For Rachel Jacobucci, “professional dancer/world wanderer” isn’t just an Instagram bio—it’s her reality. With a background honed at The Governor’s School for the Arts and American Ballet Theatre National Training Scholar program, followed by dance and English studies at Butler University, Jacobucci’s career has taken her across the globe. From Atlantis Paradise Island to Busch Gardens and Holland America Line, she’s graced stages worldwide. Her latest role, however, brought her to a land of enchantment unlike any other: Tokyo Disneyland. For a year, she immersed herself in the magic of Tokyo, and we got a glimpse into her life during one of her final weeks. Here’s a diary of a week in the life of a dancer in Japan, offering insights into the dedication, joy, and unique experiences of performing in Tokyo Disneyland.
Balancing Performance and Personal Time: The Daily Rhythm of a Tokyo Dancer
My days typically begin a good three hours before I need to be at work. This time is precious for me, a moment to center myself before the day’s performances begin. Some mornings, like Tuesday, March 26th, I focus on journaling and meditation, enjoying a relaxed breakfast and coffee. Other days are about physical preparation. I might head to the gym for cross-training, catch up on reading, or call family and friends back home. About 90 minutes before my call time, the work day officially starts as I head in to get my makeup done and begin warming up my body for the shows ahead.
The show I perform in, One Man’s Dream II: The Magic Lives On, has been a staple at Tokyo Disneyland since 2004. It’s a wonderful production that takes the audience on a journey through Disney’s animation history, starting with classic black and white cartoons and moving through beloved scenes from various Disney films. During rehearsals, learning the choreography and getting to know my fellow dancers was a fantastic bonding experience.
The Show Must Go On: Dancing Through the Elements in Tokyo
Wednesday, March 27th, was a reminder of the challenges of outdoor performances. The day was long and notably cold. Performing outside means we’re constantly adapting to the weather, but the cast is incredibly supportive, and we motivate each other to deliver our best performance regardless of the conditions. I often joke that this is the closest I’ll ever get to a regular 9-to-5 dance job, though some days definitely stretch longer than that!
Dancers at Tokyo DisneySea’s Raging Spirits roller coaster enjoying a break
The consistency of this long-term contract is both comforting and, at times, demanding. Performing the same show repeatedly, often in unpredictable weather, requires a conscious effort to maintain artistry in every performance. To keep each show fresh, I make it a point to connect with the audience, seeking out new faces and interactions. On this particular day, spotting a little girl dressed as Wendy from Peter Pan and seeing her face light up when I smiled at her was a truly heartwarming moment – those are the interactions that make it all worthwhile, reminding me of the magic we bring to our audience as dancers in Japan.
Fueling the Performance: Japanese Snacks and Cross-Training
By Thursday, March 28th, the middle of the week, a little boost is definitely needed. A fun Tokyo Disney secret is that we dancers are fueled by a delightful array of chocolate and Japanese snacks. Our dressing room often has a communal pile of treats, sometimes enriched by snacks brought back from our travels. My personal favorites include flavored almonds from Korea, mochi, and those addictive little chocolate chip cookies called Country Ma’am that are everywhere in Japanese convenience stores. And of course, we can never resist snacks brought from home – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are always a welcome sight! Dancing as much as we do requires a lot of energy, and these snacks are definitely a key to keeping our energy levels up.
American dancer picking up snacks at a Japanese konbini for energy
Friday, March 29th, highlights the importance of physical maintenance in a demanding performance schedule. Throughout this contract, I’ve learned how crucial cross-training and physical therapy are, especially given the repetitive nature of our daily routines. I make time for the gym about three times a week for weight lifting, running, rowing, and extra stretching. In between shows, quick ballet barre workouts or ab sessions with fellow dancers are common. Tokyo also offers fantastic dance class opportunities, and many of us take advantage of classes on our days off. Even within our apartment complex, dancers from different Tokyo Disney shows often organize classes for each other. It’s a fantastic way to stay in top form and connect with the broader dancer community in Tokyo.
Dancer visiting Tokyo DisneySea’s Arabian Coast during free time
Beyond the Stage: Community and Culture in Tokyo
Saturday, March 30th, was a day filled with great performances, but it also underscored the rich life outside of work that Tokyo offers. I’ve built connections with people from other Tokyo Disney casts, as well as both American expats and local Japanese friends. These connections have led to incredible experiences and friendships. That evening, I met up with a Japanese friend for yakitori, a traditional skewered meat dish often enjoyed in social settings after work. It’s these cultural exchanges and local experiences that enrich my life as a dancer in Japan beyond just the performances.
Dancer sharing a meal with Japanese friends, experiencing local culture
Navigating Tokyo: Errands and Everyday Adventures
Sunday, March 31st, if I’m not traveling, is typically for chores. This Sunday was errand day. Tokyo is surprisingly easy to navigate; most signs are multilingual, including English, and communication is usually manageable even with my basic Japanese. Surprisingly, ballet mime has been incredibly useful for ordering ramen! My biggest challenge on public transport, which is remarkably quiet in Japan, is controlling my performer’s volume – it tends to emerge at the most inappropriate times! My errands took me to Harajuku for makeup, Omotesando for shoes, and the shopping complex near my apartment for groceries. Even everyday tasks become mini-adventures in Tokyo.
Dancer waiting for the JR Keiyo Line train, experiencing Tokyo public transport
Exploring Japan and Beyond: Weekends of Adventure
Monday, April 1st, my second day off, is reserved for bigger adventures! With more extended time off, nearby hot springs are easily accessible via a short Shinkansen ride, and affordable tickets to neighboring countries are always tempting. Over the past year, I’ve climbed Mount Fuji, visited a friend in South Korea, seen snow monkeys in Nagano, enjoyed high tea in Hong Kong, relaxed at a hot spring in Nikko, and even surfed in Indonesia.
Dancer enjoying Sakura (cherry blossoms) in Tokyo during Hanami
This Monday was spent enjoying hanami in the relaxed neighborhood of Nakameguro, a Japanese tradition of appreciating the cherry blossoms. It’s definitely one of the aspects of working in Japan I’ll miss the most. Dancing at Tokyo Disney Resort has been a dream come true, and this past year has been a period of immense personal and professional growth. Being a dancer in Japan, particularly at Tokyo Disneyland, has been an unforgettable chapter in my journey as a performer and a world wanderer.
