In discussing Disney's pivotal influence in not only animation but American culture, I'm surprised one was left out (also an American institution)---Broadway! Most of us tend to think of Broadway shows as being very stereotypical, glitz and glamour complete with flashy costumes and elaborate dances, shows like Chicago; Memphis; and In the Heights. But in the 90s, once Disney enjoyed their reign as the heavy hitters in animated and children's film, a new progression was made. That progression took the form of translating perhaps the most famous Disney movie of the 90s,1994's  The Lion King, from animation to stage.

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With all the talk of animation we have been doing in class, I began to consider my youth, which seemed to be full of glorious animation. Yes, during the earlier stages of my life, it was as though animation was everywhere. Television shows on Nickelodeon, the beginning of Cartoon Network, as well as many fantastic animated films created by Disney were some of the highlights of my younger years. Lately, though, there seems to be a negative trend. Gone are the hand-drawn cartoon films of Disney, Nickelodeon seems to be attempting to appeal to the teenage (girl) demographic, and Cartoon Network appears to embrace computer-generated animation, japanese cartoons with only about 15 minutes of animation for a 30 minute show (with the rest replaced with flashy backgrounds), and even attempted to have live action shows. Let me repeat that, for those who don't understand - CARTOON NETWORK WAS THINKING OF NOT HAVING CARTOONS. Isn't that ridiculous?

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It's pretty obvious that Disney is a pivotal stitch in the fabric of American culture, specifically for children. Thousands of visitors flock to Disneyland and Disneyworld every year in the hopes of creating some magical vacation memories. The movies have captured our attention since the early 1900s, with no indication of slowing down. The movies combine elements of animation, song and dance to enthrall audiences. I've been a huge Disney addict since I was little, and specifically I'm reminded of The Sword in the Stone, Disney's take on the classic story of King Arthur and the sword in the stone, made in 1963. More narrowly, the "Higitus Figitus" scene where Merlin is packing his entire house away into a suitcase for his trip with the young Arthur via a sung spell.

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