Youth dancers from Rhythm Dance Studio just returned from an “amazing” trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
Elise Samson, owner of Rhythm Dance Studio said the trip was one of the “best ever”.
“I’m sad it’s over. It was a really successful trip, it was so awesome,” she said.
The dancers and families who went on this year’s trip had a tight knit bond. Collectively, their fundraising efforts garnered a large amount of funding for the trip. Throughout that work, the dancers and the families supporting them grew close, which made for a successful showing at Disneyland.
“Once we got there everyone just became really close because we had spent so much time doing fundraising. It was a great reward at the end to relax, enjoy the trip, and all be together as a really close team,” Samson said.
Samson has led several groups on dance trips to Disneyland before. This time around she had a clear idea of what was expected of the group. The dancers were treated to dance classes, and workshops put on by Disney cast members. They also danced in two parades, one in Disneyland, and one in California Adventure.
“They also got to do a piece of choreography that I choreographed on the fantasy land stage, so they got to be in a showcase and do a group number as well,” Samson said.
Outside of the dancing, the group enjoyed some down time at the pool and exploring the Disney park.
Rhythm Dance Studio does trips every two years. The trips alternate between Disneyland and New York. The two year period allows families and dancers to prepare and fundraise between trips. It also gives an opportunity for younger dancers to experience the trips, and gives dancers something to look forward to.
“A lot of the kids want to do both, but sometimes Disneyland is more family oriented. New York is a different kind of trip for sure, but it’s also pretty amazing because you get to literally perform on Broadway,” Samson said.
Samson and team mothers are already planning new fundraisers. Referred to as “The Pack”, the mothers established a well functioning fundraising committee that meets monthly and plans events ranging from bottle drives, to bake sales and everything in between.
“I know if I was a kid, that would have been the most incredible thing,” Samson said. “It’s kind of neat to make those girls dreams come true… it’s pretty special to say that you danced in Disneyland.”