Disney On Ice audiences were left horrified after a seemingly routine performance of The Little Mermaid took a frightening turn when a dangerous ‘headbanger’ skating stunt went badly wrong.
Footage shows the moment two performers playing Ariel and Prince Eric lost control during a high-risk manoeuvre, sending them crashing onto the ice in front of a stunned crowd.
The incident happened during a show at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on Sunday, October 25, with the clip subsequently attracting millions of views online.
The pair had been performing to the iconic song ‘Part of Your World‘ when they attempted a move known as the ‘headbanger’.
It involves one skater holding their partner by the ankle and swinging them around in a series of spins, with the woman’s head passing extremely close to the ice.
But something appeared to go wrong halfway through the stunt, and both performers came tumbling down.
What is the ‘headbanger’ skating move?
The manoeuvre attempted by the Disney performers is often referred to as a ‘headbanger’ because of how close the lifted skater’s head comes to the ice.
It involves one performer gripping their partner, usually by the ankle, and repeatedly swinging them around while they are suspended above the rink.
The person being lifted is raised and lowered during the spin, making the move particularly dependent on the strength, timing and coordination of both skaters.
A small mistake can have serious consequences, as the person being spun relies on their partner maintaining control throughout the manoeuvre.
The stunt is prohibited in competitive figure skating because of the safety risks involved, although it can still be performed in entertainment shows and exhibitions.
Former Dancing On Ice contestant Michelle Heaton previously discussed the move, explaining that it requires considerable preparation and that physical differences between partners can affect whether it is safe to attempt.
Speaking to Virgin Radio in 2023, the Liberty X singer said she would not have been allowed to perform it if she were taller.
She explained: “So when people don’t do it, it’s not that they don’t want to, it’s a height thing and it’s safety.”
The comments highlighted how much planning goes into a stunt that can look effortless when performed successfully.
Disney On Ice has experienced another serious accident
The latest incident has also brought attention back to another frightening accident involving a Disney On Ice performer.
In February 2024, skater Anastasia Olson was seriously injured after falling during a lift while portraying Belle in a Beauty and the Beast routine.
The accident happened during an 11am performance at the Target Center in Minneapolis on February 10.
An audience member told local news outlet KARE 11 that the incident occurred around 40 minutes into the show.
Beka said: “They were doing a lift, it appeared shaky and she fell.”
Olson was taken to hospital, where Hennepin County Medical Center confirmed she was in a serious condition.
The show continued after she received medical attention, although the incident was understandably distressing for those who had witnessed it.
There was eventually some positive news about her recovery.
By February 14, Olson’s condition had improved, and she later shared photographs of herself performing as Belle while thanking people for their support.
She wrote: “I’m overwhelmed with emotions and love from everyone over the last week.”
She also reassured concerned parents in replies to her post, telling them: “Belle is ok and recovering.”
Olson eventually returned to performing the character on a Disney On Ice tour in October 2025.
While the latest San Jose accident ended without injuries to either performer, the footage has offered a startling reminder of the risks involved in some of the most spectacular routines performed on the ice.
Viewers react to frightening Disney skating accident
People watching the clip were quick to express their concern about the impact of the fall, with several questioning just how close the performer had come to seriously injuring herself.
One viewer wrote: “That actually looked BAD.”
Another commented: “Oh my gosh, she could’ve died.”
A third said: “He almost bashed her head on the ice omg,” prompting someone else to respond: “He did.”
Other viewers questioned why such a risky manoeuvre needed to be included in a family entertainment show.
Some also pointed out that the fact the performers managed to get back up and leave the rink did not necessarily mean they had escaped injury.
However, the company responsible for the production later provided an update on their condition.
Feld Entertainment, which produces Disney On Ice, told LADbible that both performers were uninjured and were able to return to the ice for further shows.
In a statement to Tyla, the company said: “We appreciate your concern for the Disney On Ice skaters who fell during an October 25 performance in San Jose, CA.”
It continued: “Thankfully, both skaters were uninjured and continued performing as scheduled.”
Viewers react to frightening Disney skating accident
People watching the clip were quick to express their concern about the impact of the fall, with several questioning just how close the performer had come to seriously injuring herself.
One viewer wrote: “That actually looked BAD.”
Another commented: “Oh my gosh, she could’ve died.”
A third said: “He almost bashed her head on the ice omg,” prompting someone else to respond: “He did.”
Other viewers questioned why such a risky manoeuvre needed to be included in a family entertainment show.
Some also pointed out that the fact the performers managed to get back up and leave the rink did not necessarily mean they had escaped injury.
However, the company responsible for the production later provided an update on their condition.
Feld Entertainment, which produces Disney On Ice, told LADbible that both performers were uninjured and were able to return to the ice for further shows.
In a statement to Tyla, the company said: “We appreciate your concern for the Disney On Ice skaters who fell during an October 25 performance in San Jose, CA.”
It continued: “Thankfully, both skaters were uninjured and continued performing as scheduled.”
