This Thanksgiving morning, along with twenty-five million other American households, there’s a good chance you’ll take part in viewing the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. However, unlike most of those watching at home, you just may know at least one of the more than 8,000 performers gracing New York City’s Herald Square with their talent. Seventy-seven lucky young ladies from the Holly Springs School of Dance (HSSOD) will be in the Big Apple to perform in the world’s largest parade!
This year marks the seventh time a contingent of dancers from HSSOD will participate in the spectacular event, which attracts some 3.5 million spectators, and has long been considered the kick-off to the holiday season.
It has nothing to do with luck, however, that HSSOD has earned a standing spot in the invitation-only performance as part of the Spirit of America Dance Stars. It’s a mixture of hard work and the determination of the studio’s owner and artistic director, Marilyn Chappell, to give her students every opportunity she can, in creating unforgettable experiences that will last them a lifetime.
Spirit of America Productions is tasked with directing the choreography and collaboration of the more than 600 dancers from programs and studios throughout the United States, resulting in a single, cohesive group endeavor. With a reputation for ingenuity and creativity, the ensemble holds the distinction of being the only performers with a permanent berth in the parade—with the exception of Santa Claus and the Rockettes. After going virtual last year, this 95th annual event is returning to its usual in-person format, filled with giant character balloons, floats, live performances, and of course, necessary Covid precautions.
A former Wake County magnet school dance teacher, Ms. Chappell and her husband Chris, also an educator, founded HSSOD in 1998. “I believe in arts education in the public school system, and I was so happy doing that. With the intention of starting a family, we moved to Holly Springs, but when our first child, Ellie, was born, I thought, my goodness, how can I leave this tiny baby? I wanted to be a mom and still be an artist.” Marilyn had always thought about opening a studio, but the Chappells knew no one in Holly Springs, and starting from scratch, she admitted, was a bit scary. “It was truly a leap of faith.” Yet, one that paid off, allowing the best of both worlds—the ability to care for her family, including younger daughter, Skylar, while continuing to fulfill her passion for teaching.
HSSOD recently began its twenty-fourth season, and one can’t help thinking, life must feel like it’s come full circle for Marilyn, who has what she considers the privilege of teaching several children whose mothers were her students in the studio’s earliest days. Tessa Joseph is one of those moms. She began dancing at HSSOD in 1999 and regards it as the source of her best childhood moments, speaking affectionately of the positive influence Chappell had on her life. “I learned to always give back, self-expression over competition and kindness plus love over everything,” said Ms. Joseph. When the time came, she had no hesitation in enrolling her eight-year-old daughter, Addalyn, at the place she refers to as not just a studio, but home.
Marilyn Chappell has a great affinity for New York, which is evident when she talks about growing up in a place that afforded her so many wonderful dance experiences. Several years after opening the studio, she had the thought that performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade would be an excellent opportunity for her students. Uncertain if their families would be willing to give up their Thanksgiving holiday, she proposed the idea. To her delight, in November 2003, twelve dancers, accompanied by their families, embarked on a trip to New York City, performing as part of Mike Miller’s Universal Dance Association, known today as Spirit of America Productions. It was, as she describes, absolutely wonderful, and instantly became a tradition. It’s also a big undertaking, but Marilyn wanted to give every high school-aged dancer a chance; hence the decision was made to participate every three years, allowing some fortunate freshmen the advantage of returning as seniors. “I am so happy I have the chance to go back,” said Molly Cassidy, a senior at Middle Creek High School who danced in the 2018 parade. “I’m counting down the days!”
Preparation for this year’s week-long trip began a year in advance, with fundraisers to aid in defraying the cost of attendance. In light of the pandemic, the group was innovative, creating and organizing a number of them: a Virtual Valentine’s Day Family Dance Fest, Easter Bunny For Hire Egg Delivery Service, Flower Power Plant Sale, private dance lessons, two cookouts, spirit days at several local restaurants, Krispy Kreme donuts, Butter Braid pastries, and multiple infamous HSSOD “upscale” bake sales. Holly Springs High School junior Natalie Capote, taking the trip for the first time, expressed her gratitude to all of the sponsors from local businesses. “They’ve been so generous, and we really appreciate everything they’ve done to help us,” she said. Almost every dancer I spoke with mentioned their gratitude for the support they’ve received from the community.
Work starts before the dancers arrive in New York City. Upon receiving the choreography and music from Spirit of America, rehearsals began at HSSOD during the middle of October. Initially, the dancers worked independently to familiarize themselves with the routine. Once the choreography was learned under Marilyn’s direction, it was time for, as she said, “cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!” It’s the process of polishing and fine-tuning the dance, but with the understanding they must be prepared and adaptable to changes during the 16 to 18 hours of Spirit of America rehearsals taking place over the course of Thanksgiving week in the massive ballroom of their NYC hotel.
Caroline Edmondson, a senior at Raleigh Charter High School and parade veteran, was designated this year’s “Macy’s Captain.” Her responsibilities have included working with artistic director Marilyn and several other returning seniors, helping run rehearsals, and ensuring the group is performance-ready when they arrive in New York. Her proven leadership and obvious enthusiasm are assets that serve her well in the position. Caroline described performing in the parade as one of the most unforgettable experiences of her life. “There was such an atmosphere of joy and excitement as we walked the parade route. We performed in front of Macy’s for millions of people, and as soon as the dance ended, confetti rained down on us, and I immediately began to cry. The whole experience was absolutely magical!”
Performing in the parade may be the highlight of the trip, but the desire to make lasting memories is something I repeatedly heard from a number of girls with whom I spoke. Photos from past years hang in frames throughout the studio, a promising reminder of the excitement that awaits—something many of them have dreamed of since they were little. Holly Springs High School sophomore Lauren Weiss is looking forward to bonding with friends and doing all the fun things she’s heard so much about, excited that it’s now her turn! Kyra Lewis, a freshman at Holly Springs High School, dancing at the studio since the age of five, has been patiently awaiting this trip and plans on ice skating at Rockefeller Center. It will be her first time in the city, unlike Apex High School sophomore Grace Meehan, a native New Yorker who can’t wait to return as a visitor with friends who’ve never been there. In addition to rehearsals, each day’s itinerary is filled with excursions such as Broadway shows, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, sightseeing, shopping, and, as several dancers mentioned…riding the NYC subway!
This year, it’s safe to assume the returning seniors are all wishing for the same thing…WARMER WEATHER! In 2018, clad in shorts and matching iridescent sequined jackets, they sparkled along the 2.5-mile parade route and performed in front of Macy’s on the coldest Thanksgiving Day in New York City’s history—awakening that morning to a temperature of 14 degrees! Although Ms. Chappell will certainly never forget that day, one of her fondest memories comes from the second parade the studio attended in 2009. While she and a group of parents were watching from the sidewalk, a bunch of parade-goers were drawn to their enthusiasm and decided to join them. As the dancers approached, the parents began yelling “Holly Springs” to attract their attention. Sharing in the excitement, the group of spectators chimed in, and together they chanted, “Holly Springs, Holly Springs!” Within the dazzling sea of hundreds of dancers, popping up one by one, the Holly Springs girls responded to their cheers. “It was such a sweet, magical moment to witness them feel such love from total strangers,” said Marilyn.
So, whether you’re sitting down to breakfast or in the kitchen stuffing the turkey, tune your television to NBC at 9 a.m. this Thanksgiving so you, too, can witness the dancers from Holly Springs take part in bringing the magic back to the streets of New York!
