Stepping off the plane, the senior dancers finally laid eyes on the Big Apple for the first time.  Their stomachs flutter with excitement and their eyes look at each building, marveling at the size and business of the city.

“We had all waited so long for the trip to happen that it almost didn’t seem like we were actually there,” said senior Teagan Piazza.

The senior Silver Stars were about to embark on an adventure that would land them as the opening act of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, as well as escorting in the big man himself, Santa.

“Opening the parade was pretty awesome,” said Piazza.  “We were the first thing people saw, and it was cool to be in the spotlight.”

The girls spent a week in New York City seeing all it had to offer in the midst of  grueling rehearsals. They were part of Spirit of America dancers, a group of over 500 girls.

“It got really frustrating at times, but in the end our performance looked amazing with so many girls,” said senior Allison Mitchell. “It was more impressive that way.”

Amidst the four to eight hours of practice a day, the senior Silver Stars were able to do some serious shopping, and all agreed it was the best part of the trip.

“I loved shopping because they had so many stores that were so huge compared to here,” said senior Madeline Segalla.  “The four-story Forever 21 was my favorite.”

Among other activities, the senior Silver Stars toured of the Statue of Liberty, took a ferry ride around the harbor, and went to Chinatown to hunt for bargains.

“Chinatown was definitely the best part about shopping,” said senior Miranda Harrison.  “We all got so many things there.”

Walking around Times Square and experiencing the culture of a large city were also activities the girls enjoyed.

“I loved seeing all of the people, eating a classic New York style hotdog, and the unique shopping experience New York had to offer,” said senior Bethanee Russell.

The night before the big day, the group had to practice for the NBC Executives at Herald Square, where they would open the parade.

“Seeing all of the cameras, lights, and producers for the first time was a little bit intimidating, but we ended up getting to see a lot of celebrities rehearing too,” said Harrison.

Being on national television was a paramount experience for them.

“I was really excited to get to dance on national television,” said Mitchell.  “The city was so beautiful, but it was so cold.”

The girls wore a western outfit, similar to their trademark hat and boots only this time they wore pants, and danced to “Cotton-Eye Joe.”

“It was definitely a little different dancing in pants instead of a skirt, but it sure was a lot warmer and still a great experience,” said senior Hailee Simpson.

Being in the Macy’s Day Parade was unforgettable and it is something that will stick with the senior Silver Stars for a long time.

“I am so glad I’ve had the opportunity to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said senior Meg Landis. “It was a once-in-a-life experience.”