Janelle Cogley, 26, is a master of disguise. She works nine months out of the year traveling across the world--from the U.S. to El Salvador, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Venezuela, Singapore, Australia, you name it--dressed sometimes as a pirate, other times as a sea creature or a genetically modified critter. The entire time, she is on ice skates and accompanied by such VIPs as Arielle, Peter Pan, Simba, and Mr. and Ms. Mouse.
Cogley is a performer in the ensemble theater for Disney on Ice: Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey, the international show that is headed to Louisville's KFC Yum! Center September 14-18. The show opens in Chicago and has several U.S. stops, then tours the globe spreading the magic of Disney.
"The best part about this job is the traveling. I've seen the whole world--Asia, South America, Canada, and all over the states. We travel like a big family by busses or planes 8-9 months a year. I love seeing people's faces and bringing joy while performing. I've skated my whole life and love performing," Cogley said about her career with Disney on Ice. "Not everyone can say they get dressed up like a different character in full costume and travel the globe for a living--it's always interesting."
Skating for Disney on Ice is a family affair as Cogley's two brothers before her also worked for the show. The family grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania where ice skating is fairly common and she began ice skating at the age of 7. Cogley has received a Senior Gold in Freestyle and Moves and has worked for the show since 2004 playing such roles as Arielle's sister in The Little Mermaid, a pirate in Peter Pan, and an animonster in Lilo and Stich.
