For many girls, playing a Disney princess is a childhood dream – but for the soon to be 23-year-old Marisia Zapantis, it is now her reality.
The Greek-Australian dancer recently made the move from Melbourne to Japan to join the cast of Tokyo DisneyLand, where she will step into the shoes of the beloved Disney princesses for thousands of visitors everyday.
“Growing up already in love with Disney and its movies and songs from childhood has always inspired me to wonder if Disneyland could ever be an opportunity within my reach,” Zapantis said.
Growing up in Melbourne, Zapantis began dancing at the age of four at Dancestruck Studios in Clayton South. Over the years she began to train in various dance styles, her Full Time dance training was completed at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. To this day, the well-rounded dancer specialises in the styles of Commercial, Heels and Musical Theatre.
After many years training and performing, she secured a contract with Tokyo Disneyland where she is now training to become a Disney Princess.
“Receiving the offer to perform for Tokyo Disney Resort has been the most rewarding experience in my entire performing career yet! To be able to do what I love, love what I do and get to do it full time is a job I will never take for granted,” Zapantis said.
The road to Tokyo Disneyland isn’t an easy one. The audition process acts as a waiting game, leaving the auditionees not knowing what to start preparing for their future. Zapantis said she was fortunate enough to receive an offer in just over a month.
The dancer describes her experience settling into Japan as “a very smooth sailing process so far”.
The Disney Princess training, however, does present some challenges,such as mastering the art of princess performance skills and Improvisation techniques.
Zapantis’s days from April onwards will be jam-packed at the resort, with performances, meet and greets, parades and much more.
For the moment, she is undergoing orientation processes, costume fittings and rehearsals. On her days off, she embraces exploring her new home in Tokyo, seeing the city and trying all the best food spots.
Coming from a supportive Greek family, emotions ran high for Miss Zapantis and her family once she left for Tokyo.
“My family are very proud and know I should follow the path God intended for me,” Zapantis said.
Despite living in Japan Greek faith and traditions still play a prominent part in the dancer’s life and she has gone to visit the Holy Resurrection Cathedral of St Nikolai.
“I received advice from my priest on which Orthodox churches we commune with in Tokyo. I am hoping to light a candle and sit in a service soon,” Miss Zapantis said.
The dancer’s paternal grandfather was from Skala, Kefalonia and grandmother was from Lesvos. Her mum was born and raised in a small village near Sparta until moving to Melbourne at the age of fourteen.
Zapantis’s family is expecting her home after fifteen months.
“I will decide upon being home what else is worth working towards, domestically or overseas,” Zapantis said.
Zapantis is truly so excited for her Tokyo Disney debut performance and can only imagine it to be the most magical feeling.
