Phoebe Bolden said she’s always dreamed of going to New York – Bolden and fellow dance students Ella Comeaux and Olivia Dempster got to experience it in a way she once never thought possible.
The trio represented St. Charles Parish on quite the large stage on Thanksgiving as they were part of the annual and iconic Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade.
The opportunity came via Spirit of America Productions, which coordinates two performances for the parade: a cheer/pom performance with cheerleaders and dancers selected at camps, competitions and auditions nationwide, and a dance performance consisting of dancers from high schools and studios from across the country selected at camps, competitions and auditions – Dempster, Comeaux and Bolden were part of that second group of selections.
The idea was first pitched by Johanna Walker-Hebert, the trio’s dance instructor at Broadway Open Stage Studio in Destrehan.
“She had this idea of, ‘Let’s go to New York.’ And it’s like, what do you mean go to New York?” said Bolden. “She said we could do Spirit of America and that yes, she was serious.”
The girls – Dempster a Hahnville High student, Bolden and Comeaux of Destrehan High – knew Walker might just be on to something – Bolden said the instructor has never, ever been one to not see an idea through.
“This is the craziest woman you’ll ever meet,” Bolden said with a laugh. “I just have to say that because when our dance teacher thinks of something, it’s got meaning behind it. She’ll put her mind to it and even if it doesn’t work out, you know at the very least she’s put her heart completely into it. So, for me, OK, I’ll absolutely go with you on this.”
Bolden was especially hopeful for it because to see New York was something she’d long wanted.
“My dream was always to go to New York. I just never realized that could be possible through Spirit of America,” she said.
After months of planning and fundraising, they got the news they’d hoped for – they were headed to New York for Thanksgiving, along with their families and dance teachers.
“It was incredible to get that news … I was just so excited we were going to be able to do this,” said Dempster.
They began learning the dance they’d be performing, to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.”
They arrived in New York and got to enjoy the city a bit with their families before beginning preparation for the event – the first practice was that night, then an eight- hour practice on day two.
“That was tiring but it was very important to do,” Bolden said. “And we were able to meet all of the people from across the country who were there to take part.”
Then came their official rehearsal for NBC. After that, they got to see the sights the “city that never sleeps” has to offer, including the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. They also went to Broadway to see the musical Moulin Rouge.
When Thursday finally came, the girls put on their performance – not just for the many there in attendance, but also on national television.
“It was definitely kind of nerve-wracking, knowing it was on national television,” said Comeaux. “But it was an amazing experience. It’s something not many people get to do and I’m really thankful we did.”
Dempster said she didn’t think people would necessarily be able to recognize them on television.
“People came up to me and said ‘Hey, I saw you on TV.’ I was kind of shocked,” Dempster said. “I didn’t know if we’d be too far away or if you’d be able to see us from that view. I heard from a lot of classmates and a few teachers … this was once in a lifetime. It was so amazing.”
Walker-Hebert said she enjoyed seeing the girls’ excitement during their stay in New York.
“We got to see celebrities … the singers from K-Pop. Kool and the Gang – I was excited about that. Jewel passed right in front of us,” Walker-Hebert said. “It was an honor … I’m lucky to be able to share (the parade and trip experience) with the girls and their families.”
