Layla Hamlin has been dancing since age 2. And, since about then, she’s had a dream of performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
This year, her dream is becoming a reality. Through an organization called Spirit of America Productions, Layla, 13, was chosen to perform with 600 other teens during the festivities next week.
“I’m really excited to do this — and a little bit nervous to go,” Layla, who lives in Burlington, told Seven Days. “But overall, I’m excited for the entire trip.”
While the actual dance routine is just two minutes long, the lead-up to the big day has been involved. Layla has been practicing nonstop, according to her mother, Shauncey Hamlin, and needs to leave for New York City this Friday, November 22, to practice in person with all the other teens, who are coming in from around the country. The weeklong trip also includes some downtime, Shauncey said, and the dancers will take in a Broadway show, the Rockettes, the Statue of Liberty and other tourist attractions.
Another highlight: One of the chaperones is a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Layla is “over-the-moon excited for that,” Shauncey said with a laugh.
It’s a trip of a lifetime that is a culmination of years of hard work, Shauncey said. Layla dances jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop and travels out of state many weekends for competitions. She has always had her eye on performing on the big stage, her mother said. The family has been to the Thanksgiving parade before — but never to watch someone they knew actually march in it.
The trip is expensive; Shauncey estimated it will cost $5,000 or so. They’ve started a GoFundMe to help pay for it. No matter what, Shauncey said, it’s worth every penny.
“It’s surreal,” she said. “It’s happening!”