BY ALESSANDRA SFERLAZZA
Halle Bailey bared her soul at the Disney Dreamers Academy . © DISNEY
The Disney Dreamers Academy is a mentoring program for 100 outstanding high school students every year . These remarkable students , from underrepresented communities , participate in a four-day event of immersive learning at Walt Disney World Resort .
Each year , a celebrity ambassador mentors the young Dreamers throughout the program . Halle Bailey fulfilled this role for the Disney Dreamers Academy class of 2023 .
Bailey is a five-time Grammy nominee and talented actress . She won audiences ’ hearts as Ariel in the live-action version of Disney ’ s The Little Mermaid earlier this year , and she made an impression on this year ’ s Dreamers . During the welcome celebration , the students jumped out of their seats to applaud when she joined the hosts on stage . Bailey also led the Disney Dreamers Parade at Magic Kingdom , alongside Princess Tiana and Tracey Powell , the Chief Executive Champion of the Disney Dreamers Academy .
She also shared advice for Dreamers who want a career in entertainment : “ Keep going . Don ’ t let anybody stop you . Don ’ t let the negativity get to you … Keep your head up and sacrifice for what you want . If you ’ re passionate and driven , you can do it .”
Throughout the weekend , Bailey spoke at many events . She also made a special appearance at a Career Deep Dive session at The Seas with Nemo and Friends . There , she invited two Dreamers ( aspiring filmmakers ) to join her on the red carpet at the world premiere of The Little Mermaid .
Disney held this year ’ s event two weeks after The Little Mermaid trailer debuted , so we were excited to ask Bailey how it felt to experience fans ’ excitement .
“ It ’ s an immensely surreal feeling to know that people ’ s reactions to the trailer are so positive . It makes me really , really happy ,” she told us . “ I ’ m in a state of shock a lot of the time . When I see the babies react , that kills me the most . I just start sobbing .”
Bailey invited two Dreamers to join her on the red carpet ! © DISNEY