A talented Perth performer is about to step into a real-life fairy tale, trading Western Australia for the magical world of Disneyland Paris. Tory Kendrick, a 25-year-old singer and dancer, has landed her dream job as a Disney princess and parade performer at the iconic European theme park, fulfilling a childhood ambition that has driven her creative journey.
From Perth Parties to Parisian Princess Dreams
Kendrick's path to becoming a Disney princess began in her teenage years, when she spent weekends dressing up as a princess entertainer for children's parties in Perth. This early experience ignited a passion for performance that would eventually lead her across the globe. "I've always said that I want to work at Disneyland," Kendrick revealed, expressing both excitement and nervous anticipation about meeting her childhood idol in person.
The Audition Journey Across Continents
Despite applying online multiple times without success, Kendrick's determination never wavered. While working in Europe for nine months last year, she seized the opportunity to audition in person, flying to Ireland to try out for three different characters. Her persistence paid off when she received the job offer at the end of the audition day, marking a significant breakthrough in her performing career.
"Part of me is like, 'don't meet your idol', if that makes sense?" Kendrick confessed. "I'm like, 'I'm going to Disneyland in Paris.' I hope it is chalked up to what it is. I'm sure it's going to be amazing, it's something I've always wanted to do."
A Magical Full Circle Moment
Kendrick's connection to Disneyland Paris runs deeper than just professional opportunity. She visited the park just days before her audition, describing the experience as "just like walking into a storybook, every detail is so particular." This visit made her upcoming role feel even more surreal and meaningful.
The young performer will begin her princess life in Paris on February 24, embracing what she describes as one of her dream locations to live. "I'm excited just to go experience a new culture, a new place, learn a language," she said. "I'll make sure I brush up on my French before I get there, and hopefully I'll learn a lot once I'm there."
Overcoming Perth's Performance Challenges
Kendrick's success highlights the challenges facing Perth's entertainment community, where securing full-time performing work is "pretty much unheard of" according to the artist. Like many Australian performers, she found herself pursuing opportunities overseas where the industry offers more accessible career paths.
Before landing the Disneyland Paris position, Kendrick worked as a singer and dancer in a dinner show in Greece for six months, continuing her pattern of seeking international opportunities. Her diverse experience includes working as a showgirl, performing cabaret, and entertaining at nightclubs, building a versatile skill set that ultimately helped her secure the Disney role.
Community Support and Career Milestones
The Perth entertainment community has rallied behind Kendrick's achievement, with the performer noting unprecedented social media engagement. "I have never had so many likes on an Instagram post in my life," she shared. "Everyone's so excited. Again, I think a lot of people know that this is something that I've wanted to do for a long time."
In a remarkable twist of fate, Kendrick received two Disney-related job offers within 24 hours. Shortly after securing the Paris position, she booked a separate role with Disney UK, creating what she described as "the craziest 24 hours of my life." This double success underscores both her talent and the international demand for skilled performers.
As Kendrick prepares to embark on her European adventure, she represents the growing number of Australian performers finding success on international stages. Her journey from Perth children's parties to Disneyland Paris serves as inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere, proving that with persistence and talent, childhood dreams can indeed become reality.
