Every year, the Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Parade is held in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. Marching bands, floats, and special performances can be seen strolling down the streets of Central Park West. People were able to see these performances in action while creating memories for young children. It brings people together from all walks of life, cultures, and experiences. This parade is undeniably important to the Thanksgiving season. 

Apart from the experiences that parades give to the audience, parades can also give a chance to dance companies looking to showcase their own skills and talents. More than 500 dancers were at the Thanksgiving day parade. One of these companies is the Studio Five Dance Company. Located here in Fuquay Varina, the dancers are very dedicated and passionate about what they do. Meghan Retseck, the founder of the Studio Five location, is very committed to her dancers’ success and is constantly giving them opportunities to grow. 

“It is always an honor to represent our little town of Fuquay Varina and also the state of NC in the parade. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of our dancers, and I love being able to provide them with experiences like this. It is an honor to create these core memories for them.” said Meghan Retseck.

The dancers had three months’ worth of choreography to practice. This isn’t their first time working with parades and special events, but this opportunity means a lot to the dancers, as well as the coaches.  

“It feels amazing to be able to get this opportunity of a lifetime. I was so honored to find out that I would be one of the girls going for our third time,” said Reaghan Retseck, a dancer for Studio Five. As Meghan’s daughter, she was very excited and confident in her performance at the parade.

On the day of the performance, the dancers performed for around four hours. After the parade, the dancers were celebrated and given donuts and hot chocolate for their excellent performance as a team. 

“We are one team working towards a common goal. It was beautiful to see so many different groups of teens come together and work together for that week. What they were able to accomplish was phenomenal. There were a lot of nerves the morning of the parade. I reminded them to soak it all in and be grateful for the opportunity,” said Mehgan Retseck.

The dancers are now focusing on preparing for their competition and convention season. Next year, the coaches are looking forward to having the dancers perform on a cruise. They are perfecting their dances and focus on building their strength and technique every day.