Radio City Rockettes hold auditions for coveted spot on Christmas Spectacular dance line

NEW YORK — Christmas preparations are already underway in New York City.

The Radio City Rockettes held an open call for the Christmas Spectacular on Monday for the first time in three years. CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge went behind the scenes with hopeful dancers.

“It’s just so exciting, even to just stand in line and be here,” said Katie Armstrong from Minnesota.

It’s a moment they’ve dreamed about since they were kids. Hundreds of young women traveled to Radio City Music Hall to earn a coveted spot with the Rockettes for the 2022 season.

“I’ve been training for this day for a really long time,” said Kennedy Berthiaume from San Francisco.

For the first time in at least 15 years, the height restrictions were expanded by an inch.

“We’re hoping to include more people to come dance for us. So we lowered the range to 5-5 to 5-10 and a half,” said Julie Branam, director of choreography for the Christmas Spectacular.

“I would’ve been on the edge, but I think I would’ve barely just made it. So now I feel like I have a little more room,” said Brooklyn Bronson from Portland, Oregon.

The Rockettes are also aiming to create a more diverse team of dancers.

“As a Latina myself, I am passing white, so I did see myself physically represented. However, the culture, I wanted to look down the line and know that there are other women who spoke my same language,” said Rockette Valeria Yamin.

At least 800 dancers were in line to audition. That’s more than double the usual amount, but only a handful will make it.

First, they warm up and stretch. Then, they learn the routine. Next, they file into the studio. Then, the moment they’ve been waiting for: the audition.

Twelve dancers from the first round will be called back on Friday.

“I’m feeling super excited, super blessed and thankful,” said Reba Bartran from Cleveland.

“I’m feeling overwhelmed, but overwhelmed with excitement,” said Tanah Becker from Florida.

Those who make the cut will come back for another round.\

The official new lineup of Rockettes will be announced at the end of the summer. Rehearsals start in September.

A select few who do not make official Rockette status, but show potential, will get an offer to attend the dance company’s conservatory program.