San Diego Skater Shines Bright In Disney On Ice: 'Magic In The Stars'

SAN DIEGO, CA — A local skater will prove dreams do come true when Disney On Ice skates back into San Diego this weekend.

Azul Diaz, a 19-year-old skater from Chula Vista, is ready to shine bright in Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars. The all-new production is slated Thursday through Sunday at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

"San Diego fans should come out to see the show because they shouldn't miss out on one of the most magical performances in Pechanga Arena," Diaz told Patch. "This is also the first time Magic in the Stars is performing in San Diego, and why not see a show that focuses on wishing upon stars, with a performer from San Diego who once wished that she'd be performing in Pechanga Arena for all of you to see?"

Diaz started skating when she was just 9 years old. She trained at the ice rink at Westfield UTC.

This is her second year touring with Disney On Ice. She received a contract to begin rehearsals for Magic in the Stars on her 18th birthday.

"I enjoy traveling and seeing all of these fantastic places that I never thought I'd be able to see in such little time," she said. "But what brings me the most joy is seeing a kid's face light up in the audience when they see me, just like how mine lit up when I saw the skaters back when I was once in the audience and not on the ice.

"This show is special because the message we want to apply to everyone watching is to keep wishing because, eventually, they can come true, just like how they do in your favorite Disney movies."

Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars brings the brightest Disney stars to life through skating, acrobatics and stunts, as well as costumes, lighting, set designs and special effects.

Audience members will go on a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy through timeless tales and today's favorites. The show will feature beloved characters from "Wish," "Raya and the Last Dragon,"Frozen," "The Princess and the Frog," and other Disney films.

Diaz is part of the ensemble, so she performs in different parts of the show, including in the "Aladdin," "Encanto," "Frozen 2" and "Moana" segments. She often serves as understudy Mirabel and Isabella in the "Encanto" part of the show.

Diaz said her whole family will be attending the show, along with childhood friends, coaches and teachers from both the middle and high schools she attended, Chula Vista Middle School and Chula Vista High School.

"It means everything to me that I can perform for my hometown," Diaz said.

"San Diego is a big part of who I am and always will be," she added. "I grew up watching concerts, events, and most importantly, every single Disney on Ice show in Pechanga Arena, and to be performing in it now is still so surreal; I get chills just thinking about it."

Shows for Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars are scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday at Pechanga Arena at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego.

"I just want all San Diego fans to know I am so happy to perform for you all," Diaz said. "As a San Diego fan myself, this is not a show you'd want to miss. So many tricks, characters, stories and moments can bring us all together to celebrate the magic in the stars."

Tickets can be purchased online at AXS.com or in-person at the venue box office.