Moose Jaw skater lands Disney on Ice contract

A Moose Jaw figure skater has achieved a career milestone by securing a contract with Disney on Ice, capping years of dedicated training and competition.

Mitike Cridland earned her spot with the touring production after years of competitive skating that included qualifying for Western Challenge competition in her final two years of eligibility.

Tessa Hill-Borgeaud is Mitike's former coach — and, years ago, she was also the first Moose Jaw skater to make the cut. She said the accomplishment represents more than talent, reflecting a dedication very few people put in.

"She's trained her whole life for this," said Hill-Borgeaud. "She probably would have had this in the back of her mind since she was a young girl."

The path to Disney on Ice required maintaining elite-level skating through the physical changes of adolescence, something Hill-Borgeaud described as particularly challenging for figure skaters.

"A lot of athletes, their bodies grow and change and it changes the technique, so it takes a lot of commitment to be able to work through those changes and continue to improve," she explained.

Mitike spent several years training at Regina's Centre of Excellence to reach the competitive level required for Disney on Ice consideration. Only the top three skaters in Saskatchewan qualify for Western Challenge each year, a milestone she achieved twice.

Hill-Borgeaud believes her former student possesses the performance qualities essential for Disney on Ice success.

"She's a fierce competitor, but she's also an amazing performer. She is full of energy and excitement and a true love and passion for the sport and it comes out," Hill-Borgeaud said. "Anyone who gets to watch can just see it."

Disney on Ice tours involve performing six to twelve shows per week while traveling across North America. Performers typically train for several days before beginning tours, then move between cities weekly while maintaining multiple character roles within productions.

The opportunity represents more than just performance experience. Hill-Borgeaud noted that Disney on Ice can lead to long-term opportunities, with former performers becoming choreographers, performance directors, and show creators.

"People make it their career," she said, citing a Canadian skater she worked with who recently created a Disney on Ice production that toured Regina.

Hill-Borgeaud's advice for Mitike reflects the significance of the achievement: "(She should) know that she made it. She earned her spot there and should believe in herself when she's out there. She has earned it and she deserves to be in the spotlight."

The contract represents the culmination of years of training, competition, and dedication for the young skater from Moose Jaw.