Dancing in the Big Apple

This morning, most Hardin Countians will be waking up to the start of Thanksgiving dinner in the oven. But two area teenagers will wake early to the sights and sounds of the Big Apple as they get ready to dance in the 86th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Jill Pickett

Kendra Ball, 17, left, and Emalee Haynes, 14, will be dancing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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Kendra Ball, 17, and Emalee Haynes, 14, are on their first trip to New York City and to say they are excited is an understatement.

Both girls were giggling with excitement talking about their trip.

This is the 11th year Center Stage Dance Studio has been invited to participate in the parade.

“I’m very glad to have this privilege,” Ball said.

The girls left Saturday and had a busy schedule leading up to the performance in the parade. They rehearsed with the Spirit of America choreographers from Texas.

Their days were filled with early morning rehearsals that lasted into the evening. They also traveled by subway, which Ball said is a new experience.

While in New York, they expect to see a Broadway show, the Radio City Rockettes, the Empire State Building and 9/11 memorial.

After going over camera angles with NBC Wednesday evening, the girls planned an early morning today to meet in Central Park before going down the parade route to their Herald Square performance.

They are among more than 600 dancers, so viewers will have to pay close attention to see them.

Haynes is only concerned that one viewer gets the chance to watch, her dad, who is deployed.

NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs 9 a.m. to noon today.

Becca Owsley can be reached at (270) 505-1741 or bowsley@thenewsenterprise.com.