Local dancers head to the Big Apple

Four dancers from the Academy of the Performing Arts will be dancing in the 92nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 22, in New York City.

The dancers, who are the only dancers representing Montana, are Isabel Phillips, 12; Laura Symmes, 17; Aurora Kelly, 14; and Alyssa Roberts, 15 (not pictured). They will be dancing to a remix mash-up of “Winter Wonderland” and will be at the end of the parade following Santa Claus. After Santa appears the dancers will be asked to join in the celebration with their routine, ending with a big “Merry Christmas!”

Under the direction of Shoni Jaeger, the Academy of the Performing Arts in Kalispell has offered classes in ballet, tap and jazz, among other disciplines, for more than 20 years. Jaeger’s school first caught the attention of parade organizers last year when a number of her students participated in a dance workshop with well-known choreographers and teachers.

The students worked all last summer to raise the funds needed to cover their airfare and week-long stay in New York. They also received many contributions to support their trip and thank their family, friends, the Daily Inter Lake and Trail West Bank for honoring them as sponsors.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcast live on national television on NBC starting at 7 a.m. Mountain Standard Time.