As we approach a new dance year, studio owners are probably finishing their summer thinking ahead to the new dance school calendar – recitals, curriculum plans, community-type offerings and more. Why not add something completely epic and memorable for your students in the near future (and have something exciting for them to look forward to and work toward!) – like a dance tour to Disneyland Paris!
And let 42nd Street Tours plan it for you! “A dance tour to Disneyland Paris offers dance studios an unforgettable, inspiring experience that blends performance, travel and cultural enrichment,” says Emilee Anderson, Senior Travel Manager for 42nd Street Tours, which is bringing back the Disneyland Paris tour after an extended absence since the pandemic. “Dancers perform in Disneyland Paris. This is a chance to dance on an international stage, in full costume, in front of global audiences – something few young performers get to experience.”
This incredible performance experience is one that is once-in-a-lifetime. Dancers get to perform in a fully produced experience with professional sound, lighting and stage support. They get to wear costumes and dance their studio’s choreography, all in front of an international audience at one of the most iconic theme parks in the world.
“The production, the energy of the park and the pride that comes with representing your studio internationally make it a truly unforgettable highlight of the experience,” Anderson says. “It’s the perfect blend of performance, prestige and pure Disney magic – and it’s the moment dancers and families talk about long after they return home.”
Anderson also notes that this promise of performing at Disneyland Paris can truly benefit your studio as a whole. Dancers will be inspired to train harder and stay committed all year long, and it’s a great way to recruit new families or reward loyal dancers. “Not every studio offers international performance experience,” she says. “This sets you apart.”
Dancers also get to participate in Disney performing arts workshops led by Disney choreographers or cast members. “This interactive class focuses on stage presence, audition tips and learning choreography in Disney’s style with emphasis on energy and performance quality,” Anderson explains.
And there’s more to this tour than just dance. Students will be immersed in the French culture, hearing and practicing the language, experiencing the rich history, and visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. They expand their worldview and can be opened up to new worlds.“It’s a rare chance for young performers to see the world while doing what they love,” Anderson notes.
42nd Street Tours has worked hard to ensure that the Disneyland Paris dance tour can be enjoyed by many families and studios, even those with a more limited budget. Families have the option to create their own budget and stay at any of the Disneyland Paris resorts, from those more reasonable to those more luxurious. Regardless of which hotel families choose, all the tours include park tickets, the performance, dance workshop, and a full day exploring the sights and sounds of Paris.
“Planning a tour to Disneyland – especially for a dance studio or school group – requires strategic timing for both experience and logistics,” Anderson says. She adds that the best time for a tour would be mid-March to May, when the weather is great, flowers are blooming and crowds are lighter. She also loves early fall (mid-September to October) for this tour, as the temperatures are more mild, there are few crowds and there are many Halloween activities going on.
Planning a dance tour to Disneyland Paris usually requires 12-18 months of planning – time for studio families to budget, for dates to be selected, for you to promote the tour and to create the performance choreography. In addition, Disney does have performance guidelines, including age and group size, so studio owners will need to plan and prepare. And families should be given ample notice, as all travelers will need valid passports
“Starting sooner rather than later ensures less stress and better participation,” Anderson advises. “Remind families that this isn’t just a vacation – it’s an opportunity for performance growth, cultural enrichment and team bonding.”
She adds, “The anticipation of performing abroad motivates dancers all year. It drives commitment, boosts morale and creates a natural marketing story for your studio. Unlike domestic Disney tours, this one offers the thrill of dancing internationally – giving students a chance to perform at Disneyland Paris, representing their studio on a global platform.”
For more information on the Disneyland Paris tour offered by 42nd Street Tours, or to get started on booking your own dance tour, visit www.42ndstreettours.com.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
