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.

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: 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!

Sandee is our Operations Supervisor at Dance the Magic! Sandee has been with Dance the Magic from the very beginning with our Photography team, and we are thrilled to have her in the office full time.

Event Experience: Sandee coordinated over a 1,000 weddings in Southern California over 25 years. Sandee is passionate about quality productions and personal relationships with her clients to ensure a fabulous product!

SANDEE SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I love ride to horseback, and babysit Jennilee’s dog, Chandler.

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: Tinkerbell because she loves to fly and so do I.

Most Memorable DTM Moment: Seeing a standing ovation when our dancers perform on Main just brings me to tears!  This is truly 

Summer is one of our Events Specialists here at Dance the Magic! She works closely with our studio directors and Disney to ensure a magical experience for our dancers and their families. Her sister, Coral, and her are the dynamic duo of daily operations and communications at the DTM office. Summer started out as a seasonal events ‘Dream Maker’ in 2012, and joined our operations team in 2014.

Dance Experience: Summer has loved performing and dancing since she was 3 years old. She has trained in tap, ballet, jazz, salsa, hip hop and cheer.

SUMMER SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I love spending my free time with my daughter Soleil, visiting Disneyland, going to the beach, writing, hiking and traveling. I have traveled to over 13 states and 6 countries – I hope to continuously grow both of those numbers yearly!

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: Moana because she has a love for the ocean while embodying a strong, inspirational, and independent spirit.

Most Memorable DTM Moment: My favorite DTM memory was watching my niece, Dalilah, perform in her first Disneyland parade! I also love working alongside my family, Coral and Cyd!

Coral is one of our Events Specialists here at Dance the Magic! She works closely with our studio directors and Disney to ensure a magical experience for our dancers and their families. Her sister, Summer, and her are the dynamic duo of daily operations and communications at the DTM office. Coral started out as a seasonal events ‘Dream Maker’ in 2014, and joined our operations team in 2015.

Dance Experience: She has been performing as a dancer since the age of 3 and has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and pom. Coral danced on a competitive dance team for over 5 years and has won multiple National Championships. She also received 2 diamond rings for winning 2 World Championships back to back while performing with PACE All Stars dance team. She loves that her job allows her to keep her passion and love for the art of dance in her life every day.

CORAL SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I love watching my daughter, Dalilah, perform in dance class and in competition. I also enjoy visiting Disneyland, going to the beach, and hiking.

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: Alice because she has an adventurous and curious soul just like me!

Most Memorable DTM Moment: My favorite DTM moment is watching my daughter, Dalilah, perform in her first Disneyland Parade at the age of 7. I also love working alongside my sister, Summer, every day.

Lauren is our Creative Assistant at Dance the Magic! She works closely with Jennilee by assisting her with choreography as well as organizing our showcases at the Disney Parks and on Broadway. Lauren joined our DTM team as a Dream Maker for our seasonal events back in 2016, and we are excited to have her as our newest member of our office staff.

Dance Experience: Lauren has been dancing since the age of 2. She also competed on her high school dance team, winning multiple National Competitions including first place for her solos. After studying with the California Riverside Ballet as a principle dancer, she was cast as a dancer for the Disneyland Resort in numerous parades and shows.  Aside from her Disney career, Lauren can be seen teaching at various dance studios across the San Fernando Valley.

LAUREN SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I love spending time when my husband and son. We love going to Disneyland (on my days off), eating at our favorite restaurant, Din Tai Fung, and playing baseball in our front yard.

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: Tinkerbell because she’s small like me..plus we’re both super spunky and sassy.

Most Memorable DTM Moment: My first event for DTM, and watching our dancers performing for the first time. It’s a great reminder why I love my job!

As the Media Assistant for Dance the Magic, Krystyn is a bit of a “Slack of all Trades” with regards to all things media – everything from online registration, to social media marketing, to graphic design, and even to event photography.  Krystyn began working at Dance the Magic in September of 2018 after spending the last four years chasing the professional motocross and supercross racing circuit as photographer and journalist. She has a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. In 2017 Krystyn became the first-ever female photographer to cover an entire year of sanctioned professional racing in the United States.

Dance Experience: Krystyn has been a performer in one capacity or another for most of her life. Growing up, she was both a musical theatre performer and cheerleader and has always loved being on stage. Most recently, Krystyn was a parade performer at the Disneyland Resort from 2008-2015 and had the chance to dance in front of thousands of guests in “Disney’s Electrical Parade”, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”, “Flashback Productions”, and even a special event with Joey Fatone of *NSYNC.

KRYSTYN SAYS…

When she’s not dancing the magic: I am spending time photographing the professional motocross (dirt bike) racing circuit, working with private photography or other freelance clients as a “Curator of Forever Memories”, or delighting my car passengers and passersby with full production “car”aoke numbers. Kidding – I am not a great singer, but that doesn’t stop me from belting “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack at the top of my lungs while sitting in LA traffic. You’ve been warned. 😉

I love sports,  supporting my friends and family in their creative projects, Disney, and of course great food – also there is ALWAYS room for ice cream!

My life moto is “Figure it Out” and it’s served me quite well, especially when I go chasing incredibly lofty personal and business goals.

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: Giselle from Enchanted paired with Tiana from Princess and the Frog

Most Memorable DTM Moment: I’m the “new kid on the block”, but I can’t wait to experience my first DTM event and see all the behind-the-scenes work come together for an incredible event and experience for our participants!

Paula is our Event Specialist for Dance the Magic on Broadway at Dance the Magic! Paula joined our DTM team as a Dream Maker for our seasonal events back in 2017 and we are excited to have her as our newest member of our office staff.

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!

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: 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!

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 Event Specialist of Walt Disney World 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 shes’s not dancing the magic: I loves to travel and have visited 36 countries. I enjoy experiencing new cultures and trying new food. 

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

Disney Soul Sister/Spirit Animal: 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.