If you were lucky enough to catch this year’s Victorian Dance Festival (VDF), you might have noticed a sprinkle of something extra magical. That sparkle? It was courtesy of Dance the Magic – the global dance phenomenon that transforms studio dreams into once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities on the world’s most iconic stages, from Disneyland to Walt Disney World.
We caught up with the dynamic mother-daughter team behind the magic, Debi Barr and Jennilee Barr, to hear all about their first experience at VDF, why Australian dancers hold a special place in their hearts, and how studios across the country can bring this unforgettable opportunity to life.
Debi opened our conversation with heartfelt thanks to VDF’s organisers: “It was inspiring to see how VDF has grown, and how Deb and Daniel have elevated the festival offerings to the dance industry.”
And the Festival didn’t just impress – it left a lasting mark. “There was a very special moment during the presentation where we opened the floor to studios who have previously attended our events in order to share their experiences,” Debi shares. “It was wonderful to hear how supported studio owners and directors felt while working with us.”
One moment stood out in particular: “Jill from Leap Studios shared a story how during our beginning stages, she reached out off-hours, and I was personally able to talk her through some of the challenges she was facing doing her first trip traveling with parents. She was very appreciative, and it felt great to connect business owner to business owner.”
Many dance studios are family businesses. As for Jennilee, the emotional resonance of VDF hit close to home. “We had such great interactions with our Australian studio friends. It was so wonderful to share our story and connect with studio directors on more of a personal level.”
She adds, “Many dance studios are family businesses, and I think they could see their own journey mirrored in our story. My mom has also been in their shoes as a studio owner, and she understands what it is like to run a studio and have the worries that they carry. Our goal is to help studio owners and create amazing opportunities to expand and grow their business in the most magical way.”
While many Aussie studios had previously visited the Disney Parks, their response to Dance the Magic’s offerings was eye-opening. “Many studios have traveled to Disney before on their own,” Debi explains, “and they shared that they were shocked to see how much more was included with the Dance the Magic experience. While they knew a parade was part of the opportunity, they didn’t realize their Showcase performance would be inside Disney’s California Adventure Park at the Hyperion Theatre, as well as a Private Party in Pixar Pier for dancers and their guests that is included in all their packages. These extra touches of magic really took their Disney experience to the next level and are moments our friends will never forget!”
Dancers from around the world are part of the magic. For Aussie studios ready to leap onto the world stage, Jennilee says the excitement is real – and global.
“This past summer, we had dancers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Malta, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Africa and across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska,” she notes.
And it’s not just about travel – it’s about community. “We try to create moments of unity during event activities by encouraging dancers to connect with other studios, and exchange friendship bracelets,” Jennilee says.
More than that, Dance the Magic gives dancers a real taste of life as a Disney performer: “From themed choreography and costumes to high performance standards, Dance the Magic gives dancers a taste of the professional dance world from a Disney point of view,” Jennilee says.
Debi’s passion is rooted in accessibility and lifelong memories. “Dance the Magic was created so that dancers of all ages and skill sets could perform at Disney,” she explains. “As a previous studio owner, parents consistently shared with me how the dance competitions were great, but weren’t always what they remembered most. The specialty performances and travel experiences are really what the dancers continued to talk about. While every performer isn’t going to become a professional dancer, Dance the Magic gives every dancer the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream.”
Jennilee points out the broader benefits studios have experienced. “We have heard from our previous dancers that this experience has built their confidence and increased their desire to expand their dance career.”
“For studios,” she adds, “creating a consistent travel schedule has increased studio retention because dancers have a magical trip to look forward to, and continue to train for. Young dancers also look forward to the opportunity when they are able to participate. It’s a confidence boost – and a retention strategy.”
Dance the Magic’s commitment to Australian dancers doesn’t stop at the studio door. “When selecting our event dates,” Debi shares, “we look at the Australian holiday schedule, and we try to select dates that align with most dance studios. The two times of year we particularly focus on the Australian holidays are March/April, and September/October.”
They also work closely with approved Australian tour operators. “We partner with specific Approved Tour Operators who help keep us informed on schedules and trends,” Debi explains. “It’s more than a trip. It’s a turning point.”
Sometimes the impact goes beyond what anyone expects. “What started out as a fun trip to Disney for many dancers, has sparked a new passion to perform on a larger scale,” Jennilee says. “One of our previous studios who attended VDF shared that a dancer who went to our event was so inspired, she auditioned for Tokyo Disney, and is now a cast member there.”
The feedback is consistent. “Studios and students who have attended one of our previous Dance the Magic events always share how kind and supportive our team was throughout the experience,” Jennilee says. “Not only was this an educational dance experience, but it was a magical moment for the entire family to enjoy.”
This year’s visit marked Jennilee’s first time Down Under – and she made the most of every minute. We traveled to Melbourne for the VDF conference, then visited Sydney for a few days and ended on the Gold Coast. I had the opportunity to do some amazing tourist experiences along the way. I did the Sydney BridgeClimb, went for a sunrise kayaking tour in Sydney Harbour, and we even got to hold a koala and feed kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It was such a memorable first trip to Australia!”
One unforgettable highlight? “At VDF, we crossed paths with one of our Disney studio owners from Canada, Jill Williams from Leap Studios,” Jennilee recalls. “I asked if she had any plans and if she wanted to join me for the Sydney BridgeClimb? And she did! It was such a serendipitous moment in our trip that I never expected, and I’m so grateful for VDF reuniting us.”
Australia made quite the impression. “We can’t wait to return,” Jennilee shares. “I’m in an explorer phase of life, and I’ve only just dipped my toe in seeing what it’s like in Australia. And I love what I’ve experienced so far.”
The feeling is mutual. “Dancers from Australia bring a different type of energy to our events,” Jennilee says. “With how much time and preparation is needed, the anticipation grows and grows. By the time Australian studios get to the event, the excitement is off the charts and the dancers radiate joy through their performance. We’ve created an international dance family.”
Why should Aussie studios consider joining the Dance the Magic experience? Jennilee sums it up best:
“One of the repeated things I’ve heard from our Aussie studios that they love about our events is the opportunity to interact and engage with dancers from around the world! We truly have created a wonderful international dance community who get to celebrate their passion together in the most magical way – a parade at the Disney Parks!”
Ready to make the leap? Visit www.dancethemagic.com or speak to your Australian tour partner to learn how your studio can join this global celebration of dance, family, and magic.
Dance the Magic: Where performance dreams come true – one parade at a time.
Because every dancer deserves their moment on Main Street.
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