Ranch student dances her way to Macy's parade

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Every year since Danielle Calabrese can remember, she’s marveled at celebrities, performances and floats in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from her living room.

But this year, Calabrese will have a new perspective — as a participant in the parade with the Universal Dance Association.

Calabrese, 17, will join more than 600 dancers and cheerleaders from across the nation to perform in the parade.

“My family and I have always wanted just to go watch it; I never thought I’d perform in it,” Calabrese said, grinning.

She and her family — mother, Jeanne and father, Roger — already have their River Club home adorned with Christmas decorations. Although they normally have the holiday decor up before Thanksgiving, this year, they completed the task a little early to better accommodate the parade schedule.

Calabrese, a senior captain for Lakewood Ranch High’s Silver Stars Dance Team, learned of the opportunity to dance in the parade over the summer, during the team’s dance camp with the Universal Dance Association. The organization offered the Macy’s parade opportunity to senior dance-team captains.

Although Calabrese has been practicing the routine based on a video sent by Universal Dance, rehearsals began Nov. 22 — the day of her arrival.

Calabrese said she’s eager to meet other dancers and for the experience, in general.

“I’m just really excited and looking forward to it,” Calabrese said. “Our captain three years ago went and she was the only one who went. She had a great time.”

Jeanne Calabrese and her husband will travel to New York City, as well, and plan to find their spot along the parade route in the days leading up to the parade. Then, they hope to watch their daughter from the front lines. They’ll have the parade recording at home, just in case, however.

The couple also has purchased tickets to see the Rockettes and the Broadway show, “Aladdin,” which Danielle Calabrese will attend with her fellow UDA dancers.

“Danielle has worked so hard. She is so committed to her dance,” Jeanne Calabrese said. “We wanted for her to experience this. How many times do you have this opportunity?”

Participant schedule
Saturday, Nov. 22
• Arrive in New York City for orientation. Rehearsal began at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 23
• Rehearsals
• Visit Times Square
• Attend Broadway show

Monday, Nov. 24
• Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
• Optional activities

Wednesday, Nov. 26
• Dress rehearsal and pictures in the grand ballroom (open to spectators)
• Shopping at Macy’s/Empire State Building
• Optional activities

Thursday, Nov. 27
• Parade. (Broadcast on NBC from 9 a.m. to noon.)
• Event wrap-up and Spread the Spirit Rally in the grand ballroom.

Friday, Nov. 29
• Girls depart for home

DANIELLE CALABRESE
• Age: 17

• School: Lakewood Ranch High

• Grade: Senior

• Neighborhood: River Club

• Extracurricular activities: Silver Stars Dance Team, FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) and National Honor Society

• Favorite Thanksgiving food: Dessert

Favorite movie: “Elf”