RAISE THE BAR with Debi Barr

Debi Barr is the founder and Director of Dance the Magic, a premier performance company, established in 2001 and located in Huntington Beach, CA. Debi was recently honored with the prestigious Disney Partners Award for providing quality experiences, exemplary leadership and demonstrating business integrity, while embracing and promoting the magic of Disney.

She currently serves on the board of directors for UDMA – United Dance Merchants of America and is a proud member of SYTA- Student & Youth Travel Association.

Debi started her dance-twirl career at a young age in North Dakota. Being a part of an Air Force family, it was her first priority to find a new dance studio at each new location they were stationed. After her family settled in Southern California, Debi was grateful to be so close to the performing opportunities the L.A. area might bring. One of the highlights of Debi’s professional performing career was being a dance-twirler for the Los Angeles Rams.

After college, she began a 23-year successful dance and baton program in Fountain Valley, CA. While winning multiple State & National titles and creating exciting experiences for her dancers at big sports venues, she realized her heart was in the performance opportunities she could provide. They did them all. Rams, Clippers, Lakers, Chargers. They even performed at a Beach Boys concert in San Diego. Talk about fun!

Challenging herself to create something new for her students, Debi took a chance and knocked on Disney’s door. When everyone told her, there was no chance to break into a company like Disney, she persevered. It was her vision to give talented studio dancers from around the world the opportunity to dance down Main Street, U.S.A., in beautiful costumes, and be featured in a parade with a huge audience in front of thousands of Disney Park guests.

Dance the Magic is recognized as a valued Disney PremEar Partner

Disney Youth Group Programs has named Dance the Magic
– Top Producer of Guest Talent/Festivals
– Top Producer of Hotel Room Revenue

Debi contributes her success to surrounding herself with positive people that embody the Disney spirit, share her vision, and have a passion for helping others achieve their dreams.

However, Debi’s biggest accomplishments are her two children, Jennilee (Artistic Director for Dance the Magic) and Kristopher (PhD candidate at UCLA in Chemistry).

As the Vice President and Artistic Director of Dance the Magic, Jennilee choreographs and produces all creative elements of our Dance the Magic events including our specialized parade and productions routines.

Jennilee began working with Dance the Magic in 2005 as a seasonal event staff member, and grew into a full-time Event Coordinator and Choreographer in 2013 after she graduated from California State University, Long Beach with B.A. in Human Development.

Dance Experience: Jennilee began her dance training with the Orange County Stars as a youngster, and then transitioned to Pace All Stars as a teenager. At Pace All Stars, Jennilee won 4 World Champion Titles in Jazz & Pom Styles at the USASF Dance Worlds Competition. In college, Jennilee joined the Orange Coast College Dance Team for two years capturing a UDA National Championship.

Most recently, Jennilee was a Parade Performer at the Disneyland Resort for 8 years. She has performed in various Disney shows including Pixar Play Parade, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, Paint the Night Parade, and many more. Jennilee was also chosen to appear in numerous televised spots at the Disneyland Resort including a commercial and television specials.

JENNILEE SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I am a ‘Stage Dog Mom’ to my adorable pup, Chandler Bing Barr!  We go to brunch, down to the beach, and any place that is dog friendly! You can follow our adventures on her Instagram (@chandlerbingbarr).

I LOVE to see musicals with my older brother, Kris. From the LA to NYC, we try to see shows where ever we can.

Also, I am an expert Puffy Painter.

Favorite Disney Character: Rollie from 101 Dalmatians

Most Memorable DTM Moment: There are so many wonderful memories… BUT my absolute favorite part of the events are rehearsals.  I love being able to work with our dancers, and to see them grow year after year!

Paula is one of our Sales Managers at Dance the Magic! 

Dance Experience: Paula has been dancing before she could even walk! She proudly has a handful of national champion titles that she won alongside her middle school and high school competition dance team. Paula was also named a three time NCA Danz All-American Dancer! She now has been dancing at Disney for almost two decades and has also gone on national tours with MTV, Nickelodeon & PBS. Paula is also a choreographer & teaching artist for after school and winter/summer enrichment programs in the Santa Ana, Newport Beach & Irvine School Districts in California. Specializing in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, novelty and show production. She also educates students about the “The Science of Dance” and “The History of Dance.”

PAULA SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: My other passion in life aside from dancing is comedy improvisation! Second City Hollywood has become my second home away from home! I’ve studied and perform there! I enjoy watching shows with my fellow improv buddy Jennilee 😉

I’m also a movie buff and have much appreciation for the art of film making. I can watch flicks all day everyday!

The beach, bowling alleys, musicals, the mall and of course Disneyland is where you can also find me if I am ever MIA!

Favorite Disney Character: It’s a toss up between the proud dancing Tiger Lily and the energetic sassy jokester Vanellope von Schweetz! Their attributes I relate to immensely 😉

Most Memorable DTM Moment: Seeing the dancers eyes light up as they perform their hearts out on Mainstreet USA is truly a magical moment! You can feel their excitement and passion for the art of dancing. Dreams do come true with Dance the Magic! Every event is memorable in its own spectacular way!

Abby is our Sales Coordinator! 

Dance Experience:  Abby fell in love with dance at the age of 7 and continued performing for the next 25 years! She earned a BA in Dance and Education from the University of California, Irvine and continued to perform at the Disneyland Resort in various parades and shows including Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, Fantasmic!, and A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Abby also loved dancing around the world while touring with Disney Live!,  and is very excited to see young performers begin their own journeys with DTM!

ABBY SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I love traveling and sharing delicious meals with family and friends!

Favorite Disney Character: I like to think I’m a little mixture of Chip n’ Dale. They are a great example of being driven & logical, and silly & fun!

Most Memorable DTM Moment: I have already loved getting to know the team, and truly can’t wait to make magical memories at the events with all of the dancers, directors, and parents! 

Suzanne is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Dance the Magic! Suzanne joins us directly from New York City, where she worked closely with Dance the Magic as the Manager of Group Sales for Disney on Broadway.

Angela is our Director of Events and is based in Orlando!

Dance Experience:  Angela started dancing at the age of 3.  As a child she competed at the national level and performed with Disney, Sesame Street, Southern Ballet Theatre, Virginia School of the Arts, and the Moscow Ballet Theatre.

Angela went on to the University at Buffalo where she studied dance and performed in the StudioWerks Dance Ensemble and the Zodiaque Dance Company.

From there she went on to work professionally as a dancer and aerialist for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and for the NBA team the Orlando Magic.  She has also been seen in commercials, TV specials, industrials, and more.

ANGELA SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I love to travel and have visited 36 countries. I enjoy experiencing new cultures and trying new food. 

I am also a mom to fur baby Lola and brand new baby boy, Braylon.

Favorite Disney Character: Belle because she loves books, travel, food, and dancing.  Belle never backs down from what she believes in, and has no trouble speaking her mind. 

Most Memorable DTM Moment: Every event has its own special moments.  Getting to watch the dancers as they perform down Main Street USA at the Disney Parks or seeing them dance on a Broadway Stage for the first time is something that you never forget.  As a staff member you get so see these magical memories that are made for the dancers, their families, and their dance instructors. 

Carly is our Creative Specialist!

Dance Experience:  Carly has been dancing since the age of three! She has performed in various dance shows throughout high school and college and even performed in her high school theater production of The King and I. Carly is also a performer at Disney and has been in various parades and shows including Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, Fantasmic!, A Christmas Fantasy and more! 

CARLY SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic:I really enjoy seeing shows and live entertainment as well as doing creative cosmetology, especially during Halloween time! I also spend time performing down Main Street, USA occasionally!

Favorite Disney Character: Minnie Mouse! She is sweet, sassy and fashionable and I love everything about her! 

Most Memorable DTM Moment: Watching the dancers perform down Main Street, USA is always incredible, but seeing their loved ones watching them perform and seeing how proud they are of them is a memorable moment that I will always remember!

Megan has just joined the DTM team as the new Event Manager for Walt Disney World Events! 

Dance Experience: Megan has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She grew up dancing competitively and got her first dance gig at 15 working for Radio Disney where she had the amazing opportunity of dancing with the Jonas Brothers! Megan spent almost 9 years performing and participating in creative workshops  at the Disneyland Resort! Some of her show credits include the Pixar Play Parade (where she met the famous Jennilee Barr), Paint The Night parade, Fantasmic! and Fantasmic 2.0, Frightfully Fun Parade, and most recently the opening cast of Magic Happens! Megan also spent 2 years in New York City training at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center. Megan still has a passion for performing and loves to share that passion with young dancers! She has been working events with Dance The Magic since 2013, and has worked events at all of our Dance The Magic locations!

MEGAN SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: It absolutely fills my heart spending time with my family and friends! Being outdoors, traveling, and eating all of the delicious and fun foods! I also pride myself on my homemade pasta making skills! 

Favorite Disney Character: It’s definitely a tie between Daisy and Mrs. Incredible. I love fierce and powerful ladies! 

Most Memorable DTM Moment: I have such a soft spot for NYC, and watching our dancers perform in the opening production number onstage at the New Amsterdam Theater always brings me tears of joy! It is such a special experience to witness and I always feel so honored to be a small part of that magic. 

Kristyne has just joined the DTM team as a new Event Manager! 

Dance Experience: Kristyne began dancing at the age of 4.  With training from Thomas Dance Studio, Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Chautauqua Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Atlanta Ballet.

She began dancing professionally for the Walt Disney Company in numerous shows, events and filmings including “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”, “Cinderellabration”, “Dream Along With Mickey”, “Villains Mix and Mingle”, “Celebrate the Season” and the “ABC Disney Christmas Day Parade”. 

Kristyne spent a summer in the Mediterranean performing on Celebrity Cruise Lines. She then moved on to performing with Universal Orlando for many years. A dance captain and opening cast member of the “TriWizard Spirit Rally” as a Beauxbatons student in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

KRISTYNE SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: Kristyne loves to spend time with her family, especially at Walt Disney World! She also loves traveling, anything during the Fall season and cooking/baking!

Favorite Disney Character: Merida’s Mom, Queen Elinor. Their relationship sometimes reminds me of mine and my daughter! I love how much they love each other and in the end figure out that love is what matters most! 

Most Memorable DTM Moment: Seeing all of the dancers reactions and excitement when they’re passing by Cinderella’s Castle in the Walt Disney World parades!

Katie has just joined the DTM team as a new Sales Manager! 

Dance Experience:Katie has been dancing since she was three years old! Eventually, she focused her studies solely on ballet, receiving training from many incredible and renowned instructors within several professional ballet programs across San Diego County. Along with a multitude of performances in classical and contemporary ballets, Katie has been a trainer, performer, and dance lead in local musical theater productions. Since then, Katie has had many opportunities to share her experiences to train and choreograph young dancers in a variety of styles across both San Diego County and Orange County. Professionally, she has danced and continues to perform in a variety of shows at the Disneyland Resort, including Fantasmic!, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, Paint the Night Parade, Fantasmic! 2.0, and more!

KATIE SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic:You’ll find me spending my time outside of Dance the Magic dancing at Disneyland and also spending time in the parks–my favorite place in the whole world. I’m also a huge fan of classic films (especially musicals) from the 1930s-50s. Any free time I get to spend curled up on the couch with a good movie and my dogs is time I consider well spent!

Favorite Disney Character: Cinderella always inspires me to work hard and to never give up on my dreams. I aspire to have her courage and kindness!

Most Memorable DTM Moment: Getting to work with such a driven and excited team every day is such a special experience. The passion behind what the team does is so clear, and I cannot wait to see what amazing things happen from all the magic made here! 

Emily has just joined the DTM team as our new Office Assistant! 

Dance Experience: Emily started dancing at the age of four! She started out with Tap, Ballet Jazz and Musical Theatre, but found a love for Tap and Musical Theatre and has been doing that for 15+ years. Performing in over 40 Musicals, at various dance competitions with the dance company SpecTAPular and down Main Street U.S.A. with Dance The Magic!

EMILY SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: You’ll find me making magic at The Disneyland Resort in Entertainment, exploring a new city with family and friends, at Trader Joes educating myself on what to add to my next charcuterie board,  singing in the car or making memories with my friends at Disney Parks.

Favorite Disney Character: Aladdin and Princess Tiana!

Most Memorable DTM Moment: My favorite DTM moment was performing in the ABC Christmas Day parade  with THE Corbin Bleu from High School Musical. I still talk about it to this day and is a memory that will live with me forever!

Kelly is one of our Event Managers at Dance the Magic!

Dance Experience: Kelly received professional training throughout the years with American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet as a Trainee, and at The Juilliard School. She received many scholarships, awards, and titles during her studio years.

Kelly started dancing professionally with The Walt Disney Company as an Actors Equity Association performer. Throughout her career, she traveled the world performing with Stiletto Entertainment on Holland America Cruise Lines where she met her husband. Kelly has had the opportunity to perform with Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and the cast of Disney Channel’s Descendants including Sofia Carson and Dove Cameron. She was a featured dancer in Meatloaf’s residency show in Las Vegas and with Sirens of TI. You can catch Kelly dancing Mia Michaels choreography in the feature film, Rock of Ages, alongside Julianne Hough, Tom Cruise, Katherine Zeta Jones, and Russell Brand. Kelly has, also, been a dance captain for many years with Universal Studios and was a part of the Talent Casting team.

Holly has just joined the DTM team as a new Event Manager! 

Dance Experience: Holly began dancing at the age of 3. With training from the Academy of Dance San Luis Obispo and Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo, Holly’s primary focus was ballet, along with tap and jazz. Holly also studied and competed in Irish dance for several years with Claddagh Dance Company.

Entering her teenage years, Holly fell in love with the world of musical theatre. Some of her favorite past roles include Graziella in West Side Story, Erma in Anything Goes and Rizzo in Grease. She also choreographed a production of Grease with a local theatre company. 

She began dancing professionally for the Walt Disney Company right after high school in several parades and shows including “’Mickey’s Soundsational Parade”, “A Christmas Fantasy”, “Paint the Night”, “Fantasmic!”, and “Fantasmic 2.0”.

HOLLY SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I love spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and enjoying all that nature has to offer! I also enjoy spending time with family and friends exercising, eating, enjoying live music and loving life!

Favorite Disney Character: Megara from Hercules. I love that she represents strong and empowered women that take care of business!

Most Memorable DTM Moment: So far, my favorite DTM moment has been how welcoming everyone has been. I am ecstatic to join this family of incredible individuals!