YOUNG performers from theatre schools in Wokingham and Woodley have returned from the trip of a lifetime.
Performers from Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow were given a chance to perform in Disney’s Time To Shine parade at Disneyland Paris during February half term.
The dancers, aged 10 to 15, successfully auditioned in April 2025 and have spent the past 10 months rehearsing, fundraising and preparing for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Together, the team raised £6,000 through sponsored events and community fundraising initiatives towards the costs of travel and accommodation, supported by families, local businesses and the wider community.
As part of the experience, the group joined around 350 other performers from across the UK in a special pre-parade performance, celebrating young talent from around the country, on the main Disneyland Paris parade route.
After months of rehearsals the dancers were able to perform in front of international audiences, as they proudly represented Wokingham and Woodley on a global stage.
Shelley Otway-Wood, CEO and principal of Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow, said: “Watching our students perform in Disney’s Time To Shine parade was an incredibly proud moment.
“They have worked on the routine since their audition in April – balancing school, rehearsals and fundraising with real determination and team spirit.
“Raising over £6,000 as a community shows just how committed these young people and their families are.
“Performing at Disney is about more than the magic – it builds confidence, resilience and friendships that last a lifetime.
“Seeing them step onto that parade route knowing how hard they had worked to get there was truly special.”
The group was commended by the head of performing arts at Disneyland Paris for their energy, professionalism and commitment throughout the experience, and was awarded a special Disney performing arts workshop – an exclusive opportunity to further develop their skills under the guidance of Disney’s professional creative team.
This is Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow’s fourth Disney performance trip, giving young performers opportunities beyond the classroom on world-renowned stages.
Parent Alison Payne said:
“It was incredibly special to watch the children step onto the parade route knowing how much work they had put in to get there.
“Performing was obviously a huge moment, but the trip was about so much more than that.
“It gave the children – and the adults – the chance to build friendships, support one another and share an unforgettable experience.
“The whole atmosphere was so welcoming and encouraging, and you could visibly see the children’s confidence grow.
“It’s something they will carry with them long after the trip is over.”
Edward, 11, and Alison’s son, said:
“I enjoyed every single minute of it.
“Performing in the parade was amazing and I loved being part of such a big group.
“It felt super special as we’d all worked so hard to get there.
“Disney was brilliant and I made loads of memories with my friends too.”
Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow welcomes new students across its Wokingham and Woodley theatre schools.
For information, visit: steppinoutstars.co.uk.
