“Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses” (2006) tells the story of Princess Genevieve and her eleven sisters who live in a castle with their father, King Randolph. After their mother’s death, the girls grow up free-spirited, loving things like dance, music, reading, and sport.

Their father worries they are not behaving like what others call “proper” princesses. He invites their cousin, Duchess Rowena, to help with their education. Rowena imposes strict rules — banning dancing, bright clothes, and other forms of self-expression. Meanwhile, she secretly plots against the king, even poisoning him to gain control of the throne.

The princesses eventually discover a hidden, magical realm beneath their castle, one where they can dance freely at night. As Rowena’s plot deepens and their father’s life is in danger, the sisters, led by Genevieve (Barbie) and with help from Derek (a cobbler), must unite, embrace their own strengths, and save their father and kingdom. Themes include sisterhood, courage, being true to oneself, standing up for what’s right, and the power of family. Wikipedia+3barbie.fandom.com+3Wikipedia+3


Movie Details

Here are all the production / release / cast etc. details I found:

AttributeInfo
TitleBarbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses
Year2006 Wikipedia
Type / FormatAnimated dance / fantasy film, direct-to-DVD / TV premiere Wikipedia+2Yidio+2
RuntimeApproximately 81-82 minutes Wikipedia+1
CountryCanada & United States Wikipedia+1
LanguageEnglish Wikipedia
DirectorGreg Richardson Wikipedia+1
WritersElana Lesser, Cliff Ruby Wikipedia+1
Producer(s)Shea Wageman Wikipedia
Music / ComposerArnie Roth Wikipedia+1
DistributorUniversal Studios Home Entertainment (in North America) Wikipedia
Premiere / Release DatesTV premiere on Nickelodeon: September 10, 2006; DVD release: September 19, 2006. Wikipedia
Based OnLoosely based on “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Wikipedia+1
Cast (selected voices)* Kelly Sheridan as Princess Genevieve 
* Catherine O’Hara as Duchess Rowena 
* Christopher Gaze as King Randolph 
* Nicole Oliver, Jennifer Copping, others as the sisters 
* Derek’s character (voice) etc. Wikipedia+2barbie.fandom.com+2
Awards / Nominations“Shine” (end-title song) was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2007 for Best Original Song in a Children’s / Animation Program. Also nominations in Leo Awards in 2007. Wikipedia+1
Themes / Notable ElementsUse of dancing, ballet, magic, sisterhood, importance of self-expression. The film uses motion capture to animate ballet sequences (inspired by or using New York City Ballet movements) in some versions. Wikipedia+1