A Disney on Ice performer who grew up in Steinbach is trying to bring the love of figure skating back to her community.

Andrea Wolgemuth says her love of the sport was born when she was a young girl taking part in the southeast’s CanSkate program. From there, she launched into a career of national competitions and eventually professional performance with Disney.

“It was an amazing experience, that I will never forget,” offers Wolgemuth, “Traveling to over 60 countries, performing for thousands of people, portraying many different roles, there were tricks and spins and lights and fun music and I am really excited to bring my experience back to the community.”

In the past, Andrea Wolgemuth says Steinbach has been known for producing strong figure skaters, but she feels that reputation has faltered in recent years.

“Steinbach is a well-known hub for producing Disney on Ice Skaters,” states Wolgemuth who says three or four stars have come from the region in the not too distant past, “so it’s interesting that the skating program has died because we used to be a hot spot.”

Having retired from her role in show business, Wolgemuth says she has returned home in hopes to reignite the programs that first sparked her passion many years ago

Beginning September 10th, Wolgemuth plans on teaching StarSkate and Intro to StarSkate figure skating lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the T.G. Smith Arena for anyone who wants to come learn.

"This is my hometown rink," she says, "and I am very excited to be back."