The Little Mermaid
Disney animated musical
Disney's underwater adventure about Ariel's desire to explore the human world.
About This Theme
The Little Mermaid offers one of the most versatile soundtracks for dance recitals. Under the Sea is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that works for large ensemble numbers, while Part of Your World gives your strongest performer a beautiful solo opportunity. The underwater setting is a gift for choreographers. Flowing movements, undulating arms, and swimming motifs translate beautifully to dance. Your dancers can move like they are floating, and the audience buys it completely.
Under the Sea is one of the most fun ensemble numbers you can choreograph. The calypso rhythm is infectious, and you can pack the stage with colourful sea creatures without it feeling crowded. The contrast between underwater and surface worlds also gives you choreographic variety. Underwater scenes flow and undulate; surface scenes can be more grounded and traditional. This keeps your recital visually interesting and lets you showcase different dance styles.
Age Groups & Casting
Key Roles & Characters
Song Suggestions
Costume Ideas
For underwater scenes, think flowing fabrics in ocean colours - teals, purples, blues, and greens. Mermaid tails made from stretch fabric work for floor work and tableau moments (remove for dancing sections).
Ariel's signature look is a purple shell top and green tail, easily adapted into a leotard and skirt. Sebastian can wear red with claw-shaped gloves. Fish and sea creatures offer endless creative possibilities - use matching leotards with different coloured tutus and headpieces.
Ursula is dramatic in purple and black with tentacle-inspired elements - flowing fabric strips attached to the costume suggest her octopus form without restricting movement.
Staging & Set Ideas
Blue and green lighting creates an instant underwater atmosphere. Bubble projections or gobo patterns add magical detail. Fabric waves held by dancers at stage edges are simple but effective for transition scenes.
Key set pieces: Ariel's grotto (can be suggested with draped fabrics and treasure props), Ursula's lair (darker, more ominous backdrop), and Prince Eric's ship (a simple painted flat or even just a ship's wheel prop).
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