Sunrise dance team selected for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade

Sunrise dance team selected for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade

SUNRISE, Fla. — The dancers at Encore Dance Theatre don’t need much more than music to get moving — and now their energy is taking them all the way to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Spirit of America Productions selected 26 dancers from the Sunrise studio to perform in New York City, choosing them from thousands of studios nationwide.

For Taylor Cundiff, who has spent 13 years at Encore, the opportunity is a childhood dream come true.

“I’d watch the parade and think, ‘I want to be that,’” she said. “Now I’m actually doing it.”

Among the group are lifelong friends Alayna Duval, Abrielle Florant and Jaida De La Cruz, who have danced together since age three.

“We’re always together,” Florant said. “It’s a bond we can’t break.”

Studio founder Anne Brodsky said the dancers were given the parade choreography by video and have spent weeks rehearsing.

“They’ve put in so many hours getting ready,” she said.

For 11-year dancer Layla Duggar, practice has replaced nerves with confidence.

“The more we’ve worked, the more fun it’s become,” Duggar said. “When we get up there, it won’t be stressful — just perform.”

The dancers will also take in Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular during their trip — a reward for years of dedication and hard work.

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Christian De La Rosa

Christian De La Rosa

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.