Illuminate Takes the Stage at Disney California Adventure
This month, the Illuminate Performing Company of Aspire did something few young artists ever get to do: they took the stage at Disney California Adventure Park.
Illuminate spent months preparing a full set of songs for this performance. When the time came, we packed up a few vans and made the drive from St. George to Anaheim for a five-day experience built around one goal — performing at a level we could be proud of, in front of an audience well outside our hometown. We were also grateful to have friends from the Aspire Performing Company group and their families join us for the trip.
## Day One: Arrival
The first day was about getting there in one piece. After a long drive and some genuinely wild winds, we made a quick stop at the beach before checking in. Dinner came early, and so did lights out. The next day was the one we’d been working toward, and everyone knew it.
## Day Two: Showtime
We started with a rope drop at Radiator Springs Racers, got in a few rides, and then it was time to focus. The artists prepared, and the performance was everything we’d hoped for.
We are incredibly proud of these young performers — of their preparation, their talent, and the dedication they brought to every song. The performance spoke for itself. Even the technicians on site remarked that it was one of the best they’d seen. There’s something special about delivering a show that strong for a brand-new audience, and our artists rose to it.
The rest of the day was earned. The group split time between California Adventure and Disneyland — rides, laughing, great food, and the kind of fun that only happens when a team has just nailed something big together.
## Day Three: Disneyland
The final full day was all about Disneyland and time together as a group, with the artists’ director, Kelby, and the rest of our team, Shannon and Leslie. We’re grateful for the chance to work alongside these young artists, their families, and a team that makes experiences like this possible.
## Looking Ahead
Trips like this are a reminder of what the performing arts make possible. They give our artists the chance to travel, to perform on a real stage in front of a unique audience, and to share something with the people around them — to showcase their talent and to bring joy through music and song.
We’re proud of what Illuminate accomplished in California, and we’re already looking forward to the next trip.
