SUBMITTED BY: SONJA BAILES BOSSIER SCHOOLS PUBLIC RELATIONS LIAISON
When America tuned in for the 93rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the heart of New York City, more than two dozen Benton High cheerleaders and dancers commanded center stage and dazzled spectators with two performances.
Calling it “the trip of a lifetime,” 11 young ladies from Benton Cheer and 17 members of the Tiger Girls Dance Line arrived in the Big Apple several days before the nation’s most-watched parade to report for hours of rehearsal. However, that was not the beginning of their preparation.
“I received an invitation in the mail back in January or February inviting the cheerleaders to perform in the parade as part of Spirit of America Productions,” explained Aimee Akin, Benton High Cheer Coach.
Soon afterward, Akin and Tiger Girls Dance Line Coach Cindy Poole got to work.
“I was sent the music and routine in October,” Akin added. “The girls started learning it on their own and we practiced as a group. There were some changes made to it once we got to New York.”
The girls took those last-minute changes in stride, though, as they reveled in the excitement of performing with other cheerleaders and dancers from around the nation.
“Having 670 dancers come together during the week to practice was an amazing experience,” expressed Emmalyn Burns, a member of the Tiger Girls Dance Line. “I was able to gain a different perspective on dance and learned to work with people all over the country.”
Payton Anderson added, “The atmosphere of all the dance teams in New York was so welcoming and kind that it made our dance experience that much more special and one that I will remember fondly for years to come.”
“Being in the parade was the most amazing experience!” exclaimed cheerleader McKenzie Murphy. “I will never forget the feeling of walking down 6th Avenue with millions of people watching as we came upon Macy’s on 34th Street. Being on national television and showing off all of our hard work made us and the rest of Bossier Parish so proud!”
Brooke Bryant described it as “a miracle on 34th Street.”
“The night we practiced in front of Macy’s on Monday night will forever hold a special place in my heart. As we stepped onto Herald Square, we knew we were there for a reason … As we looked around waiting for our music to play, we see tons of people barricaded off from us with their cameras up, waiting for us to go.” Bryant reflected further, saying “As we exited the stage that night, the people that were barricaded yelled for us with huge grins as they were held off by security guards and people up in the stores with the sweetest smiles, like we were superstars. That night definitely made these small town girls feel like Hollywood stars.”
Though rehearsals took much of their time, the Benton Tigers managed to squeeze in the sights. Some of their outings included attending “Frozen” on Broadway, the
Radio City Music Hall Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, seeing the 9/11 memorial and One World Observatory. It was their parade experience, though, that shines the brightest. Even the walk back to the hotel was memorable.
“We passed tons of random people congratulating us, saying hello to us and asking for pictures,” said Bryant. “The little kids we took pictures with were so giddy and happy, like we just made their day, which made us feel so loved. I will forever treasure the looks on their faces and everybody’s kindness.”
This Article was published in the December 6 issue of The Inquisitor