Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses
Dive into the enchanting world of “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses,” a beloved animated film from 2006 that continues to captivate audiences with its magical story and memorable characters. Directed by Greg Richardson, this movie brings to life a tale of twelve princesses, a secret kingdom, and the power of family. Let’s explore the talented cast who lent their voices to these iconic characters and made this Barbie adventure truly special.
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses poster
Synopsis: A Dance into Magic
In “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses,” we are introduced to King Randolph and his twelve daughters, led by the kind and adventurous Princess Genevieve. Concerned about his daughters’ seemingly un-royal behavior, King Randolph enlists the help of his strict cousin, Duchess Rowena. Rowena arrives and immediately bans everything the princesses love, especially their joyful dancing. However, the princesses discover a hidden passage in their castle that leads to a breathtaking, magical kingdom where they can dance freely every night. As they navigate this secret world, they uncover a plot by Duchess Rowena to usurp the kingdom, and must work together, using their unique talents and sisterly bond, to save their father and their realm. This movie is a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming family values, all set to beautiful music and stunning animation.
The Royal Cast: Voice Actors Behind the Princesses and More
The voice cast of “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses” is filled with talented actors who brought depth and personality to each character. Here’s a closer look at the main cast members:
- Kelly Sheridan as Genevieve (voice): Sheridan, a veteran voice actress in the Barbie franchise, perfectly captures Genevieve’s courageous and compassionate spirit, the eldest sister who leads her siblings.
- Catherine O’Hara as Duchess Rowena (voice): The iconic Catherine O’Hara lends her distinctive voice to the villainous Duchess Rowena, making her both menacing and memorable.
- Christopher Gaze as King Randolph (voice): Gaze portrays King Randolph with warmth and vulnerability, showing his love for his daughters and his struggle to understand them.
- Nicole Oliver as Ashlyn / Twyla (voice): Oliver voices two characters, Ashlyn, one of the twelve princesses, and Twyla, a pet.
- Lalainia Lindbjerg as Courtney (voice): Lindbjerg gives voice to Courtney, another of the dancing princesses.
- Kathleen Barr as Delia (voice): Barr voices Delia, adding to the ensemble of princesses.
- Adrienne Carter as Fallon (voice): Carter brings Fallon to life, another sister in the royal family.
- Chantal Strand as Lacey (voice): Strand voices Lacey, contributing to the diverse personalities of the twelve princesses.
- Britt McKillip as Janessa (voice): McKillip voices Janessa, further enriching the sisterly dynamic.
- Maddy Capozzi as Kathleen (voice): Capozzi voices Kathleen, completing the set of twelve princesses.
- Ashleigh Ball as Hadley / Ilsa (voice): Ball voices twins Hadley and Ilsa, adding a unique element to the princess lineup.
- Chiara Zanni as Edeline (voice): Zanni voices Edeline, another of the twelve sisters.
- Jennifer Copping as Blair (voice): Copping voices Blair, adding to the vibrant cast of princesses.
- Shawn Macdonald as Derek (voice): Macdonald voices Derek, a key supporting character in Genevieve’s journey.
- Garry Chalk as Desmond (voice): Chalk voices Desmond, another supporting character.
- Gabe Khouth as Felix (voice): Khouth voices Felix, contributing to the film’s character ensemble.
- Peter Kelamis as Brutus (voice): Kelamis voices Brutus.
This ensemble cast worked together to create a rich audio landscape for the film, making each character distinct and contributing to the overall charm of “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses.”
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
Beyond the voice actors, a talented team worked behind the scenes to bring this magical world to life:
- Director: Greg Richardson
- Producers: Shea Wageman, Shelley Tabbut, Jesyca C. Durchin, Jennifer Twiner McCarron
- Writers: Elana Lesser, Cliff Ruby, based on the original work by Ruth Handler
- Composer: Arnie Roth, who created the film’s enchanting musical score.
- Studios: Mainframe Entertainment, Mattel Entertainment
Themes and Timeless Appeal
“Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses” explores several heartwarming themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. The movie celebrates the importance of family bonds, showcasing the unbreakable connection between sisters. It also emphasizes the value of individuality and standing up for what you believe in, even when facing adversity. The magical elements and dance sequences add a layer of fantasy and wonder, making it a truly captivating and enjoyable film for families. Its enduring popularity stems from its positive messages, beautiful animation, and the charming cast of characters, solidifying its place as a favorite in the Barbie movie collection.
Watch the Trailer
For those looking to revisit this classic or discover it for the first time, “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses” remains a delightful cinematic experience.
