If you go
› What: “Disney Junior Dance Party”› Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.› When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 10› Admission: $34.50, $44.50 and $59.50› For more information: 423-757-5580
The giant Mickey DJ booth from where two DJs, Disney Junior characters and the Disney Junior Dance Crew lead kids in the audience through dance moves. (Disney/Matt Petit Photo)Sophia the First, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard and all the Disney Junior gang are stopping by the Tivoli Theatre on Tuesday, April 10, for an interactive preschool dance party unlike any Disney stage show that has passed through town before.
If you're not the parent or grandparent of a preschooler, you might not know that Disney Junior is the Disney digital cable and satellite television network geared to preschoolers and young elementary schoolchildren. In addition to injecting new life into the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the channel has launched popular characters such as Doc McStuffins, Princess Sophia and Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
"Disney Junior Dance Party" is the touring stage production that includes all these preschool pals as well as characters from new shows such as "Vampirina" and "Puppy Dog Pals." And, of course, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy will be right in the center of all their TV friends.
A state-of-the-art DJ booth with two DJs keeps the party moving, and kids are encouraged to dance in the aisles with the characters.
Doc McStuffins (Disney/Matt Petit Photo)
Mickey and Minnie Mouse (Disney/Matt Petit Photo)"The show has 22 total songs, some of them actual theme songs of the characters and others that are favorites from each of the shows. There are also two, new, original songs," says Jonathan Shank, "Disney Junior Dance Party" producer.
Shank says the show features a lot of state-of-the-art technology, with a "giant Mickey DJ booth, huge LED visuals, and a scrim screen that helps transfer the characters onto the stage."
The Disney characters are joined by the Disney Junior Dance Crew.
"There is a lot of audience interaction," Shank states. "We teach three dance moves that are used throughout the performance. One of them is called Mickey Magic."
Chattanooga is an annual stop for Disney ice-skating and stage productions, so what separates this from previous Disney tours?
"This one showcases all your favorite Disney Junior music. It's a high-energy, interactive dance party. The choreography is first-class. It's just a really unique production that showcases all of Disney Junior's greatest characters," Shank replies.
He advises parents that the performance includes a 15-minute preshow and one-hour main show. There is no intermission.
But the only need-to-know factor for kids: Will they get to do the "Hot Dog Dance" with Mickey?
"There's no dance party without a good 'Hot Dog Dance,'" Shank laughs.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.