Millie's Princess Foundation Royal Ball 2027- For Children Fighting Big Health Battles

 

Get ready by watching the movie here

Royal Ball volunteers can find shopping lists here

Attending the ball? You can find Swan Princess accessory ideas to wear here

Learn more about Millie's Princess Foundation here

About the Royal Ball

G.K. Chesterton said, “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten”

The Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball event is a wonderful event for children with life threatening conditions and their families. They are welcomed to a themed fairy tale world at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium where laughter is always more powerful than fear. The memories made and lessons learned will stay with guests Far Longer Than Forever.

 

Every year the Millie's Princess Foundation Royal Ball takes on a different fairy tale theme. This year, we are proud to announce guests will be joining Princess Odette and Prince Derek in their Swan Lake Kingdom of Chamberg.

 

In our almost decade long partnership bringing joy and magic to this community, we have seen the story of The Swan Princess have a special resonance. Through themes like bravery and 'No Fear' kids learn to stand up and fight for themselves. Odette's rescue takes time and requires her input. She doesn't just sit around and wait for Derek to rescue her. She assesses her situation, perseveres through the long days and weeks and months of planning and waiting for an opening, then, with the help of her friends, goes to find Derek herself. Derek too showed courage and perseverance. The unknown is terrifying, especially when it is hurting someone you love. Still, he researched, prepared, and Practiced, Practiced, Practiced so that when the heroic moment came, he was ready. Even JeanBob;s reluctance shows extreme amounts of bravery. He is the character who is least likely to want any part of adventure or bravery and yet, he still steps up and does what has to be done to help his friends. Rothbart can even be commended in that he wanted to take over the kingdom by being patient and doing things legitimately by marrying the heir. Granted, kidnapping and turning people into swans is most certainly not the way to go about it. All of this to say, no matter where all of these brave warriors are in their journeys to beat their own personal dragons, The Swan Princess has a character that speaks to them where they are at right now and inspires them to keep going, keep fighting, all while looking for joy and friends all around them. And this is exactly why The Swan Princess Millie's Princess Foundation Royal Ball will be the most magical yet.

This January you will be entering our “Once upon a time”. Our Swan Lake Kingdom in a faraway land; peaceful, prosperous, and rich in romance and tradition. All of our many fairy tale friends are preparing adventures for you. From heroic feats with princes and rogues, to magic, blustering sidekicks, music, gentle princesses, animal friends, fairies, and sly misunderstood villains, you will have the opportunity to learn, play, and discover with many a new friend. This is a night that will truly have something magical for every member of your family. 

Rothbart, especially, has some tricks up his sleeve. Will our magical royals use their courage and band with their friends to overcome the Forbidden Arts and Great Animal? We can't wait to find out!

Meet the Cast

Prince Derek

This is Rhett Butler’s second year with the Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball. He is from Riverton, Utah, and he loves to perform. Some of his favorite roles include Kristoff (Frozen), Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid), and Laurie (Little Women)

Princess Odette

Ellie Shelton (and her service dog Sully) is an Utah native who believes that the greatest magic happens when a story can make someone feel seen, loved, and inspired. Ellie has had the honor of portraying characters such as Lady Macbeth in Macbeth and Belle in Beauty and the Beast, but her most treasured role is Odette with the Swan Princess Company, a role she has been blessed to portray since 2019. Bringing Odette to life for children and families is an incredible honor, especially when she has the opportunity to perform for children’s nonprofit foundations. Ellie considers it a privilege to share a little bit of magic, hope, and happiness with those who need it most. When she isn't performing, Ellie can usually be found sewing/beading, reading, paddleboarding, spending time with animals of every kind, or adding another treasured album to her vinyl record collection. “A reader may live a thousand lives, but an actress makes them real.”- Knoxly

Rothbart

Mark Barber is excited to join the Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball as the villain Rothbart. This will be his first experience playing a big villain, although his kids will tell you he’s got a lot of practice. When he’s not plotting against princesses, Mark likes to spend time with his kids watching movies and going on trips. He is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this event and looks forward to bringing a little mischief, and a little fun, to the Royal Ball. 

Queen Uberta

Cassidy Lewis has been with Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball since 2019 and has loved every moment of it.  She enjoys performing, connecting with the people around her, and spending time with her dear friend Cinderella.

 Lord Rogers 

This is John Chidester’s 4th year volunteering at the Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball. He has been a character handler, The Grand Duke (Cinderella), Jasper (101 Dalmatians), and Lord Rogers this year! John’s favorite role was playing “Barnaby” in his High School’s rendition of “Hello, Dolly!”. John loves to play any part in the Royal Ball because it’s fun, fulfilling, and Magical! “The adrenaline of a live performance is a drug. There is nothing like the exact second the lights go up.”- Idina Mendel

Bromley 

Wade Flanagan is so excited to play Bromley in his Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball debut. Previously he has played Mr Elton in Jane Austen’s  “Emma”,  Shrek in “Shrek the Musical”, and Sir Sagramore in “Camelot”. When not performing, Wade operates trains up and down the Salt Lake Valley. 

Chamberlain

Ryan Bullock has been working with the Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball since 2022. He loves performing and meeting new people. He has loved working with Millie’s Princess Foundation and loves supporting their cause.

King William

Zach Stout loves everything outdoors. From hiking to soccer to golf he’ll do it all! He and his wife love cosplay and have been finalists in FanX cosplay contests. Zach has been with the Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball for 3 years and has a special place in his heart for these kids.  

JeanBob

Dennica Fifield has been performing since she was 16. Her first role was Belle and it has been her muse since she was little. She loves to play Belle and Meg from Hercules. She is excited this year because she gets to play a character in such a way that is far different than her typical. Her favorite color is yellow and she loves her family and her dog Mickey. 

Puffin 

Carson Gines is excited to play General Puffin for his second year. He loves mountain bike racing and his family.

Lady Aurelia of Colchester

Natalie Domino, aka “Glitter Natalie”, lives in South Jordan with her husband, 3 sons, and 2 dogs. She works in civic event planning and volunteers with the local High School marching band and winter drumline as well as serving on the Board of the Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball. 

Brunhilda 

Jaynee Piontkowski has been a part of Millie's Princess Foundation Royal Ball in many different volunteer roles over the years. She loves being a part of such a special event and, most of all, the wonderful people who make it so meaningful. And of course she never misses the chance to enjoy the dance party! Jaynee is grateful for this foundation and the opportunity to make the evening magical for the kids and their families. 

Griselda

Amanda Allen is a lover of movies and music. Her favorite color is green. She loves dogs and her puppy’s name is Mazie. Amanda began performing in plays and musicals in Jr High and High School. She thinks of herself as crafty, always down to try a new craft. Her current crafts are painting and making stained glass. 

Antonia 

Jayla Piontkowski has volunteered with Millie's Princess Foundation Royal Ball for several years, working around her busy gymnastics schedule. She loves spending time with the kids and helping make their night extra special and happy. Outside of volunteering, Jayla enjoys gymnastics, traveling, working out, surfing and hanging out with her friends. She is grateful to be part of an event that brings so much joy to the children and their families.

Sir Reginald

Alex Shelton is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah from San Diego. He studies biology and works as a research assistant for a cancer immunology lab on campus with hopes of getting a PhD one day. His love for Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball comes from both dedication to relieving the harms of cancer and a history of performance through competition dance. 

Sir Darcy

Seleena is 17 years old. She likes the color brown. She does gymnastics and horseback riding. Seleena is learning Korean. She likes to sew, craft, dance, and learn about languages and culture.

Herald Harriet

Kayla Barker is thrilled to be part of this year’s Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball! Originally hailing from Southern California, she’s a former BYU Color Guard member who found her way to the Millie’s Princess Foundation in January 2024. After casually mentioning her flag-twirling expertise during a volunteer training at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions- where she was earning her Masters in Medical Speech-Language Pathology- she was quickly recruited, and she’s been spinning with them ever since. When she isn’t sharing her passion and talents with the Foundation, she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist at a preschool in Utah County. At home she is married to her best friend of five years and is the proud mama to an adorable toddler. 

Harold the Herald

Lady Matilda

Sennika Tilley has a passion for performing. From ballet to theater she is always working on a project. She loves to sew, write, direct, anything to do with storytelling really. This is Sennika’s second year volunteering with Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball and she’s excited to be back! 

Lord Bruno

Luke Chidester is enjoying his third year with Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball. He played “Bruno” (From Cinderella), and “Bruno”, the assistant of Cruella. He was also in Syracuse High’s “Hello Girls” musical and loves to perform occasionally on his YouTube channel. He is an aspiring guitarist and loves to plan Nu Metal rock songs. He was a Madrigal in Junior High and a born performer.

Lady Genevieve

Molly Gines is volunteering for her 3rd year with the Millie’s Princess Foundation Royal Ball. She is a mountain bike racer and loves puppies.