Radio City Rockettes hold auditions in NYC for their 100th anniversary season
The world famous
Radio City Rockettes
are holding auditions in New York City Tuesday.
More than 1,000 dancers from across the United States and beyond have descended on the Big Apple,
chasing the same dream
as the Rockettes celebrate their 100th anniversary season.
It's a lifelong dream for the dancers. By 7 a.m., aspiring Rockettes lined up along 50th Street. Over the years, they've come from every state and dozens of countries for the shot at one of the few coveted spots in the legendary kickline.
The dancers went inside, warmed up, and shook out their nerves. Then they had to learn and master choreography in just minutes before the big moment - the audition. Years of training comes down to just one shot, and this year's an extra special year. In addition to auditioning for the big show - the 2025
Christmas Spectacular
- dancers are being considered for the Rockettes' dancer development programs, including a newly-launched Rockettes Preparatory, designed to find and train the next generation of talent.
Only a rare few of the hopefuls earn a direct spot straight to the show.
"I'm from Lousiiana," dancer Ryleigh Geis said. "Today we're auditioning for the Rockettes and it's the 100 season, so it's actually super exciting. I feel really special just to be a part of it."
"It was a lot of fun. Really intense, stressful at times. I felt we were all in it together we were able to push ourselves to the next level," said dancer Michelle Osanya, from Iowa.
Some dreams were dashed Tuesday, but a few dozen got the news they'd been hoping for. They've been called back and will return for a second round Wednesday.
Last year, more than 800 dancers auditioned, and the 2024 Christmas Spectacular featured 17 new dancers.
The Rockettes were founded in St. Louis in 1925 as the "Missouri Rockets." They perform for more than a million people each holiday season at Radio City Music Hall.
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Associated Press
24-05-2025
- Associated Press
RMPStudio™ Announces Former Radio City Rockette Transforms Career Redirecting Concussion #1 Bestselling Spiritual Memoir
From the Rockettes stage to spiritual awakening, Gina Pero's bestselling memoir reveals how a concussion became the catalyst for divine purpose. 'You don't have to dim your light to be spiritual, you were divinely designed to shine authentically.'— Gina Pero LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, May 24, 2025 / / -- RMPStudio™ Announces Former Radio City Rockette Transforms Career-Redirecting Concussion Into #1 Bestselling Spiritual Memoir RMPStudio™, a vanguard in the publishing industry known for its dedication to bringing profound and transformative stories to life, is proud to announce the latest addition to its distinguished family: acclaimed author Gina Pero. Alongside this exciting news, RMPStudio™ is also thrilled to reveal the anticipated 2025 release of Gina's groundbreaking Amazon Bestselling book, 'Lipstick, Lashes, and God: Reviving the Spirit Within.' This recent publication marks a significant addition to the literary world, offering readers a compelling journey into the realms of self-empowerment and spiritual growth. Gina's book is poised to be a beacon of inspiration, weaving personal narratives with insightful wisdom, encouraging readers to explore and embrace their inner strength and spirituality. Bridging Performance and Purpose Pero's story addresses a common struggle for high achievers: the perceived choice between worldly success and spiritual fulfillment. 'You don't have to dim your light to be spiritual,' she emphasizes. 'You were divinely designed to shine authentically.' The book unfolds in three movements Preparation, Performance, and Purpose, mirroring both Pero's dance background and the universal journey of spiritual awakening. Each chapter concludes with practical applications of the Lipstick, Lashes, and God framework, transforming personal narrative into actionable wisdom. A Universal Message Through Personal Experience 'I wrote this book for every sensitive soul who's been told to 'toughen up,' every performer questioning their path, and every person who's discovered that what makes them 'different' might actually be their greatest gift,' says Pero. 'My curved spine wasn't a limitation it was my signature. My sensitivity wasn't weakness it was my superpower. Even my life-altering injury became the beginning of my true purpose.' The memoir chronicles pivotal moments including: • Dancing professionally despite scoliosis and five years in a back brace • Four words from a teacher that saved her dance career when she was ready to quit • Finding spiritual connection in unexpected places, from Quebec cathedrals to Japanese temples • How a backstage concussion during her second Rockettes season became divine intervention • Discovering authentic calling through surrender and unexpected connections About Gina Pero Gina Pero is a former Radio City Rockette, certified coach, and spiritual teacher who has performed internationally and coached hundreds of dancers. After her performing career, she founded a successful coaching practice specializing in helping performers and sensitive individuals discover their authentic purpose. She has been featured on podcasts and stages worldwide, sharing her message of transformation through challenge. Her journey from the Rockettes stage to spiritual mentorship exemplifies the book's central theme: apparent setbacks often realign us with our true calling when we're willing to trust divine choreography. Adriana Rosales, CEO of RMPStudio™, expresses her enthusiasm for welcoming Gina to their family of esteemed authors. 'Gina's unique voice and powerful storytelling align perfectly with our mission at RMPStudio™ to promote narratives that not only entertain but also inspire and provoke thought,' says Rosales. 'We are eagerly awaiting the official book launch YouTube premiere release of 'Lipstick, Lashes, and God: Reviving the Spirit Within' and are confident that it will give you a glimpse into Gina's personal writing journey.' RMPStudio™ is committed to providing updates and sneak peeks throughout the journey to publication. This partnership between Gina and RMPStudio™ signifies a shared vision of delivering impactful literature that resonates with and uplifts its audience. For more information and future updates on 'Lipstick, Lashes, and God: Reviving the Spirit Within,' please contact RMPStudio™ at [email protected] or visit About RMPStudio™: RMPStudio™, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a progressive and innovative publishing house. Renowned for uncovering exceptional literary talent, RMPStudio™ focuses on nurturing diverse voices and delivering groundbreaking narratives to a global readership. Media Contact: Adriana Rosales RMPStudio™ 1180 N. Town Center Suite #100 Las Vegas, Nevada 89144 Email: [email protected] Website: Adriana Rosales RMPStudio™ a division of Adriana & Company™ 2015005902 ext. email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
New York Post
25-04-2025
- New York Post
I tried out for the Rockettes on a reality TV show as a teen
I was 17 years old, wearing nothing but a black leotard, nude tights and an intolerable pair of 2-inch heeled Capezio character shoes as a camera crew followed my anxiety-ridden peers and me in the rehearsal hall of Radio City Music Hall. How did I end up here? Considering it was my — and my mother's — dream to be a Radio City Rockette, I signed up to audition for 'The Rockette Summer Intensive' almost 15 years ago. It was a demanding, weeklong, boot camp-like program where eager young women danced their hearts out, praying they would stand out enough to possibly be offered the opportunity of a lifetime — a coveted spot on the world-famous kickline. 6 Fabiana Buontempo featured on 'The Rockette Summer Intensive' show. MSG Varsity TV Advertisement The same year I signed up to audition for the intensive with hundreds of other girls — which has since been replaced by two other summer programs and operates differently — MSG Network was piloting a cable reality TV-type show featuring 10 slightly naive, aspiring Rockettes. To be considered for the show, I submitted a janky video of myself performing with my New Jersey high school dance team, and much to my surprise, I was selected for what would become a life-changing experience — but not for the reason you'd expect. The crew followed me and the nine other local tri-state area girls around, 'Real Housewives'-style, as we performed what felt like 1,000 kicks to film the opening credits of the show at an empty Radio City in the wee morning hours. Advertisement I didn't realize it at the time, but watching it now, the magic of reality-produced drama was apparent. They honed in on one girl's injury, which resulted in her terribly messing up her audition. Another castmate revealed to the cameras that she irresponsibly went to a concert the night before the audition and was running on empty fumes — which led viewers to believe she was going to blow her chances of nailing her audition. 6 Like many young dancers, Buontempo grew up idolizing the Rockettes. Courtesy Fabiana Buontempo And of course, when it came to me, the cameras made sure to zoom in on my panicked face in that audition room — fortunately for the crew, I looked genuinely petrified the entire time. Advertisement I was pulled aside to do green-screen confessionals, all while trying to get through the audition process without crying — or throwing up — from both exhaustion and nerves. I didn't actually throw up, but I was close to it. 6 The many kicks done on audition day. Buontempo is fourth from the right. Courtesy Fabiana Buontempo I remember being a ball of nerves and anxiety, wondering how I got myself into this situation. Advertisement When it was time to open my acceptance — or rejection — email to the program, it was in front of a film crew in my parents' kitchen. My camera-averse mom was so nervous for me that she sneakily filled up a glass of wine to chug in our laundry room at 3 p.m. on a Wednesday. She admitted it to me after the fact, and my family still laughs about it to this day. I got accepted and I was relieved, excited and apprehensive knowing that this journey had just begun. 6 'We were a group of high school girls desperately trying to get noticed by both the cameras and the program's director,' Buontempo (left) writes. Courtesy Fabiana Buontempo The day of auditions was only a small glimpse into what the weeklong program was going to entail — and that was a bit terrifying. I knew I was a good dancer, but never considered myself to be amazing, like some of the other girls who had the same dreams as me. Looking back now, I may have been typecast as the 'rookie with potential' — but at the time, I was just relieved that I didn't have to read a rejection email to a camera. Every day was an exhausting six-hour day of training — something real Rockettes are accustomed to — full of intense warm-ups followed by drilling Christmas routines dozens of times and, of course, hundreds of kicks. 6 We rehearsed for six hours a day and then there was even more drilling at home. Courtesy Fabiana Buontempo Advertisement Afterward at home, more drilling. I was so anxious that I wouldn't remember the routines. I'd wake up every morning limping around, trying to get my tights on. This program was one of the hardest things I ever did, both mentally and physically — maybe still to this day, but especially at 17. The scariest part of all of this was that everything was documented for TV, at a time when Facebook was barely a thing and no one was utilizing their camera phones to their full potential. 6 At the end of the weeklong program, we performed a few numbers from the Christmas Spectacular for friends and family. Courtesy Fabiana Buontempo Admittedly, every day that week, I tried brainstorming an injury I could fake to excuse myself from the program early. Not because I wasn't enjoying it or that it wasn't worthwhile — but because I was an insecure teen who doubted herself. Advertisement It didn't help when the pros leading the intensive revealed on camera my biggest insecurities about my technique as a dancer for the world to see — that's enough to traumatize a teen. I remember them saying that some of my moves weren't sharp enough or that I had to work on my skills. We were a group of high school girls desperately trying to get noticed by both the cameras and the program's director — a recipe for cattiness, as one could imagine. I remember asking one of the girls a question about a routine we were learning and she only talked to me when the cameras were rolling. This gave me a taste of both reality TV and the world of dance — and I didn't care for either. I was in a room among so many incredibly talented dancers who would give their left kidney to be a Rockette — yet I was more fascinated with the operations of the TV show than anything else. I loved the workings of the cameras and being on-screen — all of the pre- and postproduction work excited me. Advertisement The show was an incredible experience for many reasons, but mainly because it helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life — and what I wanted to leave behind. At the time, I thought I would chase the dream of becoming a Rockette or professional dancer throughout my adulthood, but this experience helped me realize that I wanted to work in media — something I would've never known if it wasn't for that TV exposure as a teen. While I didn't become a Rockette, rather than fall down in life like the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers dance, I kicked my way to my own Spectacular.
New York Post
25-04-2025
- New York Post
Inside Rockette auditions as Radio City's kickline celebrates 100 years
Early Tuesday morning, while most of New York City was rushing to work, more than 1,000 eager dancers — from 45 states and 34 countries — hogged the sidewalk of 50th Street as they lined up outside Radio City Music Hall to audition for a coveted spot on the famous kickline's 100th year. Addison Brill, 18, was one of the many ambitious hopefuls who traveled thousands of miles from Michigan to show off her kicks and bevels — the iconic Rockette pose — to the pros. 'I've been counting down the years until I was able to audition, so it's really incredible to be here, especially that it's the 100th year,' Brill told The Post. 10 Addison Brill and her family drove from Michigan for the open-call auditions. Tamara Beckwith For others like Carol Gois, 20, from Brazil, it was her second attempt. 'I think last year it wasn't as big of a reality for me,' she said. 'It was more of an idea.' 10 The dancers learning the audition choreography. Tamara Beckwith 10 Carol Gois felt a little more prepared this time around compared to her first attempt last year. Tamara Beckwith After getting the Rockette bug, Gois returned this year to re-audition feeling a little stronger and slightly less nervous, knowing what to expect this time around. 'I've been told by so many people that they could see me as a Rockette,' she added. 'So it [last year] was just a tryout to see if that's something that I wanted to pursue.' The Post attended Day 1 of the Rockettes open-call auditions, where hundreds of red-lipped, leotard-wearing dancers swarmed the lobby, doing crunches and some downward dog poses before being divided into groups to learn the audition choreography. 10 The dancers performed their choreography in both large and small groups in front of the pros. Tamara Beckwith All learned a short dance combination, and then groups of women excitedly shuffled from the basement of Radio City to the small rehearsal room to finally the large hall to show off their skill set to Rockettes' judges, assistants and captains. While everyone was hoping to stand out, director and choreographer Julie Branam is actually looking for standouts who can blend in. In fact, she's looking for dancers who know how to perform exactly like the person next to them — after all, synchronization and precision are what have made the Radio City gals so iconic for the past century. 'They [the auditionees] might think they look better doing it a certain way. But being a Rockette, you have to do it the way we asked. So that's part of the gig, and I usually put telling pieces of choreography in the first cut,' Branam explained. 10 The dancers tried not to let their nerves get the best of them while warming up in Radio City's lobby. Tamara Beckwith While of course dancers need to have a 'strong, solid ballet technical base,' Branam and her team are looking for a studious performer who pays attention. 'I'm looking for somebody who has some style and listens to correction,' Branam admitted. 'I like a smart dancer who is focused on what we're saying at the front of the room.' 10 Branam and her team of pros watched each group of dancers meticulously. Tamara Beckwith 10 Branam giving a pep talk to the hopeful dancers before they broke up into groups to perform. Tamara Beckwith Although there are 42 Rockettes for each of the two Christmas Spectacular casts, the number of open kickline spots varies every season. Whether dancers were sent home or made it past the final round of auditions on Thursday — most will luckily get a chance to partake in the invite-only conservatory and preparatory summer programs. But the reality is, most end up getting cut. Approximately 4%-7% of dancers make it through all three days. Both Brill and Gois got the boot in the first round — but despite their disappointment, they kept their composure and were in good spirits as they exited Radio City. 10 Over 1,000 dancers showed up to audition for a coveted spot on the legendary kickline. Tamara Beckwith 10 The lucky dancers who made it through the first round of cuts on Day 1. Tamara Beckwith 'This was a newer dance style, I learned it 72 hours ago, so I was hoping I could figure it out and put my best foot forward,' Brill, 18, said. 'Over the next year, I will really hone in on the technique and style to re-audition.' Making it past the first round, surprisingly, didn't put many of the dancers at ease because they knew they still had to prove to the pros they're worthy of joining the leggy dance troupe. First-timer Nina Nuñez, 21, was in shock when she heard her number called to continue the audition process. She made it to the second day, but was then cut on Day 2. 10 Nina Nuñez was shocked but excited that she made it past the first round of cuts. Tamara Beckwith 'I'm nervous. This is all completely new for me. I have no idea what just happened — I blacked out, but overall I'm feeling good,' she said. 'This is all completely new for me, but I'm grateful and appreciative to be here.'
