My daughter, Robin Jackson, just danced in the 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, as a Spirit of America Productions dancer.
For the past 28 years, Spirit of America Productions has been a part of the Macy’s Parade. The participating dancers involved, numbering 650, were from all over the United States.
Robin started dancing at Jeanne’s School of Dance East Mesa in August 2003, and has been at this studio ever since. Beginning this past April, eight girls from Jeanne’s, including Robin, had been fund-raising to supplement their cost of the trip. The trip departed Phoenix on Nov. 23, and returned on Nov. 29.
During the week in New York City, Robin was taught a choreographed dance routine. The rehearsals were from four to six hours per day. In addition, the trip included a Broadway show; Statue of Liberty/New York Harbor cruise; and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes. In addition, Robin and others observed the Empire State Building; Macy’s; Times Square; Fifth Avenue; Central Park; Rockefeller Center; and many other New York City attractions.
Proud to accompany Robin to New York City, I also purchased advance tickets online to visit the 9-11 Memorial. It was something I wanted the girls to witness in addition to the amazing experience they had with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.