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Gristina, a Mahopac resident, got to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, dancing with 34th and Phunk.
The 12-year-old, who dances for Epic Dance Studio in Mahopac, went out to Long Island to audition, having to learn a whole new hip-hop dance. She found out she got the part that day.
"I was just in shock," Gristina said. "I didn't know what to do, I was excited."
Gristina traveled all over the tri-state area to attend rehearsals, which wasn't so bad- some of the dancers would fly in from Florida, California, and Texas.
On Thanksgiving, Gristina had to arrive at her spot, at 76th Street and Columbus Avenue at 5:30 a.m., even though they didn't get in line to join the procession until 10:30 a.m. Her parents watched the procession from designated seats.
"It was a different Thanksgiving but it was a great experience for us," her father, Dario, said. "I am super proud of my daughter."
After her dance was over, Gristina said she felt relieved and proud of what she was able to accomplish.
"It was really fun," Gristina said.
Gristina first got into dance five years ago after time spent as a competitive gymnast. She said hip hop is her favorite type of dance.
"I love showing people what I can do," Gristina said. "I hope I can do more things like that."
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