Oakdale Skater to Perform With Disney On Ice

Oakdale resident Steven Grant, who has been skating since he was 3 years old, will perform at eight shows of Disney On Ice’s Passport to Adventure Dec. 12-15 at the Xcel Energy Center.

Below is a profile on Grant.

Why did you start skating?

Skating has been in my blood. After learning how to do a waltz jump on a pond behind a family friend’s backyard, I couldn’t think of anything more to love then to jump on skates.

Skating achievements

National competitor for theatre on ice, gold medalist in field moves, passed up to junior freestyle, pre-silver ice dancer, six-year Midwest synchronized skater, ISI worlds competitor.

Hobbies/interests

Music, singing, songwriting, guitar, piano, theater and dance.

Role models

My parents, my great-aunt Babe, my coach.

Toughest challenge

Seeing a performance end. As a performer and someone who puts my heart and soul into my work and creative process, I hate to watch something so beautiful end.

Personal and professional goals

I would love to one day become a professional songwriter for big artists and to keep performing with Disney On Ice for as many years as I can. Being a choreographer is also something that I would love to do for one of the shows.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-performance rituals?

I like to listen to some music to pump myself up as well as some jump roping.

What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?

I like to take lots of naps and eat junk food.

What is your favorite memory on or off the ice?

Being in the pit at a Lady Gaga concert.

If you could be a professional athlete in any other sport, what would it be and why?

Hockey because of my family history and to show all the other hockey players how to stay on an edge.

What is your most prized possession?

One of my most prized possessions is my guitar. I play my guitar for two hours a day at least. I can never put it down once I start.

What does the future hold for you?

To always be a performer with music or figure skating.

Is there a particular cause that you support? Why?

One in particular is bullying. I have dealt with bullying in the past with being a male figure skater, and I know what it is like to be an outcast. It’s never easy growing up in a state where it is all about hockey. In a way it has made me stronger as a person and a skater.

What do you enjoy about performing?

Something that I love about performing is showing my personality and confidence. I love to hear the applause at the end of performances as well.

How would you describe your skating style?

Free flowing and effortless.

What advice would you give to kids who have a dream of doing something like skating?

To always have faith and to never let anyone destroy what you truly believe you are destined to do.

If you weren’t performing, what might you be doing for a living?

Community theater, producing music and being a figure-skating coach.