Exciting waves of opportunity recently splashed onto the University of Arizona’s dance floor, with Virgin Voyages casting agents making a landmark visit to scout potential talent for their innovative cruise ship productions. The innovative cruise line has been redefining on-board entertainment by replacing conventional Broadway performances with modern, immersive experiences, now taking their talent search to UAZ’s School of Dance.
The Virgin Voyages team’s approach to talent recruitment is as refreshing as the ocean breeze. Emphasizing comprehensive representation and diversity, they are pioneering a new era of inclusivity in cruise ship entertainment. Size, color, gender – these traditional confines have no bearing on their search. The guiding principle, as per their website, is simple and encouraging: “You think you’re the wrong size, color, gender…whatever, you’re not. We want you. Show up, show us your stuff and let’s have some fun.”
The initiative for this groundbreaking collaboration was sparked by Visiting Assistant Professor Gianni Howell, whose recent experience aboard a Virgin Voyage cruise left a lasting impression. “After attending a Virgin Voyage cruise this past winter and after witnessing the entertainment on board, I knew I had to bring the team in,” stated Howell. Recognizing the tremendous potential for UAZ dancers to excel in such a diverse and vibrant environment, he swiftly arranged the audition.
The UAZ dancers certainly rose to the occasion, leaving an indelible mark on the Virgin Voyages team. “The UAZ auditionees were strong dancers with confidence and individual style. We are excited to see them continue to learn and flourish in their education and careers,” lauded the Virgin Voyages Casting. Their impression was not merely based on the dancers’ current abilities, but also recognized their growth potential, which speaks volumes about the high-quality training and nurturing environment provided at the University of Arizona School of Dance.
This successful audition has set the stage for a promising partnership between Virgin Voyages and UAZ Dance, marking a significant milestone in the dancers’ journey. It is the dawn of an exciting new chapter, not only for the auditionees but for the UAZ dance community as a whole. The blend of traditional training with groundbreaking opportunities such as this ensures that our dancers are prepared to leap into a diverse range of professional settings. The world is their stage, and they are ready to dance.