Set to dance in Macy’s parade

KEARNEY, Neb. — Three million people will be watching live; 44 million people will watch on television.

But, an audience of millions won’t bother Kearney Catholic High School seniors Natalie Cantral and Lindsay Connely when they dance in the 83rd-annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City Thursday.

“I think it will just be crazy,” Connely said. “I’ve never been somewhere where there was that many people watching. I think it will be really cool to see everyone who is watching the parade.”

The girls will perform with the varsity spirit team, which will lead the parade.

“I’m in the band, so I’ve been in parades, but definitely nothing this big,” Cantral said. “I watch it on TV every year, and it’s just so many people, and it will definitely be exciting and a change, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”

Connely and Cantral got the opportunity to perform with the group of dancers and cheerleaders through the Universal Dance Association.

“I’m definitely excited about being on national television,” Cantral said. “I think that’s pretty awesome. I’m definitely a performer, and I love getting out in front of people. Usually it would make people nervous to be in front of that many people, but I’m very, very excited about it.”

The girls left for New York Saturday and spent the week practicing with the spirit team and sightseeing.

Dancers from across the country will join the girls in New York to dance in the parade. The girls each received a DVD with the dance routine they’re required to learn for the parade two weeks before leaving for New York.

Cantral said she had been practicing a few hours a day. Her goal is to be selected to dance in the front row, which is an honor bestowed upon the best dancers.

Connely, who has basketball practice every day after school, has been trying to squeeze in as much practice as possible, she said.

“We’re very used to learning dances very quickly,” Cantral said.

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