Team captains Amy Armantrout and Holly Rotter are seniors and have earned the money for this trip themselves through fundraising and after-school jobs.

The girls left Saturday and plan to return Nov. 24.

They, along with hundreds of dance team captains from around the country, will tour the Big Apple, see a Broadway show, shop Fifth Avenue, attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, ice skate at Rockefeller Center and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, now in its 80th year.

The dancers attended a camp this summer through the Universal Dance Association and learned of the opportunity extended only to dance team captains. The girls said they were honored to participate in the parade.

“Me and my family watch it every year,” said Holly, 17.

She said her only previous parade experience was at Niwot’s Nostalgia Days.

Amy, 17, said she has been a member of the Niwot High Jungle Express Dance Team for four years now and is excited about the trip.

“It still seems very unreal,” she said. “It’s going to be cold but really fun. My mom’s sisters live in New York, so they realize what a huge deal it is to be a part of the parade there.”

The girls received parade costumes and taped dance routines to watch and practice before the parade.

“I’ve watched the parade ever since I was little,” Amy said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”