ON Christmas Day, Droitwich dancer Katy Bourne might not be tucking into turkey with her family at their home in Witton Avenue.
Instead she could be donning a colourful costume and bringing joy to thousands in a seasonal parade at
Disneyland, Paris.
Katy, who is almost 20, popped into the Advertiser office during a rare few days' break from her job at the world famous theme park.
"I may not be back in Droitwich for Christmas. I am really hoping they might let me home just for Christmas Day though," she said.
The former Droitwich Spa High School student (pictured) secured a coveted job as a dancer and performer at the park early last year. And she has proved such a hit that the Disneyland staff asked her to stay on for another season.
Much of her work involves dressing up as characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse and this summer she stared in a stage version of children's favourite Lilo and Stitch.
"I played either Lilo or Stitch because they are the small parts," laughed the petite dancer.
This Christmas she will be one of about 50 other performers taking part in the daily Fantillusion Parade. There is also a chance she could be picked to star in Mickey Mouse's winter ice show.
Katy is also perfecting her language skills and has made friends with many of the other performers, who are British, French or Polish.
She shares an apartment, situated between Disneyland and the centre of Paris, with two other girls who work at the park.
"Paris is wonderful, especially the shopping," she laughed.
Katy trained in ballet and modern dance for eight years and is a pupil of Jane Chance, at the Crescent Ballet School in Worcester.
It was Jane who recommended her for the Disneyland audition, which took place at the prestigious Sadler's Wells Ballet School in London.
However, Katy's career as a singer has also taken a dramatic turn while being on the continent.
She has recently recorded a rhythm and blues version of the Bee Gees classic Staying Alive which is set to be used on the soundtrack of a forthcoming Disney film.
The French version of BBC talent show, Fame Academy, called Star Academy, also plans to use the track on their latest album.
In the future Katy hopes her experience working for Disney will help secure work in the theatres of the West End.
She also has a place at Roehampton University in London where she plans to study English Language.
"It is all going very well at the moment," she added.
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