Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

I’m also thankful for dancing turkeys. Thank you, dancing turkeys, for dancing. And being turkeys.

What are you thankful for this year? Finally hitting that 6 o’clock penchée? Being cast in your dream Nutcracker role? Getting your first pair of pointe shoes?

Here at Dance Spirit, we have a Thanksgiving tradition: Each year, everyone on staff expresses appreciation for the dance-y things that make our world a little brighter. And since being a member of the DS team comes with pretty amazing dance-related perks, we always have a lot to be thankful for. Here’s what everyone had to say this time around.

“I’m thankful for the many web series about dance, like AOL On’s ‘city.ballet.,’ Teen Vogue‘s ‘Strictly Ballet‘ and Dance Spirit‘s own ‘Road to Nationals.’ Whenever I need a break at the office, I can grab my headphones, sit back and watch an inspiring episode—and it still looks like I’m doing work!” —Jenny Dalzell, managing editor

“I’m thankful to get to interview some of the youngest dancers featured in DS for our ‘You Should Know’ column. I’m constantly inspired by their passion, optimism, humility and gratitude—not to mention their insane talent!” —Maggie McNamara, assistant editor

“I’m thankful to be surrounded by amazingly gifted dancers. I always have inspiration to work harder.” —Nicole Loeffler-Gladstone, assistant editor

“I’m thankful for artists like Misty Copeland, Tiler Peck and Wendy Whelan, who show dancers everywhere that there are so many options beyond a traditional stage performance career.” —Meggie Hermanson, fashion editor

As for me? I’m thankful to be living in NYC, a city with more dancers per square foot than anywhere else in the universe. Every single day, I have opportunities to experience these artists’ energy and passion—onstage, in the studio, at DS photo shoots, on the subway (it happens!). I love you, NYC—almost enough to make me forget how much rent I’m paying.

Happy Turkey Day!