By Paulo Hernandez

Los Altos High School junior Marisa Takami is about to embark on the experience of a lifetime. She was invited to participate in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Takami will perform with about 200 other participants from around the country.

It started last summer at a dance camp at University of California at Santa Barbara. Takami, who formed the dance team at Los Altos High School and became its captain as a sophomore, was joined by four other girls at the camp.

With a newly formed team and only a few girls, expectations were not very high for the dance squad. However, at the camp’s completion, the group was awarded numerous ribbons and a trophy signifying their accomplishments. Representatives from the Macy’s parade were on hand to extend Takami an invitation to participate; she eagerly accepted the invitation.

The 16-year-old Takami left for New York City last Saturday and is scheduled to return Friday. She attended an orientation and is practicing three times every day in preparation. She said the entire group will sit down on Thursday and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together.

Takami, who is traveling alone, is meeting with her grandparents in New York City. She has visited New York before and said she loves it. She also has family living in upstate New York.

Takami is excited about her opportunity to perform in the parade. “I’ve always wanted to perform in the parade; it’s driven me,” she said. “I’m excited to meet new people.”

She is also thankful to those around her who made this trip possible. “I’m really appreciative of my team. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

Besides the parade, Takami is planning on doing some sightseeing — including the Empire State Building and Ground Zero — while in New York.

Though only a junior, Takami has plans to attend a four-year college. She is not sure where she wants to go, but she is sure of one thing: It has to have a dance team. Her plans at this point also include working toward a degree in psychology.

Takami’s group will follow the Charlie Brown balloon at about 10:15 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.