The Virgin Valley High School VVettes dance team recently experienced a dream come true as they performed in a Disneyland parade on Saturday, March 7, representing their school, community and the state of Nevada on one of the most iconic stages in the world.

The team was invited to participate after organizers recognized the VVettes for their strong reputation, performance quality, dance technique and the way the dancers represent their school and community. The invitation was a special honor for the program, and after their successful performance, the team has already been invited back to perform in the winter holiday parade later this year.

The trip began early Friday morning, as the team departed Mesquite at 6 a.m. Supportive parents volunteered to drive and chaperone alongside the two coaches, helping the group travel safely to Southern California for the special opportunity.

Months of preparation went into making the trip possible. Coaches, dancers and families worked through extensive paperwork, logistics and fundraising efforts. The team expressed gratitude to the community members who supported their car washes and other fundraising activities. Additional fundraisers are planned this summer as the team prepares to return for the holiday parade.

After arriving in California, the dancers enjoyed a beach day at Huntington Beach. The breezy but warm weather provided a perfect afternoon to walk along the shore, search for seashells, take photos and enjoy time together as a team. While the ocean water was too cold for much swimming, the beach day created lasting memories. Later that evening, the team visited Main Street for a little shopping before settling into their rooms at the Majestic Hotel near Disneyland.

Early Saturday morning the dancers gathered for breakfast before heading to rehearsal. The VVettes were assigned to Team Mickey, meaning they were among the first groups to rehearse the parade routine that had been sent to dancers more than six months earlier. The choreography had been practiced and refined throughout the season, including a coordination rehearsal in Las Vegas about a month prior to the event.

Preparing for the parade required endurance. With the parade route stretching nearly two miles, the VVettes practiced marching and dancing continuously on the Virgin Valley track to build stamina. During rehearsal with hundreds of dancers from across the country, participants were monitored closely, encouraged to stay hydrated and provided snacks to maintain their energy.

Every aspect of the performance was overseen by the Disney Corporation. Uniforms had to be identical and approved in advance, with photos and videos submitted throughout the preparation process. Professional photographers documented the experience as dancers practiced maintaining bright smiles while performing from every angle for the large crowds lining the parade route.

Following rehearsal, Team Mickey took professional group photos while Team Minnie practiced.

The VVettes also welcomed a special guest performer for the day, a junior from Riverside, California. The team had connected with him through Instagram beforehand and brought him a green shirt to match their signature green spirit dresses. Wearing black pants, he marched alongside the team as a solo performer but was warmly welcomed as part of the VVettes family. The new friendship will continue when the dancers reunite for the winter performance.

For many of the senior VVettes, the trip marked their first time traveling to California as a team. A beach day had been a longtime dream among the dancers, making the experience even more meaningful.

While the dancers prepared for the parade, the coaches found a viewing location between the Matterhorn and Sleeping Beauty Castle. From there, they watched their team transform into Disney performers.

“It was like a dream come true,” said Coach Garrett. “Coach Houston and I have worked very hard over the years growing this team and giving girls opportunities to know their worth, feel valuable and be showcased as the beautiful and talented young women that they are.”

After the parade performance, the dancers changed quickly and were presented with a special Disney commemorative pin. The pins are especially meaningful for the VVettes, who collect pins as part of the team’s tradition of recognizing experiences and accomplishments.

The dancers then spent the remainder of the evening enjoying Disneyland together until the park closed at 11 p.m. To commemorate the experience, the coaches surprised the girls with personalized Mickey ears decorated with their names and “VVettes,” along with matching Disney 2026 dancer shirts.

The Disneyland performance adds to an impressive list of venues for the VVettes, who have previously performed at Real Salt Lake soccer events, the Utah Jazz arena, Allegiant Stadium for the Raiders and now, Disneyland.

With another invitation already extended for the holiday parade, the VVettes will soon begin preparing again — ready to bring their talent, dedication and team spirit back to the Happiest Place on Earth.