HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — This year, a North Carolina dance studio will represent the Tar Heel State in New York’s Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“They have an opportunity to perform for millions of people, and it's gonna be really exciting," Marilyn Chappell said.

Chappell created Holly Springs School of dance 24 years ago.

In that time, she and her dance teams have performed in six Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades.

This year marks No. 7.

“I grew up in New York City, and I thought what a great opportunity for kids in a small town to perform on such an enormous stage," Chappell said.

The team is made up of high school students.

They will walk the entire parade route Thursday before performing their short minute and a half routine.

Chappell says her students are extremely quick learners.

This Thanksgiving, she's thankful for yet another opportunity for her school to dance in front of the world.

“I'm so grateful, I'm so grateful that our kids have this opportunity, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it," Chappell said.

Chappell says her studio has the most representatives from any studio in the country participating in this year’s Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Every dancer is responsible for raising their own funds to get to NYC.

Chappell tells us they do this through fundraising events or offering private lessons to younger dancers.