Shenandoah Dance Alum Travels the Globe Aboard the Disney Fantasy

By Jace Gibson ’26

In summer 2025, Alexa Guadagnoli ’24 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance) began a contract as a performer for Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Fantasy. On board, she performed in a variety of shows as it sailed both European waters and the Bahamas. Below, Guadagnoli describes her yearlong adventure, and her “suite life” spent on the deck of a cruise ship.

Describe the experience of living on a cruise ship. Are there any particular experiences that stand out? What about your experience was unexpected?

Learning how to live on a ship was a huge adjustment at first! We started our contract in Europe and it was my first time being very far away from friends and family. However, my cast-mates and fellow crew members quickly became a second family, and I’ve made friendships that I’ll take with me for many years to come.

Ship life does come with a lot of really cool perks, too. Since August, I have visited 10 countries, and have made friends from literally all over the world, and get to perform and interact with thousands of excited guests each cruise. Additionally, I got to stay on the ship while it underwent a monthlong dry dock in France. This is when a ship gets major improvements done, and I worked as part of a safety team. I got to live on the ship while it was taken out of the water, and learned some French in the nearby town, too!

What was your experience working for Disney? Were there any particularly ‘magical’ moments that come to mind?

I have loved my time with Disney. They put so much time, thought, and creativity into their productions, and getting to be a part of a company so well-known for entertainment has been really neat to experience. Everyone here cares so much about what they do and it makes doing my job all the more exciting each day. I mean, I got to perform alongside Mickey Mouse himself every Pirate Night (a themed deck party with fireworks at sea), so how could I not have a great time? Seeing kids light up during the shows is one of my favorite parts of performing here. They always get so excited to see and hear their favorite characters and songs onstage, and that energy is so special and infectious! 

How did your time as a student at Shenandoah University prepare you for this step in your career?

Shenandoah prepared me so well to step into the giant that is Disney Live Entertainment. Shenandoah’s dance program taught me so much about how to retain choreography quickly and how to carry myself in a rehearsal and audition room, just to name a few. However, one of the most important things I was encouraged to do was to be my most genuine self in any artistic/professional setting. That skill alone not only helps me perform better, but also to have fun even in settings that are new and unfamiliar.

To learn more about Shenandoah Conservatory and its academic programs, visit su.edu/conservatory.