Having been completely obsessed with Taylor Swift since before it was cool (since roughly 2008 if you must know – I was about 12 years old!), I’ve lived through every one of her Eras whilst growing up through my own. So when I was presented with an opportunity to portray my idol and make some mini Swifties’ dreams come true, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was!
I’ve been a full-time Children’s Entertainer with Snow Princess Parties for many years now, bringing fairytale characters to life every weekend – so when I received a request to portray a certain blonde-haired songstress I was over the moon! Getting to sing her beloved songs that I’ve known by heart since secondary school, and seeing the look of awe on mini Swifties’ faces when I agree to swap a friendship bracelet with them, is an absolute honour!
As a singer-songwriter myself with a degree in Popular Music (www.annarenaemusic.com), I have frequently been compared to Taylor when on stage with my guitar singing songs written about my own life – and each time someone mentions her name to me, I couldn’t ask for a bigger compliment!
When in costume, it’s always funny to have customers approach me to ask if I’m really American (only to find out I’m actually from Lancashire and have a Northern British accent!), but the fact that I actually *am* half-American means the accent comes naturally to me, and can be very convincing! Being such a long-time fan of Miss Swift, and having attended three different tours and knowing all her lore, also means that I can *swiftly* answer any questions children may throw at me, to truly keep their belief alive!
Seeing little ones twirling in their sparkly outfits, singing and dancing along with me to songs that have guided me through my life truly feels like a full-circle moment, and makes me feel honoured beyond my wildest dreams!
~Princess Anna (Director of Hampshire) x
