Dance the Magic, the group that actually brings magic to bop studios and their college students and neighborhood by providing an opportunity to carry out on a few of the most wonderful phases reminiscent of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, is celebrating 25 years. And to honor this distinctive milestone, Dance the Magic can be holding a celebratory Hawaiian Retreat at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on the island of O’ahu, from July 27-31, 2026.
The occasion guarantees to be a particular and memorable one, with unforgettable leisure, studying alternatives, a festive ambiance, significant connection and naturally a once-in-a-lifetime efficiency alternative as a part of the pre-show for the occasion’s lu’au. Whereas in paradise, studios and their dance households can partake in character meet-and-greets, photograph shoots, hula classes, dance workshops, Q&As with trade professionals, director seminars, thrilling rehearsals and even choreography alternatives.
To be taught extra about Dance the Magic’s upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration and a few of the highlights of the previous two-and-a-half a long time, Dance Informa speaks with the wonderful mother-daughter workforce behind all of it, Debi Barr and Jennilee Barr.
Twenty-five years of Dance the Magic?! That’s an unbelievable milestone! How does it really feel, and did you ever assume this enterprise might develop as a lot because it has?
Debi Barr
“It’s really unbelievable to look again and see how a lot Dance the Magic has grown — and what number of wonderful dancers from world wide we’ve had the enjoyment of connecting with! Practically 25 years in the past, I reached out to Disney with a dream: to create magical, unforgettable dance experiences for younger studio dancers, performing in lovely costumes with thrilling choreography on probably the most enchanting stage of all — Predominant Avenue, U.S.A. I’m so deeply grateful for the great partnership we’ve constructed with Disney and our many wonderful collaborators over time. Collectively, we’ve been in a position to flip that dream right into a actuality — bringing pleasure, inspiration, and lifelong recollections to dancers and their households from everywhere in the world.”
Why did you select Hawaii because the vacation spot for the 25th Anniversary Celebration? And what are you most trying ahead to about celebrating Dance the Magic in such a stunning setting?
Debi
“After 25 unbelievable years, I felt impressed to create a brand new alternative — one that provides each renewal and progress, all wrapped within the magic solely Disney can carry. And what higher place than Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in breathtaking Hawaii! The serene great thing about Aulani, paired with the nice and cozy aloha spirit and Disney’s signature contact, creates an environment that’s really unforgettable. I’m particularly excited for the lu’au, the place our dancers will take the stage in beautiful costumes, surrounded by vibrant greenery, whereas embracing the wealthy traditions of Hawaiian tradition. It fills my coronary heart with pleasure to have the ability to share this particular aloha expertise with the dancers, studio homeowners, administrators and companions who’ve been such an necessary a part of Dance the Magic’s journey. I can’t anticipate what’s to come back!”
What are a few of the thrilling choices for dance studio homeowners, lecturers and dancers at this Hawaiian retreat? Why is it a ‘must-attend’?
Jennilee Barr
“Kicking off the occasion, we can be internet hosting a Welcome social gathering for dancers and their households with a DJ, customized ear making, hula dancing and, after all, the enduring Disney characters. Morning dance workshops with the afternoon free so dancers can spend time with their households and benefit from the resort. Director’s seminars to encourage your studio leaders heading into the subsequent dance season. And ending with a particular pre-show Lu’au efficiency that includes our Dance the Magic dancers! Particular company embody Julie Kay Stallcup, Katy Tate, Tiffany Maher, Alan Collins and extra!”
How does it really feel to be part of Dance the Magic over these years?
Jennilee
“Dance the Magic was in-built my household dwelling, so it holds a really particular place close to and pricey to my coronary heart. Seeing the corporate develop and evolve all through the previous 25 years has been such an journey and true pleasure to be part of. I’m so grateful to all of our dance studios who’ve made Dance the Magic a constant a part of their studio’s schedule to permit us to proceed creating magic.”
What have been a few of your private highlights over time at Dance the Magic?
Debi
“One of the unforgettable highlights of the previous 25 years has been performing within the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC-TV for over a decade! The magic of these moments, shared with so many gifted dancers, is one thing I’ll always remember. The power, the enjoyment, the flicker of the season — I nonetheless get chills simply enthusiastic about it! These recollections will perpetually maintain a particular place in my coronary heart.
Considered one of my proudest private achievements has been the significant connections and shared experiences we’ve constructed with studio homeowners, administrators, tour operators and their unbelievable dance households. Having as soon as been a studio proprietor myself, I really perceive the day-to-day joys and challenges they face. It means a lot to me to have the ability to supply help, create a powerful sense of neighborhood and stroll alongside them on this journey. That connection is one thing I maintain very near my coronary heart. I’ve had the enjoyment of watching younger dancers participate in our occasions and go away feeling really impressed to pursue their ardour for dance. I’ve seen mothers and grandmas share the magic of performing alongside their kids and grandchildren in the exact same parade. So typically, a father or mother will come as much as me throughout an occasion and say, ‘I danced in a Dance the Magic parade after I was youthful — and now I’m right here with my very own baby, giving them the identical unforgettable expertise.’ Moments like these fill me with delight and deep gratitude. It means the world to know we’re creating recollections that final a lifetime.”
Jennilee
“We’re so lucky to have so many returning studios yr after yr, and I like with the ability to see a dancer develop from occasion to occasion. There are dancers who’ve attended over 10 occasions with us, and it’s particular to see them blossom as a performer and to be part of their dance journey as they now embark within the skilled world!
I additionally love collaborating with our Disney Companions and the great partnership we’ve got constructed over time. Because the Creative Director, my aim is to attempt to hold our occasion themes aligned with what is going on on the planet of Disney. I like once we can create a parade routine that brings the nostalgia of a Disney story with a recent Dance the Magic take!”
The place do you hope Dance the Magic will go and flourish over the subsequent 5, 10, 25 years?
Debi
“As I stay up for the subsequent 5, 10, even 25 years, my biggest hope is that Dance the Magic continues to encourage dancers from all world wide and strengthen our international dance neighborhood by joyful, lasting experiences. I’m excited for the journey forward — discovering new methods to develop, exploring new locations and constructing significant new relationships. Greater than something, I hope that every dancer who meets and collaborates with others from completely different cultures and international locations carries ahead a spirit of kindness, connection and unity that helps form a brighter, extra compassionate future.”
Any closing reflections forward of the 25th anniversary?
Debi
“As we have a good time 25 years on this unbelievable trade — by the highs and the challenges of a worldwide pandemic — I’m full of a lot appreciation for everybody who has believed in us and been a part of this journey. To those that proceed to affix us and share these magical alternatives with their dance households, thanks. I really can’t wait to see what the subsequent 25 years will carry as we hold constructing connections and opening doorways for dancers world wide.”
Jennilee
“It’s such a present to do what we do and to carry dancers from all world wide to share their love and keenness for dance in probably the most magical approach! We’re past grateful for the previous 25 years, and we can’t wait to see what’s in retailer for the magic forward in the years to come back!”
For extra info on Dance the Magic’s Hawaiian Retreat in July 2026, go to www.dancethemagic.com/occasions/aulani.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
