Prince Eric

Prince Eric is the human prince who Ariel rescues from a shipwreck and falls in love with. He is kind, adventurous, and slightly oblivious to the magical chaos happening around him. He spends most of the story trying to find the girl who saved him, not realising she is standing right in front of him without her voice.

Personality for Dance

Eric moves with easy, open confidence. He is a sailor, comfortable in his body and in the world. His movement is grounded and genuine, no pretence, no performance. He reaches out to people naturally, extends a hand, opens a door, offers his arm. When Ariel is near, he becomes attentive and curious, leaning in to understand a girl who communicates through gestures instead of words. He is patient where most people would be frustrated.

The Outfit

Top

A white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow for casual scenes. A blue or navy tailored jacket for formal scenes. The white shirt is essential and should be loose enough to suggest a sea breeze. For the shipwreck sequence, the shirt can be torn or soaked-looking.

Bottom

Dark navy or black fitted trousers. Clean lines, nothing flashy. Eric dresses simply for a prince. Tall boots can be tucked over the trouser legs for the nautical look.

Accessories

A red sash or cummerbund at the waist is his most recognisable detail. A simple gold or brass buckle. Keep accessories minimal because Eric is understated. A small pendant or compass on a chain adds a nice detail.

Shoes

Tall black or brown boots for nautical scenes. Black character shoes for the ballroom sequence. The boots should allow for movement and partner work.

Hair

Dark hair, slightly windswept and natural. Not overly styled. Eric looks like he has been on a boat, and his hair shows it. Think tousled and effortless.

Special Details

The shipwreck scene is Eric's dramatic introduction. Consider water effects, blue lighting, and fabric waves. For Kiss the Girl, the boat can be a simple flat or platform with two chairs. The romance of that scene comes from the acting and stillness, not the set.

Movement Tips

Eric is the stillest character on stage during Kiss the Girl. He leans forward slightly, caught between wanting to kiss her and not wanting to push. Let the tension build through tiny movements.
With Ariel, he adjusts to her communication style. He watches her gestures carefully, mimics them, and slowly learns her language. The partner work should show this evolution.
In nautical scenes, his movement should feel at home. Wide stance for balance, comfortable with the rocking motion, hands that know their way around ropes and sails.
The ballroom sequence needs smooth, confident partnering. Eric leads clearly but gently. He gives Ariel space to discover dancing on legs for the first time and catches her when she wobbles.
His fighting scenes should be straightforward and brave. Eric does not use tricks. He faces danger head-on with simple, direct action.

Age Recommendations

Best for ages 12-17. Eric needs a confident, grounded dancer comfortable with partner work and ballroom-style choreography. The role demands less technical flash than other characters but requires genuine warmth and presence. Cast someone who looks comfortable being kind on stage. Strong partnering skills are more important than solo technique.