Local dancers had a “phenomenal” time showcasing their talents at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

The 13 DanceSations students took part in Disney’s Dance the Magic Spring Spectacular and also performed in the Spring Spectacular Dance Showcase.

“The experience was phenomenal,” director Holly Pacheco told The Royal Gazette.

“The kids had such an amazing time and it is definitely something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

“It was everything we imagined and more. Dance the Magic were pleased with us and DanceSations definitely put Bermuda on the map in Disney.”

DanceSations was the first dance school from Bermuda to be a part of Disney’s Dance the Magic Spring Spectacular parade and showcase.

The students who took part were LaKeirah Cunningham, Haley Davis, Zoe DeSilva, Elon Francis, Shania Furbert, Skye Minors, Ava Moreno, Za’Kayza Parsons, X’achela Robinson, Sarah Skinner, Kristiana Smith, Yve Smith and Jessie Thomas.

“The exposure they received while they were out there was awesome,” Ms Pacheco said, adding that they also took a class at Spotlight Dance Centre, where they were able to work with Carlos Garland from season ten of So You Think You Can Dance and Sophie Antony, a Disney choreographer and former Rockette.

The students also performed with other dance schools from around the world on April 16 in the Theatre of the Stars, the home of the Beauty and the Beast spectacle at Hollywood Studios.

“They were so excited and nervous,” Ms Pacheco said. “We were backstage and were right in the mix of all the costumes and props. It was so fantastic. The kids did great.”

A day later they performed in the Dance the Magic’s Spring Spectacular Parade in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Ms Pacheco said: “It was so surreal. Before the parade started they announced over the loudspeakers throughout Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park all the countries that were involved. Bermuda was read loud and clear.”

The morning before the parade the students had rehearsals with the Dance the Magic staff and had individual and group pictures taken.

“My instructor, Sierra-Renae Robinson, and I were able to go out and watch them during the parade along with their family and friends,” Ms Pacheco said.

“The kids worked so hard and we are so proud of them; they looked incredible. This was an experience of a lifetime and its definitely something we will be doing annually.

“We have already made such good contacts and are excited to get involved in other Dance the Magic performances.”