[fblike]It’s been a fantastic start to summer as 51 GDA Dancers made their way to Orlando, FL to perform at Walt Disney World on June 28th. In total, 160 dancers, family and staff were on the trip, which was organized by Bennett Student Travel, Inc.

Dancers have been learning and practicing the 22 minute non-stop routine since last September which was a Tribute to the United States of America. After the recital, they attended two “dress” rehearsals and had a fun sleepover party.

Once in Florida, most of the dancers participated in a Disney Workshop where one of Disney’s professional dancers took them through the process of what it’s like to learn a routine as a professional. The dancers had time to ask questions of their instructors and ended their workshop with a surprise appearance from Goofy. The workshop was held backstage at EPCOT.

For their performance, the weather held out for a spectacular performance on the stage at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). After a final pose holding flags from all 50 states and 1 American Flag, the dancers left the stage to thunderous applause from an enormous crowd that spilled out of the seating area. See a short highlight video of their performance here.

Afterwards, we met at the Rainforest Cafe for a nice family style dinner.

Throughout the trip the dancers traded Liberty the Bear, an American Flag themed beanie bear, and took pictures throughout the park.

At the conclusion of the performance trip, some families stayed on to see more of Disney and Central Florida 50 others continued on to Port Canaveral and cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas cruise ship to the Bahamas.

We are so proud of the dancers and all their hard work to get ready for the performance. Despite the Florida heat and humidity, they demonstrated remarkable professionalism and teamwork throughout. Thank you parents for providing your dancers this opportunity! And thank you dancers for a great week!!

Learn about Greendale Dance Academy here!