Radio City Rockettes lower height requirements for Christmas Spectacular auditions
NEW YORK -- The Radio City Rockettes are reaching new heights. The famed high-kickers adjusted their requirements, meaning more women could compete for a spot.
CBS2's Natalie Duddridge went behind the scenes with hopeful dancers at Monday's open casting call.
It's a moment they've dreamed about since they were kids.
"It's just so exciting, even to just stand in line and be here," said Katie Armstrong from Minnesota.
"I'm a little bit nervous," said Lindsey Carroll from Kentucky.
Hundreds of young women traveled to Radio City Music Hall to earn a coveted spot with the Rockettes for the 2022 winter season.
"I was listening to the music, getting in the spirit of the Christmas spirit," said Jade Burns from Erie, Pennsylvania.
"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 lowered 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 inclusive team of dancers.
"As a Latina myself," said Rockette Valeria Yamin, " ... diversifying the line is really important to me, but also for the younger ones."
At least 800 dancers were in line to audition. That's more than double the usual amount, but only a handful will make it.
"This is our first time having an open call in three years. So there were so many dancers who were preparing even during the pandemic," said dance captain Danelle Morgan.
First, they warm up and stretch. Then, they learn the routine. Next, they file into the studio for the moment they've been waiting for: the audition.
Twelve dancers from the first round were called back for 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. "A little nervousness just because they were like 'You have to come back tomorrow,' which is exciting for me. My grandma actually showed me the Rockettes when I was around three and I told my mom when I was four that I wanted to do this."
Those who made the cut will go through a second 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.