In 2021, a slight misunderstanding about an open casting call for Irish dancers landed Riverdance stars Ciara Sexton and Ruth Charles roles in Disney’s newest musical adventure, Disenchanted.
Taking place ten years after the original film, Disenchanted explores what happens after the happily ever after – when Giselle begins questioning her own happiness, she unknowingly turns the world upside down for those around her.
The long awaited sequel to the 2007 film Enchanted will also feature Irish dancers alongside Hollywood stars such as Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey.
“Misinterpreting a casting call that said ‘Irish dancers wanted’ led to a shaky self tape, a live audition and an amazing opportunity to dance with and learn from some of the most talented individuals I have ever met”, Ciara posted to her Instagram feed along with a clip of the film trailer.
When Ciara responded to the casting call, she later realised that Disney was not necessarily looking for just Irish dancers, but Irish people who were trained in any styles of dance, since they were auditioning and filming in Ireland.
Nonetheless, the news spread throughout the Irish dance community and resulted in a few successful auditions who play extras in the film.
The Irish Dance Globe spoke with Ciara about her experience, which she recounted as “an amazing opportunity”.
She said filming was “absolutely fantastic”, adding that there were “long days”, but “so much to take in during the time we were on set. It was so educational”.
Not only is there an all-star ensemble of cast members involved, but dancers were able to work with director, choreographer, and former So You Think You Can Dance judge Adam Shankman.
“Watching Adam Shankman and his team work was a privilege,” Ciara said, adding: “I’d do it all again in a heartbeat”.
Speaking to The Irish Dance Globe, Ruth said she ended up earning the role of stand-in for lead actress Maya Rudolph’s character Malvina, as well as being her body double for a day.
Ruth commented on the experience, saying: “I got to be there during all of [Maya Rudolph’s] scenes and it taught me a lot of what happens before anyone says ‘action’.
“I had to watch Maya and other cast members rehearse scenes and when they left set to get ready I stood in position and moved accordingly, reenacting the scene that was just rehearsed”.
Ruth explained that the purpose of this role was to make sure that the scenes were set up and ready to go for when the main actors were ready to perform. “This is done to set and test out camera positioning, lighting, eye lines, and camera angles, so that when it’s time to roll camera the cast have nothing to worry about going wrong.”
“I’m so excited to see the magic brought to life onscreen this Thanksgiving,” she added.
Another Irish professional dancer, Adam Fogarty, posted on Instagram last year about being cast in the film.
“If you told 10-year-old Adam he would be in the sequel to Enchanted, he would’ve passed out,” he wrote on Instagram.
“So excited to be a part of “Disenchanted” with the BEST TEAM of dancers.
Irish dance teacher and choreographer Belinda Murphy, who also worked on the film, wrote on Instagram: “Incredibly proud to have been involved. Definitely a pinch me moment. Wait till you see these dancers and stunning choreography.”
We are sure that the Irish dance community will be some of the first to catch its premiere.
Disenchanted is out on Disney+ on November 24, 2022.
