Finding the Magic in Movement
BTS on Disney Night and how I maintain my routine while travelling!
Hi Friends,
If you know me, you know that Disney Night on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) has always held such a special place in my heart! The costumes, the choreography, the joy of performing, it was always one of my favorite weeks on the show. There’s something about Disney music that brings out everyone’s inner child. It reminds us to have fun and believe in a little magic, which is something I try to bring into my life today!
Disney Night Over The Years
When I think back on my time on DWTS, two Disney Night performances stand out for very different reasons!
The first was my Foxtrot with Jordan Fisher to “You’re Welcome” from Moana. It’s one of those routines that just came together perfectly; the choreography, the energy, the joy. I also love it now because it’s become one Sage and June’s favorites. They know every word to the song, and we’ll pull it up on YouTube and watch it together! Seeing their faces light up while I’m dancing on screen makes it that much more special. We even scored 10’s across the board!
The second one, a little more chaotic, was my Charleston with DeMarcus Ware to “A Star Is Born” from Hercules. I was dressed as Meg, purple dress, big hair, the whole thing! In the middle of the dance, my shoe strap actually broke! And if you know that routine, you know there were flips, tricks, and even a cartwheel! I was literally praying that shoe wouldn’t fly off. Somehow it stayed on, the number went great, and now it’s one of my most memorable (and slightly stressful) Disney Nights ever! We scored two 9’s and one 8!
The best part about watching DWTS this time around was getting to experience it through Sage’s eyes. She sat front row at the show, cheering like her life depended on it! She even had her own memorable moment on screen, and her death stare makes me laugh every time I see it! At one point, when Rylee and her partner Scott were standing next to Alfonso getting their scores, Sage kept calling out, “Scott! Scott!” trying to get his attention. I had to tell her to be quiet because they were literally on live TV getting their scores. It was such a funny, full-circle moment watching my sister perform while my daughter was totally starstruck!
The Magic of Moving Your Body
Disney Week was always one of the most physically demanding weeks of the entire season.
Not only are you teaching your partner the choreography for your number, but every pro is also part of a huge opening number that requires tons of extra rehearsals. That means long days, double rehearsals, and tired bodies.
On top of that, a lot of couples film their pre-show packages (the interview shown before each dance on show night) at Disneyland, which sounds like a dream, but it’s a full-day shoot followed by a rehearsal. So yes, Disney Night is magical, but it’s also exhausting! It tests you mentally and physically, but the energy of it all makes every sore muscle worth it in the end.
Even though I’m not performing live every week anymore, I still chase that same feeling and that combination of adrenaline, joy, and movement that performing gave me. For me, that comes from my dance cardio classes in The Movement Club.
There’s something about moving to choreography, focusing on steps, rhythm, and music that pulls you out of your head. You forget how hard you’re working because you’re just having fun! It’s that same “performance high” I used to get on stage, just in a different form.
Movement: Then vs Now!
When I was on DWTS, my body was my tool. It had to perform, lift, and move in really specific ways; my fitness was all about function.
Now, as a mom, fitness feels completely different. It’s not about looking a certain way or performing a certain way, it’s about giving myself time for me. Moving my body helps me reset mentally and emotionally so I can show up as a better mom, wife, and sister. Of course, the physical benefits are great, but that’s not my main motivation anymore. I move because it makes me feel grounded, strong, and patient; which, if you’re a parent, you know is everything.
Whether I’m traveling or just having one of those low-energy days, my focus is on consistency over perfection. I remind myself that I’ll always feel better afterward, even if I only move for 10 minutes. When I’m traveling, I love doing my shorter Movement Club workouts because they fit perfectly into my day without feeling overwhelming.
It’s not about the length of your workout; it’s about showing up for yourself in whatever way you can!
Disney Night will always remind me why I love what I do, because at its core, it’s about joyful movement. That same energy lives in every workout, every dance around the kitchen with my girls, every early morning when I roll out my mat.
You don’t need a stage or sequins to feel that magic. You just need to move!
Love,
Lindsay
Disney nights is one of my favs to watch. I think it’s just so special that it’s a night for little kids & grown adults to get together and just enjoy the dances/ new & old Disney! 🩷✨