FUQAY-VARINA, N.C. — A group of dancers from Fuqay-Varina are taking on the Big Apple this week as they prepare to preform in the 96th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Studio Five Dance Company auditioned for the parade through Spirit of America Productions, the organization in charge of coordinating dancers and cheerleaders for the event.
What You Need To Know
- Studio Five Dance Company is in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
- Eight dancers were selected to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
- The dance company performed in the parade in 2016 and 2019
“We sent in their jazz number from last year, and then you wait and wait and hope and pray that you get in," said Meghan Retseck.
Eight dancers were selected to perform alongside about 500 dancers and cheerleaders from across the country.
"We try to go every three years and let them have that audition experience, and just that general experience, at least once while they're in high school," said Retseck.
Retseck started dancing when she was 3 years old and received her degree in dance education from Meredith College. She took over ownership of Studio Five Dance Company eight years ago.
"We really focus on being kind and confident human begins and going out into the world and sharing that kindness, love and passion. We raise them into amazing humans through the art of dance," said Retseck.
If you're having a bad day at school or even just like anything in general, you can express your emotions through that," said dancer Riley Mansfield.
Mackenzie Boyle has been dancing for 13 years.
"Dance has always kinda just felt like a second home and coming to be with my friends and stuff, the life lessons that you learn from dance and being at the studio is important," said Boyle.
While excitement is in the air for these dancers, Retseck says safety is a number one priority.
Tragedy struck the Raleigh Christmas Parade over the weekend after a truck pulling a float lost control and fatally struck a young dancer with CC & Co. Dance Complex.
"We shared with the girls what happened. They were heartbroken for our dance community. Our hearts go out to our CC&Co friends and to the family. We have been praying for all of them," said Retseck.
Retseck says Spirit of America will have chaperons and staff members lining the streets to walk with the dancers when they perform in New York on Thursday.