A file picture of Arya Dance Company
NEW YORK: In a unique first for South Asians, New Jersey-based Arya Dance Academy participated and performed in the 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City on Nov 26.
For the first time in the history of the world renowned parade that is watched by millions worldwide and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Americans and tourists to the Big Apple, Indian culture was showcased like never before.
Over 60 professional dancers of Arya walked and danced throughout the 2.5-mile parade route stemming from 77th Street and Central Park West and culminating with a performance in front of Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.
With the performance preceding Santa Claus and coming after music icon Kanye West and the cast of the hit NBC show Glee, Arya was at the heart of all the action.
Arya Dance Academy was the first South Asian Performing Arts Academy to take the stage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in its 84-year history. The high-energy dance performance was broadcast live on NBC. The vibrant, colorful costumes of the performers were custom made in India with intricate embroidery and embellishments.
“We are proud to represent the Indian culture on the national level at Macy’s 84th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Rupal K. Patel, Director of Arya Dance Academy.
Arya Dance Academy was invited to be a part of the parade over 6 months ago.
It is the largest Indian dance company in America with locations in 341 cities and 33 states from California to Massachusetts. Dedicated to teaching South Asian dance techniques, music, singing, and acting to students of all ages, Arya offers classes in both Bollywood and classical dance. From concerts to community shows to competitions, the students are encouraged to perform and conquer the stage with confidence.
Each year Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season in New York City and across the country on NBC. More than 3.5 million people watch the parade along NYC streets and an additional 50 million across America tune into NBC to catch a glimpse of the floats, larger than life balloons, the nation’s best marching bands, and live performances by popular music bands.
-India Post News Service
