A troupe of 43 excited students of Ladysmith’s Rhythm Dance Academy and their sister school Nanaimo’s Tempo Dance Academy will be off to Dance the Magic at Disneyland July 8 -13.
There they will join Disney professionals, performing on the Hollywood Backlot Stage located just inside the gates of Disneyland’s California Adventure in Anaheim.
“The experience will be amazing, something that they will remember for a life time,” said studio owner and director Irene Booth. “We have prepared these students for nine months. They all had to audition for a spot on the performing team.”
After months of rehearsals and fundraising the team of dancers is ready.
“Choreographers Elise Samson and Martina Knappett are excited to see their set choreography, specific to Disney’s requirements, performed live on stage,” Booth said.
The Dancers, aged 7 to 16 years, will have an opportunity to perform together during their two set dance routines. “They are an accomplished group of kids, who dance weekly at their home studios and have come together to perform outside of their regular weekly classes,” Booth said.
As well as performing while at Disneyland the students will participate in workshops and master classes with Disney professionals. They will also be part of the famous Disney parade and engage in a makeup and photo shoot session with Disney staff backstage.
“We want them to be inspired but also to learn from this experience,” Booth said. “We think they have come a long way in such a short time and we are all very impressed with their commitment and dedication.”
Booth thanked the team of parents, family members, teachers and staff, who volunteered to coordinate fundraising efforts for the trip. And, of course, the sponsors. “Thanks to all of you, our dancers are thrilled and cannot wait to dance at the happiest place in the world,” she said.
