rockette

I thought this might be something fun for 4dancers readers to check out. I’ve always been a fan of the Rockettes, so taking a peek into their world is something I found especially fascinating. In the dance world, they hold a very unique place.

Plus, it’s always intriguing to experience the audition process…even as an observer.

“The Rockette Summer Intensive” is a three-part television series — part two will be airing on June 14th at 7:30 pm on MSG Varsity. This means that you can still tune in to get an insider look at the final stage of the audition process that these young high-school dancers go through for a coveted spot training with the world-famous Rockettes.

This is the first time ever that cameras have captured the behind-the-scenes moments as over 600 girls audition for a place in the Rockette Summer Intensive program. You will get to see exclusive footage and one-on-one interviews with the dancers as well as the creative visionaries behind the Rockettes, including Eileen Grace, Rockettes Director and Choreographer.

Since the program’s inception, 42 Summer Intensive alumni have become world-famous Rockettes. “The opportunity for young dancers to study with the iconic Radio City Rockettes is invaluable, and the second episode of the series captures the intensity and emotions of these young hopefuls as they strive to train with the legendary kick line,” said Michael Lardner, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, MSG Varsity.

What an audition that would have been to go on as a teenager! I think back to my high school days and believe that it would have intimidated me–but it would have been exciting as well. I’m sure these girls all bring their “A-Game” in terms of preparation, but I can bet there are some pretty big time nerves going on–both on the set and off.

I’m sure there will be a wide range of hopefuls there, and it should be interesting to see what the audition itself looks like–as well as who makes the cut. “Dancers that are accepted into the Rockette Summer Intensive all share a common thread in not only their love of dance, but also exude such passion and drive during this intense training program,” said Eileen Grace, Rockettes Director and Choreographer.

The episode will air on Tuesday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. on MSG Varsity, channel 14 on Cablevision’s iO TV.

4dancers will feature an interview with one of the young ladies that is involved in the audition, so be sure and check back on the 14th to hear her thoughts on the process!

Sarah Gold

Today on 10 Questions With we have Sarah Gold, who just had the experience of auditioning for the Rockettes…

1. How did you become involved with dance?

My parents have always said I came out of the womb dancing. As soon as I could walk I was dancing around the living room to whatever music was playing in the house. When I was four years old my mom enrolled me in dance classes, and the rest is history.

2. What were you doing prior to this audition?

I am about to graduate as a part of the class of 2011 from CK DanceWorks where I dance as a member of both the competitive team, DancElite, and the hip hop crew, Acworth Dance Crew.

3. What made you decide to audition for the Rockettes?

It has always been a big dream of mine to audition for the Radio City Rockettes ever since the very first time I saw them perform. When my dance instructor, Christina Wiginton, told me about the “Jump the Line” contest I was ecstatic and we began to prepare a video to send in. It’s a dream come true in itself to have the opportunity to audition.

4. What was the experience like?

It was such a great experience. Not only was it awesome to be able to skip the line and go straight into auditions, but it was just an overall incredible opportunity to be able to audition for the Radio City Rockettes in Radio City Music Hall along side all the other amazing dancers auditioning. Even though I didn’t make it through to the final cuts, I am so incredibly thankful to have had such a wonderful first audition experience and will, with out a doubt, be back to audition once again.

5. Can you tell readers a bit about how you were selected through the “Jump the Line” competition?

The “Jump the Line” competition was basically an opportunity for one dancer to be chosen, flown out to New York, and be a part of the first group this season to audition to be a Rockette. I put a video together of a few clips of my dance technique in ballet, tap, and jazz, and was chosen as one of the top four finalists by their panel of judges. My video was then published to the Rockette’s website where it was voted on by the public for their “Favorite Dancer.” After a few days of getting all my friends and family to vote, and multiple hours of awaiting the big phone call, I found out that I was the winner and would have the amazing opportunity of auditioning this season.

Sarah Gold (left) Photo by Amanda Schwab, Starpix

6. How do you think this audition has impacted your career?

It was my first real professional audition, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. It taught me to be stay open minded, and remain confident in myself no matter what the outcome.

7. What is your “dance dream”?

My dance dream is to dance professionally as much and for as long as I possibly can. I would love to be a Rockette, as well as try out different outlets such as Broadway, cruise ships, commercial dancing, and whatever else may come my way. I am ready to follow my dream of doing what I love most in this world, dance.

8. Can you share a favorite piece of advice regarding dance?

I think one of the most important things to remember as a dancer is to always continue to push yourself to be stronger and better than you are. Never allow yourself to remain stagnant or focus on only one area of your dancing, but force yourself to become well rounded and trained in multiple genres and styles. You never know what you may need to do at any specific audition, and being trained in multiple styles will only make you stronger in all aspects of your dancing.

9. Do you have any advice for other women who want to audition for the Rockettes?

My main piece of advice would be to do your best and stay confident. There’s nothing better than walking out of an audition feeling that you gave your absolute best, no matter the results. Confidence is key to a great audition, and the judges really want to see you smile and give it all you got.

10. What is next for you?

My plan for Fall 2011 is to attend Oklahoma City University as a Dance Performance Major. I intend to get a BFA and pursue a career in dance, and maybe even one day have the opportunity to be hired as a Rockette!

MSG Varsity’s “The Rockette Summer Intensive”

10 Questions With…Sarah Gold

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