Full Breakdown
Ithaca Dancers Prepare for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
11/16/2025, 1:19:55 AM
Local Dance Team's Participation
Twenty-two dancers from the Armstrong School of Dance in Ithaca, New York, are set to perform in the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2025. This marks a continuation of their long-standing tradition, having participated in the parade every three years since 2008. The team, under the direction of Karen Gorsky, was first invited to the parade after a dance competition in New York City where scouts recognized their talent.
The dancers, including veterans Eliza Kennedy, Audrey Bennett, and Clare Sanford, have been rigorously preparing for their performance, which features dynamic choreography set to iconic hits from Lady Gaga. “It’s kind of nice to be there for the rest of the dancers, and I think we have a really great team this year,” said Sanford, reflecting on the significance of their senior year performance.
Dancer Roster
The team consists of dancers from the Ithaca, Newfield, and Lansing school districts, including:
- Audrey Bennett
- Sally Brenner
- Juliette DeCastro
- Leo Desjardins
- Siena Doob
- Alex Filiberto
- Lily Fortenberry
- Daphne Gilpin
- Sophia Heffron
- Ainsley Hiland
- Mairenn Kenaley
- Eliza Kennedy
- Rossi Livingston
- Winnie Monroe
- Matti Oakes
- Avery Roberts
- Clare Sanford
- Ryan Savino
- Meghan Snyder
- Oliva Walters
- Stella Watts
- Ellie Wrisley
The dancers will also participate in a benefit Christmas show for brain trauma research on December 6, 2025.
Parade Details
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will commence at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to attract millions of viewers both in-person and on television. The parade will feature 34 balloons, 29 floats, 11 marching bands, and numerous performance groups. The best viewing time for the dancers is anticipated between 10:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Official Statements & Responses
Karen Gorsky expressed pride in her dancers, stating, “It’s been really amazing to put together and work on it together.” The dancers are scheduled for extensive rehearsals in New York City leading up to the parade, ensuring their performance is cohesive and polished.
What's Next
As the parade approaches, the dancers will continue their preparations, including multiple rehearsals to synchronize their performance with the larger group of 600 dancers. The excitement builds as they prepare for an event watched by an estimated 3.5 million spectators on the streets and millions more on television.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In 2008, I took my dance team to New York City for a dance competition where they had scouts,” — Karen Gorsky, Director and Owner of Armstrong School of Dance
- “I think it’s really special this year to be the seniors on the team taking the group to Macy’s,” — Clare Sanford, Dancer
- “We started learning it individually and now we’re cleaning it as a group with Karen’s help,” — Eliza Kennedy, Dancer
This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be a memorable event for the dancers, their families, and the community of Ithaca.
