From backstage at dance recitals to curating international performance tours, sisters Jodie Quick and Kirsty Eccles have transformed their shared love of the performing arts into a thriving travel enterprise. As co-founders of Meridian Performing Arts Tours, the pair blend decades of travel expertise with firsthand experience as devoted “dance mums.” Their company now crafts immersive, stress-free travel experiences for dancers and performers, offering unforgettable opportunities to take the stage in some of the world’s most iconic venues — from Disneyland to Universal Studios.
In this interview, Quick and Eccles share the story behind their journey, the heart behind their tours, and how Meridian continues to innovate in creating life-changing travel experiences for young performers around the globe.
Can you tell us about your founding journey? How did your personal experiences shape the company’s evolution?
“Our journey began over 20 years ago when we purchased Meridian Travel, a well-established agency that gave us a strong foundation in the travel industry. As sisters and business partners, we built our expertise in planning seamless, memorable travel experiences. But it was our personal lives as ‘dance mums’ that truly shaped the next chapter of our business.
Spending years backstage at competitions and concerts, we saw how powerful performance opportunities could be for young dancers — and how complex and stressful they could be to organise. That’s when we decided to combine our professional travel knowledge with our passion for the performing arts, and Meridian Performing Arts Tours was born.
We’ve since created unforgettable tours that allow dancers to perform in iconic locations like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and international stages. Our goal has always been to take the stress out of planning and replace it with excitement, creativity, and confidence — because we know firsthand how magical these moments can be.”
What is your core vision for performing arts tours? What do you hope students experience, artistically and personally, on a Meridian trip?
“Our vision is to create experiences that go far beyond sightseeing. We want students to feel the thrill of performing in world-class venues, to be inspired by new cultures, and to grow both as artists and individuals.
Whether it’s dancing down Main Street USA in a Dance the Magic Parade, or participating in a workshop with industry professionals, every moment is designed to be enriching, empowering, and unforgettable.
We hope each student returns home with more than just incredible memories — they come back with a stronger sense of self, deeper bonds with their peers, and a renewed passion for the performing arts. That’s the Meridian difference: travel with purpose, performance with heart.“
Your tours offer performance opportunities at Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm, alongside workshops and rehearsals. How do you structure these itineraries to make them educational, inspiring, and fun?
“Every tour is personally tailored to the unique goals and culture of each dance studio. Some studios focus on performance, while others prioritise education, industry exposure, or a balance of both.
We work closely with teachers and directors to design itineraries that reflect their vision. For performance-driven tours, we highlight opportunities to shine on iconic stages, while for those seeking a more educational focus, we incorporate workshops, behind-the-scenes experiences, and masterclasses with industry experts.
No matter the focus, every itinerary is designed to be fun, inspiring, and stress-free—combining rehearsals, cultural excursions, and bonding activities to create a meaningful journey for students, teachers, and families alike.”
What draws you to serving dance and performing arts groups? How is planning for these groups unique compared to other travel experiences?
“Our passion for dance and the performing arts is what truly sets these tours apart. Dance has been a big part of our lives, and helping young artists take the stage in iconic venues is incredibly rewarding.
While the fundamentals of travel planning remain the same, performing arts tours involve many more moving parts — rehearsals, costumes, performance schedules, and workshops — all layered on top of international travel. We’re constantly adapting, especially when working with venues like Disneyland, where schedules can change at the last minute.
What keeps us motivated is the joy we see on students’ faces when they perform, learn, and grow through these experiences. It’s not just about travel; it’s about creating moments that inspire confidence, creativity, and connection.”
With over 20 years in group travel, what have been your biggest challenges coordinating performance tours, and what lessons have you learned?
“Rather than one standout challenge, it’s been a series of learnings over the years that have helped us refine and elevate every tour we design. Performance tours are dynamic, with many moving parts, so we’ve learned to always expect the unexpected.
Whether it’s traffic chaos in Los Angeles, or last-minute schedule changes, flexibility is essential. We also work only with reputable ground operators and service providers to ensure each tour runs smoothly and maintains a premium standard of safety and professionalism.
The biggest lesson? Preparation, adaptability, and trusted partnerships are key to creating unforgettable experiences for our performers and their families.”
You mention assisting groups with fundraising and extended travel arrangements. How do you support studios and families in making these tours accessible?
“We know that a performing arts tour is a big commitment for families, so we’re passionate about making them as accessible as possible.
We assist studios with fundraising strategies, sharing ideas and proven methods from other successful groups. We also help families extend their travels — especially those coming from Australia — to make the most of their time abroad. Our team draws on decades of travel experience to help plan personalised itineraries that fit each family’s budget and wishlist.”
From your experiences between 2019 and 2024, what standout moments or performances have left a lasting impact?
“There are so many wonderful memories, but nothing compares to watching our dancers parade down Main Street USA at Disneyland. Seeing them perform in front of thousands, faces glowing with pride and excitement, never gets old.
Equally moving is watching their parents — some with tears in their eyes — as they witness their child’s moment in the spotlight. These aren’t just performances; they’re core memories in the making.
We’ve had parents tell us that their child came home changed — more confident, inspired, and aware of the opportunities out there. That’s the kind of impact we strive for with every tour.”
You’re now booking tours for 2026 and 2027. Are there new destinations or creative formats you’re planning for performing arts groups?
“Yes! We’re excited to be exploring new opportunities in London and Paris — two cities rich in performing arts history and culture. These destinations offer incredible potential for students to not only perform, but to immerse themselves in world-class theatre, dance, and music experiences.
We’re also seeing growing interest from secondary schools and tertiary institutions seeking curriculum-aligned experiences that blend performance with deeper cultural engagement. As always, our goal is to keep evolving, offering fresh, inspiring opportunities that leave a lasting impact on every performer who travels with us.”
For more information, visit meridiantravel.com.au.
By Renata Ogayar of Dance Informa.
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