Students with the Steppin' Out Dance Company in Mesquite and Trinity Christian Academy's dance team in Addison are about to make their way to New York for the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Trinity Christian Academy found out about the opportunity in April and they've been practicing their "Spirit of America" routine since. The team will dance with around 500 others from across the country.
According to the parade, Spirit of America Cheerleaders comprises teen cheerleaders, pom performers and dance stars (ages 13 to 18), both from schools, studios and all-star gyms from across the country.
"Everyone is so excited, they're cheering us on, so it's just been amazing to see everyone so excited about us going to New York," team captain Carolina Anderson told Fox4.
The squad was invited to the nationally televised parade for the second time — four years ago, the Trojanettes also showcased their performance at the massive event.
Steppin' Out Dance Company Assistant Director Jacklyn Chapasko is also not new to the event. In 2005, she performed at the parade with her own dance company. But this is the first time Steppin' Out will perform at the parade.
"It's crazy,” Chapasko told NBCDFW. “I've tried to tell them that the performance is a blur. You hardly remember that performance, but the walking through New York City is crazy!"
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be televised on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It will also be viewable on Peacock.
More information and a full lineup of performers at the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade can be found here.
