Times have changed but the Rockettes keep kicking
Briefly

Each year, aspiring dancers from across the United States gather to audition for the Rockettes, a renowned precision dance troupe. With origins dating back to 1925, the Rockettes have evolved into a celebrated symbol of entertainment, known for their high kicks and iconic performances at major events. The annual open call draws significant interest, with nearly 1,000 hopefuls, including Alyssa Gallagher, who sees auditioning as part of her dream. Their performances began in an opulent Radio City Music Hall, with a rich history marked by the evolution of dance and entertainment.
"The whole journey has been long, but I've been patient and I'm continuing to go for my dream," said Alyssa Gallagher, a dancer auditioning for the Rockettes for the tenth time.
Adrienne Gibbons Oehlers remarked, "These ideas of industrialization were really prevalent. And so, how do we do things mechanically organized in unison? That was a novelty. That was really interesting and awe inspiring."
Oehlers described the first Christmas Spectacular, stating it was unlike today, where Rockettes also performed year-round as part of a variety show before movies.
The Rockettes began in 1925 in St. Louis, where they were a company of 16 dancers called "The Rockets." Now, they are known for their precision dancing and high kicks.
Read at www.npr.org
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