disney Parks around the world together. Touring side by side has made this adventure even more meaningful, and we’re grateful every day for it.”
