The entire Pace High School Danceline Starlettes team has been invited to perform at the 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year. While members of the team have performed in past Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this is the first time that the entire team was invited. The invitation came after a video of the Starlettes performing a team routine was submitted to Spirt of America Productions.
All 20 dancers will be traveling to New York City on November 19, where they will begin their eight-day trip with rehearsal classes alongside cheerleaders and dancers from around 700 teams across the United States. For their performance, the Pace Starlettes will be dancing alongside other troupes. In addition to their rehearsals and performance on Thanksgiving, the Starlettes will be able to travel around New York City and watch Broadway shows such as Hamilton.
“This trip is more exciting because the Starlettes will be experiencing it with more of their friends,” said Karina Saud, lead teacher for Pace’s Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Dance Program and moderator for the Starlettes. Saud added that the Starlettes dance and work together as a family and they will be having Thanksgiving dinner together as a family in New York City.
Danceline captain Arianna Gutierrez had another reason to celebrate. She was chosen from over 1000 applicants nationwide to represent the Varsity cheerleading brand as a “Varsity It Girl.” In addition to representing the organization, Gutierrez will be gaining experience for college and careers through this marketing internship.
The Starlettes’ performance will be a part of the 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will air at 9 a.m. on NBC 6 on November 24. The Pace Danceline will also be performing as part of the Pace Fine Art Christmas Show on December 9 in the Spartan Center.