Discipline and big dreams are the norm for Liane, a Disneyland Resort cast member, performing arts professional and 2022 Disney Aspire graduate.

Liane started her Disneyland Resort career in 2015 in the Disney College Program and has since leveraged her love for dance and the performing arts in roles in Entertainment, Parades, Guest Talent and more. She completed her academic courses in March for her master’s degree in teaching from Purdue University and is already bringing some of her dreams to life. Liane recently joined the newly branded Disney Imagination Campus  the West Coast as a coordinator and facilitator for its youth performing arts and education programs, where students learn from renowned clinicians and master teaching artists within their discipline.

“As coordinators, we host performing arts groups from school and community organizations, and also operate as facilitators of groups participating in our educational workshops,” Liane said. “I knew Disney Imagination Campus would be the perfect place to apply my background in performing arts and passion for education, while contributing toward creating an experience that inspires the next generation of artists, leaders and innovators.”

When she is not making magic for Disney Imagination Campus students, Liane teaches youth at a local dance academy. “Ballet absolutely has my heart. I believe it is the fundamental dance form,” she said. “The technique, the discipline and the passion that you have in ballet is transferable to all other styles of dance.”

Liane knew she wanted to continue her higher education after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Theater in 2015, with the hope of one day teaching performing arts at the college level.

“When I was in undergrad, one of my professors asked me to be her teaching assistant for the 100-level dance classes, and that’s when I really decided that I wanted to be a dance teacher,” she said. Since the state of California did not offer a dance credential at the time, Liane jumped at the opportunity to apply for the online program offered by Disney Aspire, which, for eligible hourly cast, pays full tuition up front and reimburses fees.

Liane is excited about bringing her passion for teaching dance to life in her new role, and hopes to inspire performers, instructors and choreographers like herself.

“What I would say to anybody considering any Aspire program, especially a master’s, is ‘go for it,’” Liane shared. “We have a wonderful company that is willing to support our goals, and there’s something for everybody. If you have the interest, you have the passion.”

(The news and editorial staff were not involved in the preparation of this article sponsored by an advertiser)