SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Three girls from the Sullivan High School Arrowette Dance Team have been selected to dance in the Walt Disney World Christmas Spectacular Parade that airs every year on Christmas Day.
Alyssa Pike, Mallory Pike and Callie Curtis attended the National Dance Alliance Camp this past summer where they were selected to be on the All-American Team.
“This summer we attended dance camp at Ball State University and there we were selected to try out for the All-American Team and we three have made it from Sullivan High School and with this, we have the opportunity to dance at Disney World,” Alyssa Pike said.
The girls were unable to attend the camp in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They said that made going this year all the more special.
“We didn’t get to go to dance camp last summer so them going this summer was a big opportunity,” Tyra Pirtle, coach of the Arrowettes Dance Team, said. “We went to Ball State, where we usually don’t go, so there were a lot more schools and there’s a lot higher competition.”
To be nominated at the dance camp, Pirtle said the girls had to demonstrate a number of skills such as technique, leadership and showmanship.
“We went to dance camp and they hand out ribbons for All-American and then you have to try out with the tryout dance,” Curtis said. “The instructors choose around 20-something people from the entire camp and you get to choose where you perform.”
They had the option of performing at either the Walt Disney World Spectacular Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Orange Ball.
“For us, this is like a big thing to do because we’re going to Disney World and performing in front of a whole crowd and lots of people,” Alyssa Pike said.
Pirtle said that because of their talent, she was not surprised when the girls were selected. As a coach, she said it has been amazing to watch them accomplish so much.
“It’s just a big opportunity for the school, for the community and for our dance program in general so they’re excited and I’m very proud of them,” Pirtle said.
They leave for the parade on Friday and will perform on Sunday. The entire parade will air on Christmas Day.
