A GROUP of 21 young dancers from Somerville’s DanceLab recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime performance tour in the United States.
The dancers, aged eight through to early 20s, travelled to California in early April where they performed at Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Citadel Outlets.
DanceLab director and owner, Emily Kheissy, said the trip came after the studio reached out to companies specialising in international dance tours.
“We sent out some inquiries about taking some students over and the travel companies got back to us,” said Kheissy.
“They do all of the back and forward communications with Universal Studios and Disneyland and then give us all the info.”
DanceLab currently has around 160 to 170 students enrolled. The international trip was offered to all eligible dancers over the age of eight who participated in jazz classes.
Kheissy said the trip came at a cost, but there were fundraisers held to help subsidise costs for families.
She said the trip was an amazing experience for everyone involved and was a culmination of years of planning, dedication, and determination.
“I think [the trip] just inspired them,” said Kheissy.
“They’re putting all these hours in, and they got to see what’s out there for the world of dance and what opportunities they can have as they get older.”
The group rehearsed for months leading up to the trip, attending regular Friday night rehearsals from Term 4 last year.
“I’m really proud of what we all achieved, but really proud of the kids,” said Kheissy.
“We had people just stopping to watch them and congratulating them and saying how amazing they were, so it was really quite an honour to watch them.”
During the trip, the dancers had the opportunity to perform in Disneyland’s Main St Parade, attended a backstage workshop at Disney, and participated in a workshop at Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.
“It brought lifelong memories and community building,” said Kheissy.
“I was watching them all and I just couldn’t believe what they achieved in the short time that we did it.”
Kheissy said the support of the wider studio community was essential in making the trip a possibility.
“We definitely wouldn’t be able to offer these kinds of opportunities without our community and the support of the families and teachers,” said Kheissy.
Following the success of the US tour, Kheissy said the studio is looking forward to future travel opportunities, both abroad and interstate.
First published in the Mornington News – 26 May 2026
