LOVE IN THE AIR: ADRIENE AND WILL OTT DEFY GRAVITY WITH A BREATH-TAKING “KISS THE GIRL” ADAGIO PERFORMANCE FOR DISNEY ON ICE
When it comes to translating the animated magic of the 1980s Disney Renaissance onto a freezing ice surface, ordinary skating simply will not suffice. For audiences attending the global tour of Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, the classic romance of The Little Mermaid has been elevated to extraordinary, gravity-defying heights—quite literally.
Stepping into the iconic roles of Ariel and Prince Eric, legendary husband-and-wife skating duo Adriene and William Ott have captured the internet’s heart with their sensational, heart-stopping adagio pairs performance to the Oscar-nominated melody “Kiss the Girl.”
Far more than a simple tribute, their routine combines elite, high-speed figure skating with the dangerous, physically demanding discipline of aerial straps, creating an unforgettable spectacle that has become a viral sensation.
A Masterclass in Adagio Artistry and Aerial Risk
In the world of figure skating, adagio pairing is renowned as one of the most hazardous and theatrical disciplines. It requires the male skater to execute massive, single-handed overhead lifts, throws, and complex carries while traveling at maximum speed across the ice. The Otts, however, take this technical baseline and boldly push it into the air.
As the steel drum rhythms of the Alan Menken track fill the arena, Will and Adriene capture the nervous, tender tension of Ariel and Eric’s famous lagoon boat ride. The performance shifts seamlessly from intimate, classical footwork on the ice to a breathtaking aerial showcase.
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| KISS THE GIRL PERFORMANCE MATRIX |
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| Principal Performers: | Will & Adriene Ott (Real-life Married Couple) |
| Disciplinary Style: | Adagio Pairs Figure Skating & Aerial Straps |
| Characters Portrayed: | Prince Eric & Ariel (The Little Mermaid) |
| Production Show: | Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party |
| Career Milestone: | ~3,000 Shows Performed Across 35+ Countries |
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Clinging strictly to two suspended aerial straps with zero safety harnesses, the duo lift off the ice entirely. Will acts as a human anchor, spinning multiple stories in the air while supporting Adriene as she executes seamless, flexible poses above the arena floor. The transition back down to the ice is so fluid that it mimics a wave crashing against the shore, leaving audiences completely spellbound.
3,000 Shows and a Triumphant Real-Life Journey
The effortless synchronization and unspoken trust on display during the “Kiss the Girl” segment are born from an extraordinary professional and personal history. Will and Adriene are elite veteran performers for Disney On Ice, having brought their dazzling choreography to life in nearly 3,000 individual shows across more than 35 countries.
Yet, their flawless chemistry on the ice is mirrored by an even more profound story of resilience behind the curtain. In 2019, while touring internationally, Adriene was blindsided by a devastating Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis. Driven by her relentless passion for the sport, she incredibly continued to train and skate even while undergoing active chemotherapy treatments, eventually entering full remission.
Today, celebrating a decade of marriage, their performance as Ariel and Eric isn’t just a display of elite athleticism; it stands as a triumphant celebration of life, survival, and an unbreakable romantic bond.
“Performing the aerial straps routine as a married couple adds an entirely different layer of trust,” production insiders note. “When you are spinning twenty feet in the air with no safety net, your life is quite literally in your partner’s hands. Will and Adriene possess a rare, visceral connection that transforms a standard Disney routine into high art.”
The Verdict
For generations of Disney fans, “Kiss the Girl” has always been a sweet, grounded moment of animated romantic comedy. Through Mickey’s Search Party, Will and Adriene Ott have successfully reimagined it as a soaring, emotionally charged masterpiece of live theater.
By boldly fusing the elegance of figure skating with the raw, muscular power of circus arts, this phenomenal duo proves that even after thousands of shows worldwide, their passion for the ice—and for each other—remains entirely weightless.
