Forty talented pupils from Swindon’s Lawn Manor Academy are hoping to bring a little Disney magic to the stage next summer after submitting an audition tape for the chance to perform at Disneyland Paris.
The group, made up of 30 dancers and 10 musicians, is aiming to secure a coveted place on the Videopolis stage, which has hosted shows inspired by much-loved Disney stories including Beauty and the Beast, Mulan and The Lion King.
Should they be successful, the pupils will perform in front of guests from around the world, as well as taking part in exclusive dance and musical theatre workshops led by Disney Cast Members. The experience would offer an exciting insight into the world of professional performance, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Pupils have dedicated countless hours to preparing their audition, choreographing and rehearsing their routine between lessons, after school and during free periods. Their performance has been designed to showcase creativity, teamwork and home-grown talent from across the academy.
If selected, it would be Lawn Manor Academy’s second performance at Disneyland Paris, following a previous visit in 2022. It would also build on the success of last summer, when pupils represented the school on an international stage with a performance in Times Square, New York, alongside workshops delivered by professional Broadway dancers.
Head of Dance at Lawn Manor Academy, Natasha Dixon said, “For subjects like dance and performing arts especially, it’s so important to be able to not only learn from professionals, but to also be able to go to as many places as possible and experience what it’s like being backstage and part of a professional theatre production.
“If we’re lucky enough to go through to the next stage, the pupils will be in for an incredibly rewarding but busy trip, as they’ll be straight into rehearsals, performing and workshops, as well as having the opportunity to see Disney Cast Members perform on the same stage they were on and also see more of Paris too.
“There’s going to be a lot of competition from schools, professional dance schools and clubs for this opportunity. However, our pupils have been determined to do their best and have given up so much of their time to make sure that they’re proud of the audition they’ve submitted.
“Some of the pupils taking part haven’t danced before and they’ve worked really hard to develop their skills. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience and passion shown by every pupil and we are keeping everything crossed that they will have the opportunity to represent Lawn Manor Academy once again on the magical stage at Disneyland Paris next summer.”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust. For more information, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
