Cosplayer Traci Hines as Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Cosplayer. Singer. Actress. Model. Traci Hines does it all.
What Traci is best known for are her music videos as one of Disney’s most iconic heroines, Ariel, from The Little Mermaid. Traci puts her soul (and her voice) into her music videos and it feels like you’re watching the animated films, coming to life.
It’s obvious, by watching the music videos, that music and cosplay are Traci’s passions. Which is an inspiring thing to see!
Traci’s videos blossomed on Youtube, where she took her love of singing and cosplay and blended the two seamlessly. After every music video, Traci personally thanks everyone who made it possible. Which makes them all the more special.
She embraces her fans with a whole heart and even takes their requests for her music videos.
Traci encourages her fans to share their voice to be unafraid to do so. Which is powerful. When we find our voice, we find our inner power and believe in yourself. Traci understands, that everyone’s journey has its own ups and downs, and is always willing to be a beacon of light, hope, and inspiration in her Instagram stories and posts. She’s unfiltered and raw in her own struggles and is there for her fans, reading every comment and always encouraging her fans to chase their dreams. That’s a blessing!
Traci is truly gifted in the art of storytelling with her music videos and cosplays. To be honest, the cosplay world, wouldn’t be the same without her.
Thank you Traci, for blessing us with your voice, music videos, and cosplays! You’re an inspiration to all of us!
Sierra Boggess as Ariel in the Broadway Adaptation of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. Production Photo by Joan Marcus.
For those who truly know me, know that Sierra Boggess has been an inspiration of mine since 2008. That year, Sierra originated the role as Ariel and made her Broadway debut in Disney’s stage musical adaption of The Little Mermaid.
Something in my heart, knew that my life would change forever when I purchased the soundtrack (compact disc) at Border’s Bookstore. And it did. The soundtrack changed my life and to this day, it’s always on repeat. But more importantly, Sierra’s message of:
You are Enough.
You are so Enough.
It’s Unbelievable how Enough You are!
Sierra and her voice, has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams, when I had many telling me I couldn’t or I wasn’t good enough. Whenever I listen to her sing Part of Your World or If Only (Quartet), I’m reminded that our dreams are worth striving for, regardless of what others say and that making sacrifices is part of that journey.
I personally use my Light Lessons by Sierra Boggess as motivation and inspiration daily. Sierra’s Light Lesson’s are daily reminders that you can change the world with kindness and gratitude practice. That we can all lift each other up, by showing the world, our best selves and recognizing our enoughness!
So how did Sierra Boggess land the iconic role of Ariel on Broadway?
Sierra Boggess as Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Las Vegas Production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian Hotel. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.
In 2006, Sierra went to New York to audition for a new production of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas. Before she had boarded her flight, Sierra got a call that she had landed the role of Christine. It was a role of a lifetime!
As an alternate Christine, she would perform alongside Brent Barrett and Anthony Crivello as her Phantom’s. This production was directed by Hal Prince. The show opened on June 24th, 2006.
Sierra dazzled the Las Vegas stage as Christine, embodying the character’s innocence, empathy, and strength, unlike any other actress before her.
Sierra Boggess as Ariel and Sean Palmer as Prince Eric in the Disney 2008 Broadway Production of The Little Mermaid. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.
In October 2006, Sierra returned to New York to audition for Disney’s new musical The Little Mermaid for the role of Ariel. The musical would be based off of Disney’s animated film version of The Little Mermaid. Sierra unfortunately, didn’t receive a call-back for the audition, so she returned to Las Vegas, and continued to play Christine in The Phantom of the Opera.
While she was attending a yoga class in January 2007, Sierra received a call from her agent telling her to “fly to NYC in three days for a final callback for The Little Mermaid. “And that is how she got the iconic role of Ariel on Broadway!
Norm Lewis as King Triton and Sierra Boggess as Ariel in Disney’s Broadway adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.
On November 3rd, 2007 the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in NYC, Sierra Boggess made her Broadway debut as Ariel! The official opening night for the production of The Little Mermaid was January 10th, 2008.
As a fan of Sierra’s, since her Broadway debut, I don’t think she understood the impact, she would later have on musical theater and on the lives of many. I have fond memories of watching Sierra sing Part of Your World on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Tony Awards, and so many other TV programs, desperately wishing I could someday see her perform live.
Sierra received nominations from Drama Desk and Drama League and won the Broadway.com Favorite Breakthrough Performance for her role as Ariel!
Thank you Sierra Boggess, for inspiring so many and to embrace who they are! You are a true inspiration and incredible performer! And remember…You are Enough. You are so Enough. It’s unbelievable how Enough You Are!
AndrewsGrotto is a fabulous Instagram account, founded by Andrew Barry, an Ariel enthusiast from the United Kingdom.
Andrew’s love for The Little Mermaid started at a very young age, as he’s stated in his Instagram Live. His enthusiasm is contagious and sparks conversations amongst die-hard Ariel fans all across the globe.
Andrew holding the limited edition Ariel doll for the 30th anniversary of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”
He joyfully shares his Disney Park adventures at the parks on his Instagram stories.
His latest adventure was at Disneyland Paris, where he explored the park and of course, met Ariel. He shared his numerous character interactions, exploring the fine and unique Disney dining, and discovering the new Disney Parks merchandise.
Andrew at the Disney Store UK, excited to be holding new Ariel merchandise
AndrewsGrotto is very proud of his collection of all things Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Much like Ariel and her grotto, Andrew’s collection is huge. His collection includes Limited Edition dolls, open-edition dolls, pins, movie collectables, park merchandise, and so much more.
Andrew’s favorite moments with Ariel at Disney Parks
AndrewsGrotto is a wonderful fan account on Instagram that deserves so much recognition for uniting The Little Mermaid fanbase. Be a part of Andrew’s journey, by following AndrewsGrotto on Instagram. You won’t shell-regret it.
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark by Edvard Erichsen
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, pays homage to the story that put Copenhagen on the map. All thanks to fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen.
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark by Edvard Erichsen
The idea for the statue, began in 1909, when Carl Jacobsen attended a a ballet performance of The Little Mermaid with prima ballerina, Ellen Prince in the title role. He was instantly inspired to sculpt a statue, using Ellen Prince as the model. So, he hired a little known sculptor, by the name Edvard Erichsen to do the job for him.
Ballerina, Ellen Price modeled the head of the statue, while Edvard Erichsen’s wife, modeled the nude body of the little mermaid.
The sculpture, Edvard Erichsen decided to depict the little mermaid with legs and a fish tail, overlooking the sea, as a way for the mermaid to recall that she was a mermaid from the sea.
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark by Edvard Erichsen
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen is the cities biggest tourist attraction and attracts more then a million visitors per year. The statue is a little over 4-feet high and weighs 386 pounds. It is Copenhagen’s smallest attraction, yet the most popular. It’s made of bronze and had resided along the Langelinie Pier since August 23, 1913.
Every year, on August 23rd in Copenhagen, the city holds a huge celebration in honor of the statue at Langelinie Pier. People dress up in mermaid costumes and swim near the statue.
Screenshot from Disney’s The Little Mermaid beside The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, also served as inspiration for Disney in the 1989 film of The Little Mermaid. In one of the final scenes of the film, after the final battle against Ursula, Ariel is sits on a rock, gazing the shore. This was the animators homage to the statue in Copenhagen and Hans Christian Andersen.
For over a century, this remarkable statue in Copenhagen has stood proudly on Langelinie Pier.
It is a must-see for any fan of The Little Mermaid!
Disney Legend Jodi Benson at Walt Disney Studio’s in Burbank, California
This particular article is dedicated to Disney Legend: Jodi Benson, whose changed and inspired the lives of many.
Jodi is best-known for providing the talking and singing voice of Ariel in Disney’s 1989 film, The Little Mermaid.
For many of us, growing up in the 90’s, Ariel was a part of our childhood’s and memories. We danced to the unforgettable soundtrack on a cassette tape, pretended to be mermaid’s in the pool, and begged our parent’s to take us to Disney Parks, just to catch a glimpse of Ariel or if we were lucky enough, to meet her.
Ariel was one of our earliest role models, before many of us knew, what a role model was. We desired Ariel’s life, the same way, Ariel desired to explore the human world and to be on land. Jodi’s influence has transcended for a lot of fans, beyond childhood. We see Jodi Benson as an icon, inspiration, friend, and mentor. She’s helped shape the lives of many, by being as vocal, strong, and determined as Ariel. We are forever blessed to have Jodi be a part of our world. There are many of us, who are eternally grateful to Jodi, in ways, that mere words cannot describe.
If it wasn’t for Jodi Benson voicing Ariel, this blog, wouldn’t exist. It’s because of Ariel, that I became interested in mermaid’s. Ariel was and forever will be, my favorite Disney Princess and will continue to inspire me in all aspects of my life. For me, no trip to any Disney Park is complete without visiting Ariel. And there are many other fans, who would say the exact same thing.
So, how did Jodi land the iconic role of Ariel?
Howard Ashman and Jodi Benson
Short answer. Howard Ashman.
Back in 1986, Jodi Benson starred in the ill-fated musical Smile at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, that only ran for 48 performances and closed January 1987. The lyrics and book for Smile were written by Howard Ashman.
After the show closed, Howard offered an audition to Jodi and the other girl’s in Smile for another project he was working on with Alan Menken. That film was Disney’s The Little Mermaid. He gave Jodi a snippet of the script and a cassette recording of him singing Part of Your World.
A year later, Jodi would get a phone call that would change her life forever. She got the part of Ariel.
The Little Mermaid would be Disney’s first fairy tale film in 30 years. The film is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s, The Little Mermaid that was published in 1837. Many fans, would consider Disney’s version of The Little Mermaid as their introduction to the classic fairy tale and to mermaids.
As we grew up, so did Disney’s The Little Mermaid franchise. Jodi voiced Ariel in video games, TV Shows, sequels and prequels, and so much more. The franchise itself, would be nothing without her.
Thanks Jodi for being Part of Our World! We love you!
Dimitris Karakousis is a very talented digital artist and illustrator, from Greece. His illustrations of mermaid’s are vibrant, hypnotizing, and beautiful.
“Part of Your World” by Dimitris Karakousis
Dimitris would describe his illustrations as magical realism. And it is!
His use of light and dark, bring his illustrations to life.
Dimitris has gained a large following of devoted fans on social media, primarily Instagram. On Instagram, Dimitris is known as DimDraws, where he posts his original sketches and completed illustrations.
“The World Above” by Dimitris Karakousis
“Halle Bailey as Ariel” by Dimitris Karakousis
“King Triton” by Dimitris Karakousis
“Purple Mermaid” by Dimitris Karakousis
“Pink Mermaid” by Dimitris Karakousis
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His illustrations in mermaid’s vary from “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” to that of his own creation. It’s apparent, that Dimitris is passionate about mermaid’s and will continue to draw them, for many years to come.
Disney celebrated it’s 30th anniversary for it’s beloved film “The Little Mermaid” with a special live-action/animation hybrid event with “The Little Mermaid Live”.
“The Little Mermaid Live” starred Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, Queen Latifah as Ursula, Shaggy as Sebastion, and John Stamos as Chef Louis.
The highly-anticipated trailer, featured the cast in their rehearsal costumes with Auli’i singing in the background. It may only be 30 seconds in length, but it’s full of exceptional detail, depicting iconic places and scenes in the original 1989 film of “The Little Mermaid”.
Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid LiveGraham Phillips as Prince Eric in The Wonderful World of Disney The Little Mermaid LiveShaggy as Sebastion in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid LiveQueen Latifah as Ursula in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid LiveJohn Stamos as Chef Louis in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
2019 marked a big milestone for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” The film had celebrated it’s 30th anniversary and in honor of that anniversary, Disney had decided to host a live-hybrid event titled: “The Little Mermaid Live”. Disney had announced that they would be using puppets, Disney magic, and star-studded cast to bring this Disney Classic back to life.
Disney was wise in it’s casting for this event, by selecting Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, Queen Latifah as Ursula, Shaggy as Sebastion, and John Stamos as Chef Louis.
“The Little Mermaid Live” is Auli’i Cravalho’s second project with Disney. She originated the singing and acting voice for the Disney-Pixar film “Moana” in 2016. Her voice is soft, yet powerful, which is why she was perfectly cast for the role of Ariel.
Auli’i Cravalho (Photo by JSquared Photography/Contour by Getty Images) Graham Phillips (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)Queen Latifah (Photo by Jim Spellman/FilmMagic)Shaggy (Photo by JSquared Photography/Contour by Getty Images)John Stamos (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
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There was no doubt, to many fans however, that Queen Latifah would steal the show as the sassy and villainess, Ursula. Queen Latifah, is a female rapper, actress, and entrepreneur.
A few changes that Disney made in the hybrid production would be to include a few songs from Disney’s Broadway Production of “The Little Mermaid” such as ‘Her Voice’ and ‘If Only’. Giving fans, who had never seen or heard the Broadway soundtrack, the chance to discover it for the very first time.
For all fans of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, it is a must to watch “The Little Mermaid Live” to experience film and live theater merge together for a unique experience.
One of my favorite accounts on Instagram, is Whatdoyousuppose, founded in 2018.
Whatdoyousuppose’s fans connected with him, for his raw honesty, love for all things Disney, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Whatdoyousuppose has openly shared on Instagram, that his obsession with Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Ariel, started as a child.
Whatdoyousuppose at the Walt Disney Studio’s, where he took a picture with Ariel’s handprints (Jodi Benson) on the Disney Legends wall.
Whatdoyousuppose’s dream is to one day meet Jodi Benson (Original voice of Ariel).
Whatdoyousuppose with animated Ariel at D23 in 2019 at the H2O Photo Booth
Whatdoyousuppose is truly a unique, fun-loving fan account for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, that I encourage all fans to follow. You’ll have a fintastic time following Whatdoyousuppose and his enthralling adventures of all things Ariel!
