VIA Gorowsky

Disney on Ice skater Izzi Gorowsky performs a spiral on the ice

At four years old, class of 2019 Mounds View alum Izzi Gorowsky figure skated for the first time on her local lake. Since then she has dedicated her life to building on that first moment on the lake. This dedication and passion for figure skating has led her to pursue it as a career, where she is currently touring with Disney on Ice, a series of ice skating shows around the world that feature ice skaters as characters and scenes from Disney films. 

Gorowsky’s location in the Mounds View school district led to a perfect recipe for figure skating success. Because her childhood home lies near Coon Lake, Gorowsky spent numerous hours practicing and training during the winter according to an article by the Shoreview Press. During an interview done by The White Bear Press, she revealed that her parents also helped maintain an outdoor ice rink which allowed her to invest more time into her craft. She also lived very close to the White Bear Sports Center where she frequently trained and performed.  

Her time at Mounds View High School played a significant role in shaping her adulthood. Throughout her time at Mounds View, she was a part of National Honors Society as a junior and senior and took classes such as art and sport marketing, along with four years of American Sign Language classes. Gorowsky also had many teachers and staff members that made a positive impact on her in high school, which influenced her decision to pursue Disney on Ice. “Looking back, I feel very fortunate that I had teachers who valued and encouraged me to pursue this unique opportunity. I think it’s really important to keep post graduation options open and not to limit yourself to one path. I’ve been able to travel the world, go on incredible adventures, and learn so much about myself all while pursuing a childhood dream,” said Gorowsky. 

During her senior year of high school, Gorowsky created an audition reel for Disney on Ice which earned her a call back for an in-person interview and an eventual audition in front of the show’s performance director. Later, in the spring, she received a contract for Disney on Ice and began touring only two weeks after graduating. “It was a bit of a whirlwind. I’ve always been passionate about skating and performing, so I was really excited to get started on a career I’ve worked my whole life for,” said Gorowsky. 

Performing in Disney on Ice — portraying many different characters and doing stunts on ice and with aerial apparatuses — has kept Gorowsky on a tight schedule. “Our typical work week is: travel by bus or plane Sunday/Monday, Monday-Wednesday are rest days and time to explore the city we’re in, then perform shows Thursday-Sunday,” said Gorowsky. 

Gorowsky’s time on tour provides her with great satisfaction. “During my career I’ve been able to portray many iconic Disney characters. Putting on the costume is such a magical feeling, and when I look in the mirror I get to see my favorite princesses looking back at me,” said Gorowsky. 

She has also been able to traverse the world, to countries such as Australia, France, Japan and more, while forging strong relationships. “Being able to perform the show every day with my best friends never feels like work. I’ve made the most wonderful memories and have created lifelong friendships,” said Gorowsky. 

Although Gorowsky enjoys the experience of being on tour, she cites being away from family and friends as a downside. However, she has been able to visit them while performing shows in Minnesota. “I’ve gotten to perform at both the Target Center back in 2022 and at the Xcel Center recently in November. It was amazing to have my friends and family be able to come to the shows,” Gorowsky said. 

After Gorowsky’s time with Disney on Ice ends, she hopes to shift her focus to choreography. In her Disney on Ice performer profile, she explains how throughout her life, even while listening to music, she choreographed skate routines in her head, and sometimes even fell asleep doing so. She also wants to pursue physical therapy, her desired occupation after attending Loyola Marymount University, where she planned to attend prior to working with Disney on Ice. 

Though her career with Disney on Ice will not last forever, Gorowsky will always hold a special place in her heart for it. “As cheesy as it sounds, it’s honestly a dream come true. I’m a part of the opening number that starts the show,” said Gorowsky. “I feel such a rush when we enter and see the audience for the first time. I love being able to see the kids’ faces light up and feel like I’m a part of making a core memory for them.”