Todd interviews The Spirit of America Cheerleaders at the 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Todd interviews The Spirit of America Cheerleaders at the 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC. This parade was broadcast live on NBC & Peacock. Spirit of America Productions, formerly known as Mike Miller & Associates Special Events, is a cheerleading and dance agency that serves as the exclusive provider of cheerleaders and dancers to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In the summer of 1986, Mike Miller secured the first opportunity for dancers to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Later that November, 301 dance drill team officers from across the country representing the National Dance Alliance opened the 60th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 1989, a second production number was added for NCA cheerleaders. That Thanksgiving, it snowed in New York City and many Macy’s volunteers from surrounding areas were unable to get into the city due to the weather. The cheerleaders not only performed but stepped in to serve as balloon handlers. Jean McFaddin, the Parade director, was quoted as saying the cheerleaders had “saved the parade” that year. Eventually, Mike Miller left the National Dance Alliance to create Mike Miller & Associates Special Events. In 1994, Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association were selected to provide performers in the parade, adding to the group's already massive size. Varsity Spirit served as an integral part of the Mike Miller & Associates family. Over the years, the performers have stayed in different hotels in New York City. While visiting the city, performers view a Broadway show, dine at famous New York eateries, take a cruise around the Statue of Liberty, visit the 9/11 Memorial, the Radio City Music Hall Spectacular, the Empire State Building and many more signature New York landmarks. With space limitations, rehearsals were often challenging, requiring practice in many unusual places such as the Javitz Center, the USS Intrepid, and the company's now-ample space at the New York Hilton Midtown. For many years the performers were transported to a parking lot outside the Macy’s Parade Studio in Hoboken, New Jersey to give Macy’s and NBC an opportunity to preview the productions. Macy’s and NBC grew such confidence in the quality of Spirit of America's productions that the company provides a first viewing on Monday evening’s Herald Square rehearsal. Over the years, Mike Miller has been recognized with many awards and honors for his contribution to the parade. He was the recipient of the 1989 Macy’s “Rolle” Award for Outstanding Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade contributions, the Director’s Award in 1994 and 1997, and the 20 Year Involvement Recognition Award in 2005. Finally in 2007, he received the Macy’s Special Achievement Award. His cheerleaders and dancers were the only performers who held a permanent berth in the parade besides Santa Claus and the Rockettes. On December 17, 2007, Mike passed away shortly after his groups’ 22nd parade appearance. After Miller's passing, the company retained the name of Mike Miller & Associates Special Events until 2010, when the company's name was changed to Spirit of America Productions. 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Thursday, November 23, 2023 I 5th Ave, NYC FaceTime with Todd Wharton NYC's #1 Independent Talk Show Follow Host Todd Wharton on IG @ToddWhartonOfficial "If you're not living a passionate life, then who's life are you living" - Todd Wharton Credits Host: Todd Wharton Guest Interviewee: Spirit of America Cheerleaders / Productions Videographer 1 Joseph Asbery / Sharp Lens Photography LLC Videographer 2: Alonzo Boldin Videographer 3: Kash Bhatnagar Photographer: Kevin Wood Production Asst & Mobile Photographer: Justin Goodman Video Editor: Todd Wharton To watch Full Episodes, Interviews, Clips, Funny Moments, Monologues, Parodies, Photo Galleries, etc... And for Guest Booking & Show Info, go to FaceTimewithToddWharton.com FaceTime with Todd Wharton is a Wharton Grind Productions LLC