Latest news with #Rockettes
Associated Press
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
- Entertainment
- 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
- Entertainment
- 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.'
CBS News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
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.
New York Post
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
For the Radio City Rockettes' 100th anniversary, auditions stakes are higher than ever
If you see a swarm of statuesque women high-kicking in front of Radio City this week, no, it's not Christmas just yet. The holiday season may be months away, but springtime is when Rockette history is made. Each April, hundreds of hopeful leotard-clad dancers travel from all over to the Big Apple to audition for a coveted spot on the famous kickline — founded in 1925, halfway across the country in St. Louis, Missouri. For 11 years, it's been director and choreographer Julie Branam's difficult task to find the next generation of Rockettes for this now-100-year-old legacy. 23 The Rockettes began in 1925, but were called the 'Missouri Rockets' in St. Louis by choreographer Russell Markert. Courtesy of The Rockettes 23 Every spring, the Big Apple buzzes with leotard-clad dancers lining up outside the Midtown theater for Rockette auditions, which are set for Tuesday, April 22, this year, followed by callbacks on Wednesday and Thursday. REUTERS All dancers who meet the 18-year-old age requirement are welcome at the legendary organization's open-call audition, because Branam wants to give everyone an equal opportunity to showcase their talent. 'I'm always looking to do things better and to make sure that I'm giving every dancer the best chance they have to get that job,' Branam told The Post. While it's an extremely nerve-wracking experience, Branam and the dance captains find small ways to humanize the process — like calling every dancer by name instead of a number. 23 Julie Branam, director and choreographer for the Rockettes, told The Post she gives dancer wannabes the 'best chance they have' to join the group. MSG 23 Branam joined the Rockettes in 1988. She is shown performing (center) in an undated photo. MSG It's a long, high-pressure day for the hopefuls, but considering the legendary troupe has been held to an exceptionally high standard for the past century — only the best of the best make it. Try, try again The stakes have always been high at these auditions — even back in 1971 for veteran Cynthia Hughes Miller. At 17, Miller didn't get the job the first time around but was invited to audition again. 'I got a letter saying the positions were filled, and when I graduated from high school, to get in contact with them,' she told The Post. 'So I auditioned again — I did the kicks, some tap, ballet, jazz and [finally] got the job.' 23 At first, veteran performer Cynthia Hughes Miller didn't get the job when she auditioned in 1971 but eventually succeeded in fulfilling her dream. MSG 23 Miller, pictured recently onstage at Radio City Music Hall, said she keeps the word 'Rockette' in her email address to tell fun stories when people ask. MSG The Rockettes' assistant choreographer and dance captain Danelle Morgan, now celebrating 20 years of eye-high kicks, also experienced rejection at first. 'My first audition, I didn't get hired. My second audition — the same thing. It wasn't until I auditioned for the third time that I got hired,' she recalled to The Post. 'But every time I went back, I stayed a little longer and I learned a little bit more about this style that was not familiar to me.' Expectedly, audition cuts will always be made because the team of pros is only looking to fill a specific number of spots on the kickline — which varies every year. 23 Danelle Morgan (pictured in foreground) is the assistant choreographer and dance captain. MSG 23 Morgan is celebrating her 20th year as a Rockette. MSG 'Some people are starting their families, some people have gotten jobs on Broadway or are touring. Some people are going back to school,' Branam explained. 'You just never know what will be. And some people have just said, 'This is my last year, and I'm going to retire from this,' So there are all different reasons why the line opens up.' Some dancers who don't move past the first day of auditions are luckily asked to join invite-only conservatory and preparatory programs, designed to help dancers learn, understand and perfect the group's unique dance style to ultimately re-audition. A 100-year journey: 'It takes a lot of grit' 23 Russell Markert and the Missouri Rockets, seen here in 1925. Courtesy of The Rockettes 23 The Rockettes, seen here in 1937. The troupe moved to the Big Apple in 1932. Courtesy of MSG Entertainment And the specific technique the Rockettes are known for remains true to its 1920s roots — it's just slightly updated now to keep up with the times. 'With this big 100 number, I think back to how far the company has come. How the choreography and even the [Christmas Spectacular] show has grown, evolved and changed,' said Morgan. 'We [now] have a presence on social media, the versatility that we have to have now as dancers versus back when I even started has changed.' 23 The Rockettes' famous Wooden Soldier dance, seen here in 1960. Courtesy of MSG Entertainment 'The evolution that I've witnessed firsthand and continue to see is that there is now a lot more diversity and inclusion in the cast,' Jacey Lambros-Carrino, a former Rockette of 10 years, told The Post. Known for their leggy statures, a height prerequisite remains — but Branam said it's changed throughout the years because ultimately she is looking for 'great dancers to join the cast.' However, being a great dancer will only get someone so far because the life of a Rockette is not for the weary. These women are athletes in their own right — training six hours a day, six days a week, for six weeks leading up to the November opening night of the Christmas Spectacular. 'It takes a lot of grit to be a Rockette and to be in the Christmas show in general. It is a 90-minute show. And you could do two, three, four shows a day with only one day off a week,' Branam told The Post. 'The consistency is a huge factor. And for some people, that's really hard.' Lambros-Carrino agreed. 'There aren't a lot of 18-year-olds who can endure the magnitude [of the job] both in terms of physicality and emotional demand,' she said. 23 Dancers travel from all over to pursue their dream of becoming a Radio City Rockette. NY Post 23 'It takes a lot of grit to be a Rockette,' said Branam (center), who first tried out — unsuccessfully — at age 17. MSG 'But it's also really beautiful to watch somebody come in at 18 and watch the evolution of that person.' That includes errors — Rockettes are humans who make mistakes after all, although their kicks make it look otherwise. 'We try to avoid [mistakes] and really rehearse so well that it's muscle memory,' Branam added. 23 The Rockettes, shown in 1939, performed in the first Christmas Spectacular just six years earlier, in 1933. Courtesy of MSG Entertainment 23 Dancers warm up and stretch in the lobby of Radio City Music Hall during auditions in 2024. AP 23 The Christmas Spectacular has been seen by more than 72 million people over the years. Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos They put the 'kick' in kickline Rockettes must always bring their A-game because every kickline dancer is constantly being evaluated. Regardless of one's tenure, each dancer has to reaudition every season. 'Show business is a really hard business, and I want everybody to do their best. Everyone has to stay in shape, keep working hard, keep listening and keep a good frame of mind,' Branam said. 23 Director Julie Branam, seen next to team captain Danelle Morgan (center), keeps an eye on tryouts at the 2024 auditions. Jeenah Moon for NY Post 23 The Rockettes train six hours a day, six days a week, for six weeks leading up to the November opening night of the Christmas Spectacular. Courtesy of MSG Entertainment A strong work ethic is what every dancer must have — especially when spectators travel from all over to witness their eye-high kicks in the Christmas Spectacular. Since premiering at Radio City in 1933, more than 72 million people have seen the seasonal show. The famous kickline started with only 16 dancers 100 years ago, and today, even with two New York casts, 42 Rockettes in each — these women form a close-knit bond. 23 The very first Christmas Spectacular show was performed on Dec. 21, 1933. The 2025 show season will kick off on Thursday, Nov. 6. Courtesy of MSG Entertainment 'You become intimately close with the women because you're with them every second of your day,' Lambros-Carrino said. 'I spent my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, sometimes New Year, with these people.' Morgan agreed. 'It's one of those things that literally nobody gets unless you've done this experience.' Despite the high-pressure demands of the job, when asked what it means to be a part of the Rockette legacy, all four women couldn't help but smile ear-to-ear. 23 Dance captain Morgan (center) said it took her three auditions to be selected. MSG 23 'Being a Rockette becomes synonymous with who you are,' Morgan said. MSG 'Being a Rockette becomes synonymous with who you are. It's something that you wear with a sense of pride,' said Morgan. Working as a former Rockette and now leading the next generation of dancers, Branam feels blessed to call this work. 'I can't believe I spent 38 years of my life here. I mean, how lucky am I?' And while Miller may no longer be on the front line, it's an experience she will never forget. 23 Dancers were ready to learn new steps as they auditioned for the Rockettes in 2024. Jeenah Moon for NY Post 23 The Rockettes are shown during a performance in 1960. Courtesy of MSG Entertainment 'My email has the word 'Rockette' in it, and when I get on the phone to argue about a bill or something, and I need to give my email, they ask if I was a Rockette and their whole attitude changes,' she laughed. 'Nothing lasts for 100 years — but I think it's going to keep on going. They're beautiful, talented. They're athletes. They're everything.'
