As You Wish Princess is bringing Snow White to Hope next Saturday.
The event will feature story time, sing-a-long, dancing, pixie dust wishes, prizes, hand stickers, a take home gift, and photo opportunities.
“The most important thing for me is that each person that comes feels a real general sense of love and acceptance,” said Alyssa Nielsen, founder of As You Wish Princess. “It’s a time to share some magic, bring access to an experience that some children may not be able to have, and to encourage children’s self-confidence and self-esteem.”
Nielsen takes the opportunity to promote strong values and good character qualities while performing. She said there will be a discussion about the importance of loving others, kindness, friendship, and using manners.
“They’ll have a lot of fun but at the same time they’ll learn about their own inner beauty,” she said. “I think it’s important for them to learn that princesses are much more than just beautiful on the outside. They really have to learn to find the beauty inside themselves, and the strength inside themselves and others.”
Nielsen started singing at a young age, and was fronting bands on the Vancouver club circuit by the age of 12. Her resume includes two albums with Top 20 national radio airplay, and three BC Country Music Association nominations for Single of the Year, Best New Artist and Female Vocalist of the Year. Nielsen is also a six-year veteran of the musical group Abba Cadabra, an internationally recognized ABBA tribute band. With this group, she has had the honour of performing for the royal family of Malaysia.
Nielsen has appeared in over 20 musical variety television shows, including a co-starring role on TV’s “Big Sound,” a Disney Sunday Movie, one feature film and multiple appearances on nine different television series. Also a writer, her inspirational song “He Loves Me” was a top eight finalist in the Academy of Gospel Music Arts in Pasedena, California. She is co-writer of a children’s television series called Maralee Dawn & Friends as well.
Nielsen started As You Wish Princess in March 2009, with the desire to bring joy to children and stay geographically closer to her two children. She is currently developing her own princess character and children’s stories dealing with different issues.
“For me it goes much deeper than just performing,” said Nielsen. “I have a real love for people and connecting with people. I get a lot of joy and satisfaction from moving people. When I open up my heart and let them in, that brings me a lot of joy.”
A Princess Playdate with Snow White takes place April 27 at United Church Hall, 310 Queen St. The cost is $20 per child, which includes one adult. Partial proceeds will benefit the Hope Food Bank.
Payment and registration is required in advance for the 45-minute session. There are four time slots: 12-12:45 p.m., 1-1:45 p.m., 2-2:45 p.m. and 3-3:45 p.m. For more information, call 604-418-3796 or email alyssanielsen@shaw.ca.