What happens when you put dancers and studio owners, families and a shared love of performance in a tropical paradise for one week? At Dance the Magic’s Pixie Dust in Paradise, the answer was something studio owners are still talking about weeks later – and it’s reshaping how many of them plan their 2027 event calendar. Here are just a few magical moments created and shared by those who experienced Dance the Magic’s Hawaiian Retreat as part of the organization’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Sometimes unique and meaningful connections are made in the most magical ways, and during this event there was no exception. During the Aloha Celebration and in keeping with Hawaiian customs, Dance the Magic started the Welcome Party with an Oli blessing (a form of poetry to share culture) by Kama Hopkins. Hopkins told the story of his grandmother and her sisters who first recorded the famous “Hukilau Song,” and how he was so excited to connect with one of Dance the Magic’s special guests, Tia Bee Stokes. Stokes’s grandmother was also one of the sisters who also sang the original “Hukilau Song.” Stokes and Hopkins had never met prior to this Hawaiian Retreat, and there were so many other unique and aligned connections that occurred over the week that really showed this event was truly magical.
Dance the Magic’s Hawaiian Retreat combined two events into one: a Dancer track and a Director track. Dancers were able to learn and grow from amazing guest choreographers and industry professionals who improved their art and allowed them to shine on stage. Katy Tate, Jessalyn Siwa, Terrianne Butac, Alan Collins from Disney, and special guest Wade Robson helped guide dancers through movement, auditions and peace. At the same time, directors and studio owners took business seminars with industry professionals such as Julie Kay Stallcup, Stacey Morgan, and the ladies from Ready, Set, Dance. These courses aimed to motivate studio owners, provide useful skills that are easily incorporated, and rejuvenate the business mindset.
One of the attendees, Tirza Warren from River City Dance in California, shared the following testimonial:
Dance the Magic holds a very special place in my heart. Having attended 11 events over the past 20 years, I can truly say the Hawaiian Retreat was one of the most amazing experiences I have had as a director. The entire event left me feeling special, energized and inspired.
The Dance the Magic staff is top-notch and always goes the extra mile. The classes and seminars were outstanding, and the incredible leadership mentors motivated me to bring that magic back to my studio. Being honored as a Hall of Fame recipient at the luau was a true highlight; it was an honor to be recognized, and I felt so much love from the organization.
Over the years, Debi, Jennilee, and the entire staff have come to feel like family. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this organization!
Under the direction of Founder Debi Barr, Dance the Magic chose to give back to the dance community during its Hawaiian Retreat by partnering with Dancers Against Cancer as its Foundation of Choice. Dance the Magic made a donation of $10,000 to support this special foundation, and turned one dancer’s dream into reality. Layla, a dancer with Leukemia, was sponsored and featured in a special Luau performance in Aulani while her Mom was invited to be present and cheer her on. This was truly inspiring since just a short time ago she was unable to walk due to the effects of cancer. She made friendship bracelets to share, shined on stage, struck a pose with Moana during the Aloha Celebration, and even pulled her mom onto the dancefloor with other special guests and the Dance the Magic team! Her story helped inspire other attending studios to give back and become Hope Studios which support dance families who have been affected by cancer.
More than anything, Barr created this amazing experience to honor her 25 years in the industry, and to give thanks to those who have helped support Dance the Magic along the way. She shares that it tugged at her heart strings to have Directors from all over the globe who have attended multiple events over the years and been inducted into Dance the Magic’s Hall of Fame, including Suzi Zuppardo, who attended the organization’s first event at the Disneyland Resort 25 years ago. Disney Event Manager Shawn Kelly helped open the door to Disney Magic, and was there to share his journey along with Barr during the event’s director seminars. Josh Horner, Hedy Perna and multiple others were there to share in the celebration, and were blown away with the quality, positivity and long-lasting memories created in Aulani. In addition, Robson shared how much he and his family were amazed by the organization and kindness from all of the Dance the Magic team.
Everyone seemed to walk away from the Pixie Dust in Paradise event with a feeling of love, support and ‘Ohana’…family…with Dance the Magic!
For more information on Dance the Magic, visit www.dancethemagic.com.
Share this:
