Siane Wilson: When Dreams Come True

“A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartaches. Whatever you wish for, you keep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true.” -Cinderella

Siane Wilson was attending Clark Atlanta University in the spring of 2012. Having always wanted to follow her dreams of performing on Broadway, she began researching performing arts’ auditions at the school’s library. Siane, a longtime lover of all things Disney, was looking for Disney’s Lion King auditions.

“All it takes is Faith and Trust” - Peter Pan

To her surprise, Disney was holding auditions. Unfortunately, the auditions were being held in New York City. Traveling to New York would mean missing two days of class but she continued searching.  By chance, Siane saw a link for www.disneyauditions.com. As luck would have it, they were holding auditions in her hometown, Nashville, Tennessee. With great anticipation, Siane printed the information and dashed back to her room to call her mother, Seanne Wilson. The mother-daughter duo discussed plans for Siane to attend the Nashville auditions. Two days later, Siane was on a bus home as the auditions were that weekend. She would be able to audition for Disney without missing classes. Perfect.

On the morning of the audition, Siane and her mother arrived at the dance studio where the auditions were being held. Siane, along with 60 other young ladies, were there to give the Disney casting directors a preview of Music City’s Talent. As one would expect from Disney casting directors made the atmosphere inviting and fun! Everyone were given audition numbers. Siane was number six.

In the first round of the auditions, the hopeful Disney performers were taught a simple dance routine consisting of four eight counts. They were split into groups of four to perform the dance number with everyone watching.  After everyone finished the routine, the casting directors asked them to relax and get to know each other. After a few minutes of deliberating, the casting directors began to call out the numbers of who they wanted to stay. Siane, number six, was the second number to be called. “I was beyond excited,” exclaimed Siane!

From the initial group of sixty dancers, the girls dwindled to twelve for the second round of auditions.  During the second round, individual interviews were also given. Siane was asked about her hobbies, goals, and passions in life. Siane was interviewed on camera, filled out audition sheets, and asked to turn in her head shots and résumés. Throughout the last auditions, the final twelve were given short monologues to memorize and execute. After the monologues routines, finishing photos were taken of the divine twelve.  

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all”. –Mulan

Two long excruciating months later, Siane received a call from Disney saying that they did not have any openings, yet, but that her performance scores were very high. Disney would keep her on standby for a possible opening. When spring turned into summer, there was still no word from Disney. Not one to give up easily, Siane decided to go to another Disney audition. “If at first you do not succeed, try again,” mused Siane. Determined.

 

Disney Performers

The second Disney audition was far more intensive. There were three rounds of dancing that became increasingly more difficult. But Siane made it through every round. Again, she was told she would receive a call in a few months. Unwavering.

“Years of dreams just can't be wrong!”-Anastasia

After five months from her initial try out, Disney finally called Siane! “On October 31, 2012 to be exact,” Siane says with confidence. Disney wanted her to be a performer on their Disney Dream cruise ship and offered her a contract. Joyfully, Siane accepted. Talent combined with work ethics and determination netted results for Siane. She had to move rapidly from that point. Siane would have to leave school before the semester ended. She spoke to all of her college professors who allowed her to take her finals early. She was congratulated by Dr. Carlton Brown, President of Clark Atlanta University. “We are so proud of you,” he told her after hearing about her opportunity to work for Disney.

With passport secured and medical physicals taken, Siane said goodbye to her college family. Siane traveled home for Thanksgiving to prepare for her move to Toronto, Canada. She would spend two months in Canada rehearsing and literally learning A Hold New World. On January 27, 2013, Siane and a cast of forty-four were flown from Toronto to Port Canaveral, Florida where they began sailing the high seas. She now travels the world on a Disney Dream cruise ship and is a steadfast believer in following your heart’s desire and living out your dreams.

Disney Photos courtesy of Disney Crusie Line Media

Siane Wilson's photo by Bella Lumiere

(This article was first published in the Travel Issue of Mocha Market Magazine)