Cinderella skating into Albany

PHOTOGRAPHER: Disney

Lauren Andeerson, as Cinderella, ice dances with Jean-Simon Legare.

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Lauren Anderson dares to dream — about Cinderella.

“Dancing as Cinderella is really a dream come true,” said Anderson, who will be dancing in skates when “Disney on Ice Presents Dare to Dream” begins a four-day, five-show engagement at the Times Union Center tonight. “I love being able to portray such an iconic and lovely character.”

Anderson, 28, a Minnesota native who has been skating for the last 21 years, knows all about the woman who made mouse bodyguards, pumpkin coachmen and lost slippers fashionable.

“She has such a presence on the ice and in the story,” she said. “And I think what I find most inspiring about Cinderella is she has such a persistent ability to hope for the best. She sees the good in others and she never gives up hope, even when her situation is not the best.”

A bunch of other ice princesses are in the show, which plays tonight at 7:30. Other dates are Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” open the show. Snow White, with her entourage of dwarves and an evil queen, are up next. Cinderella and Price Charming skate during the third segment and Rapunzel and company close the show — along with a finale that brings all the principals back for farewells. The Disney “A” team of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck are also up and at ’em for kids and adults.

Anderson loves her wardrobe, which includes Cindy’s early rag dress and later the elegant blue dress she wears to the big dance. The mice are real pals — they make their favorite princess a pink dress.

The Cinderella that people will see at the Times Union Center will be the Cinderella they have met in story books and on movie screens for decades. Anderson does not put any of her own personality into the role.

“I try really hard to portray the role exactly how it is displayed in the book and the movies,” she said in a telephone interview from Pittsburgh, where the show played last week. “I really want to bring the role of Cinderella to life.”

Bringing the role to life is easier with a lively partner. Anderson and her Prince Charming, Jean-Simon Légaré of Quebec City, are good friends.

Energy on ice

“Prince Charming is a very confident character and it’s really nice to bring that power to the ice and to my skating as well,” said Légaré, 27. “It’s been a great challenge, but it’s been wonderful to bring that energy to the character.”

With Légaré in the blades, Prince Charming is confident, romantic and athletic.

“I think the beauty of skating is I can bring the athleticism and grace together,” Légaré said. “It’s quite an interesting process for both of us, but it’s something we truly enjoy every day.”

Anderson hopes people in the seats will share the same excitement experienced by the people in the skates.

“I hope they get a sense of adventure,” she said. “The show has beautiful skating. We have world-class skaters from around the world. It’s a very inspiring show, it’s a lovely break from day-to-day life.”

Anderson loves Cinderella every day.

“My favorite part is entering the ball and seeing the prince for the first time,” she said. “I love going to work every day and being able to play this role.”

Reach Gazette reporter Jeff Wilkin at 395-3124 or at [email protected] or @jeffwilkin1 on Twitter.