Inside Rockette auditions as Radio City's kickline celebrates 100 years

New York Post

25-04-2025

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.'