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- [00:08]
A
As you've been hearing this hour, we're marking the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes, from their founding in St. Louis in 1925 to their transformation into a New York City institution at Radio City Music Hall. And now, I'm excited to say I have two Rockettes right across from me in the studio. They're part of this year's Christmas Spectacular. I would like to introduce you to Kyla Sue. Am I say it right?
- [00:34]
B
Kayla Sue. Yes.
- [00:34]
A
Kayla Sue. Kayla Sue. It's nice to meet you. You as well, and Maya Addy are with me now. Nice to talk to you, Maya.
- [00:40]
C
Thank you so much for having us.
- [00:41]
A
They are both returning Rockettes, and they're looking fabulous, by the way, as are you always. Let's go back to the beginning. When did you want to become a Rockette? Yeah.
- [00:54]
B
So I'm from New Jersey. Just right across the river.
- [00:56]
C
Yes.
- [00:57]
B
And so I would grow up and I would see the show all the time. It was kind of a tradition for my family. And after seeing the show, knowing that I was a dancer, I really just wanted to be on that stage. Once I realized that this dream could become a reality, I really started working hard to get there, and here I am.
- [01:14]
A
And when did you want to be a dancer?
- [01:16]
B
Oh, boy. I think my mom put me in dance when I was 2 years old. You know, the tutu? She thought it'd be cute. So. Not that I really had much of a choice, but I kind of stuck with it.
- [01:25]
A
How about for you? When did you want to be a dancer?
- [01:27]
C
Well, I started dancing when I was three. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and I moved to New York for college. So I've been in New York since 2017. I went to Fordham University Lincoln center campus, and I did the BFA in Dance program with Ailey. And the Rockettes would actually come to the Ailey School for workshop classes about two to three times a semester. And that's kind of when I had my formal introduction to the Rockettes in such an intimate and personal way. It was amazing to be able to learn from Rockettes themselves. And I really enjoyed the movement. And at the time, I didn't know that I wanted to be a Rockette, but I actually just knew I wanted to be on the show and be a part of it in some way. So I actually auditioned for the ensemble in the show during my sophomore year of college, and I booked the job my junior year, and I did that. And then Covid happened. Life happened. But after I graduated college, I auditioned for both that Season and I got the role of Rockettes. And here I am five years later.
- [02:23]
A
And you both have the best posture. I'm going to work on mine right now. During the listener call out, it is your chance to talk to a real life Rockette. Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a Rockette? Maybe you're wondering about the level of preparation that goes into the show, the rehearsal process, or what backstage is like. Our Phone lines are open. 2124-3396-9221-2433. WNYC. Or maybe yourself, you were a former Rockette who danced with the group or once upon a time. We know you're out there. Call or text us with your story at 212-433-9692. We have a call already. Let's talk to David in Park Slope. David, what's your question for our Rockettes?
- [03:06]
D
Hi there. Yeah, I was just wondering, do any of the Rockettes have side gigs or at least at certain times of the year, are they allowed to be in other dance companies or ballet? Maybe regional or local? How does that work, Kayla?
- [03:22]
B
Yeah, so the main chunk of our work is during the holiday season, but we are a New York City staple and icon, so we do pop up here and there throughout the year. I will say a few of us like to do certain different things. Maya and I both went to school in the city during the off season. Maya went to Fordham and I went to Marymount Manhattan College. So it's always fun still staying in the city, still dancing, but doing school as well as Rockettes.
- [03:44]
A
What do people say when you tell them, oh, yeah, I'm a Rockette?
- [03:48]
C
I mean, I feel like there's this like, immediate, like in awe reaction of being a part of such an incredible legacy. I mean, everyone knows what the Rockettes are and who they are, what they represent. So to be able to say that to someone, that I'm a part of this sisterhood and legacy is truly the honor of a lifetime.
- [04:04]
A
Did people know about the Rockettes in Arizona? Yeah.
- [04:08]
C
You know, from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I feel like that's most people's introduction to the Rockettes is being able to see them on TV for these televised events. So, you know, even out west, they know who the Rockettes are.
- [04:21]
A
About a thousand women audition to be Rockettes. Kayla, I hope I'm saying your name right. Yes. Okay, in terms of the audition process, what is it like?
- [04:31]
B
Yes, the audition process is definitely challenging. It's around three days long in April, three Days, three days. Yeah. And then from there there's a few different routes that you can go on. The route that I specifically took was I was invited to the dancer development program called Rockettes Conservatory. What's great about this program is that it's a no fee, week long intensive at Radio City where learn Rockette choreography from Rockettes. You're in Radio City's rehearsal space and you make connections with people that hopefully will one day become your co workers. So I learned so much from that experience and that's ultimately, I would say, how I got here, how I achieved this dream, how I booked that job.
- [05:07]
A
Maya, what was your audition process like?
- [05:09]
C
Yeah, so I auditioned in 2021 and it wasn't an open call that year just because we were coming out of COVID but it was also about a three day process. You know, learning different combinations, learning rep from the show, you doing tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, whatever it was, that's, you know, a part of the show because we are such, you know, dancers that have to be able to do anything and everything, whatever may come up. So, you know, it was quite the process. But once we made it through, it's we're here, you know, you have to.
- [05:39]
A
Be locked in, I have to imagine, to accomplish all of that in a three day audition process.
- [05:47]
B
For sure. It's definitely our precision dance. It's always focused on the details and everything. And I think something that's so special about the company as a whole is that we recently introduced a new program called Rockheads Preparatory. So it's similar to Conservatory and where you learn the choreography, but it's for dancers who may be not as familiar with the style of dance.
- [06:06]
C
Oh, interesting.
- [06:07]
B
Yeah. So it's great for people to kind of familiarize themselves with the Rockettes and see if this is something that they really want to pursue in the future.
- [06:13]
A
Let's take another call. Alex is calling from New Jersey. Hi, Alex, thanks for calling, all of it.
- [06:20]
D
Thank you. I want to say thank you to everyone, to the Rockettes here for inspiring my 9 year old daughter so much. We go every year. We've been three years in a row and she's at the edge of her seat every show. Despite having seen it, she's a dancer herself. She is always looking at your position and just really, really, really studying it. She's done workshops with you with her dance studio and it's her dream to be a Rockette. And thank you so much for the joy and inspiration.
- [06:51]
C
Aw, thank you.
- [06:52]
A
Kayla, when you hear that, what do you think?
- [06:54]
B
When I Hear that? I just think of younger me, who was that little nine year old girl who looked at all of these incredible women on stage, and now having the opportunity to be that person on stage, hopefully inspiring the next generation of Rockettes for hopefully another hundred years to come. It's such an honor and such a privilege and something that I don't take lightly in the slightest.
- [07:16]
A
Maya, what do you think when you hear about a little girl like that who's been watching you?
- [07:20]
C
Yeah, I mean, it's so special. There's moments throughout the show that you're actually able to, like, really see an audience member's face and you're up close with them. And so knowing that there's someone that is seeing the show for the first time, second time, whatever it might be, it kind of transforms the rest of that show for you. It's like, you know, this is for that person, that future dancer or Rockette, whatever it might be. So it's really emotional sometimes, you know, knowing that we could be changing someone's life. In this 90 minute production, we are.
- [07:50]
A
Live with two Rockettes. My guests are Kayla sue and Maya Addy. We're commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes this hour. Of course, you can see them at the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. We also want to hear from you. Do you have a question about a life as a Rockette? Wondering what kind of prep work goes in the show, the rehearsal process, what backstage is like? Or maybe you're a former Rockette who danced with the group. Give us a call. 2124-3396-9221-2433. WNYC. Okay, so these ladies are sitting across from me and you are wearing these spangliest gowns. They are so gorgeous. You're wearing red and you are wearing green. It's gorgeous. They got a little flare skirt going on. What do you remember about the first time, Kayla, that you put on an outfit?
- [08:39]
B
I remember I was counting down the days until my first costume fitting. Because these costumes are so iconic, just having the opportunity to even just try them on was so special. And I think what really stood out to me was trying on the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers costume for the first time. It's been in the show since 1933. Every single Rockette has done it. So putting that costume on was really my wow, I'm a Rockette moment.
- [09:01]
A
What about for you? What costumes? What does it do for you to first time you tried on a costume?
- [09:05]
C
Yeah, I think so much history, like, comes through my Mind, I'm thinking about the women that have, you know, done Parade of the Wind Soldiers, the legacy of the line, knowing that maybe this costume was someone else's who has been a part of the job for 20 years. And I'm entering my first year. Like, it's so special that we all get to say we've experienced this same exact moment. And, you know, to look in the mirror and try on that first costume for the first time is something I'll never forget.
- [09:30]
A
Here's a question. Is part of the job to teach these workshops and to do arts and culture outreach?
- [09:37]
C
Yes, absolutely. So even while we're in shows or in the off season, we're constantly going throughout our community teaching classes, trying to continue precision dance to people that maybe have never seen it or, you know, experienced it and branch out to those that we can kind of bring into our world someday.
- [09:57]
A
What is something that surprised you about being a Rockette? Kayla?
- [10:02]
B
I think the thing that surprised me the most was, as cliche as this may sound, the sisterhood of it. When you're watching the show, you see the 90 minutes of the production on stage, but really, there's so much that happens backstage that's so magical that not everyone gets to see, Whether it's chatting with your dressers, the cast and the crew, or I like to say our dressing rooms are like one big slumber party. So we have so much fun. It's really a sacred place. And I would think that's. That's the thing that shocked me the most, is that it looks like we're having fun on stage. And we are, and it looks like we're having fun off stage, and we are as well.
- [10:34]
A
What about for you, Maya?
- [10:35]
C
Yeah, going along with that. You know, I always find it easy to make friends, and, like, I love talking, so it's easy to chat with, you know, all 84 of the women. But truly, these people have become my family. I mean, in the five years that I've been a Rockette, I've been to six or seven different weddings. I mean, it's crazy. You're part of these huge life moments. And so it's really special that, you know, at one point, I maybe thought I was coming into this, and I was like, oh, we'll see what happens. And now it's like family. I can't imagine my life without them.
- [11:05]
A
Let's talk to Laurie. Hi, Laurie. Thanks for calling, all of it. You're on with the Rockettes.
- [11:11]
D
Hi, Alison. Thank you so much. I wanted to share a story about life after the Rockettes, because my mother, who is approaching 90 years old, was in a group of senior citizens that was taught by a former Rockette. And it was the most wonderful thing. They had sparkly costumes and they did tap. It was a tap dancing group, and it was just the most wonderful thing. Unfortunately, the Rockette passed away during the pandemic, and that was the end of the group. But it was just wonderful, and my mother absolutely loved it. And I really encourage you to, like, you know, 60 years from now to do that with your life.
- [11:54]
A
Thank you so much for calling in. Let's talk to you. It's Sybil in New Jersey. Hi, Sybil. Thanks for calling all of it.
- [12:03]
D
Hi. I don't have a question. I just wanted to say thank you. I just learned that you guys do a lot of practice during the Christmas, like, six weeks, six days a week, six hours a day. So I just want to say thank you for sacrificing your holiday and your Christmas to make our Christmas very special.
- [12:23]
A
That's a lovely, lovely comment. You do do many shows during the week. How many, Kayla? How many shows do you do during the week?
- [12:31]
B
So we can do up to four shows in one day and they're around 200 kicks per show. So whatever that quick math is, it's definitely a lot. But like you said, we are very well rehearsed. We rehearse six hours a day, six days a week for six weeks leading up to the show. And it really is such a special time seeing the show being built from the ground up.
- [12:49]
A
Maya, how do you take care of yourself under such intense situations?
- [12:53]
C
Yeah. Well, we have an incredible athletic training team provided for us at Radio City Music Hall. That really does help us with our recovery post show, pre show, and, of course, sleep. And fueling our bodies is what's most important.
- [13:06]
A
Yeah. Somebody just texted. I looked at the show schedule. Do you do all four shows per day?
- [13:11]
B
We sure can. We can do up to four in one day.
- [13:15]
D
Yeah.
- [13:15]
A
That's amazing. I am in studio with two Rockettes. My guests are Kayla. Did I say it right?
- [13:22]
C
Yes.
- [13:22]
A
Right. Kayla sue and Maya Addy. We'll have more after a quick break. This is all of It. You're listening to all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart and with me now are two Rockettes. My guests are Kayla sue and Maya Addy. We are Talking about the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes this hour as well as the Christmas spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Do you have questions for our Rockettes? Our number is 212-433-9-6, 9, 2, 2, 1, 2, 4, 3, 3. WNYC. Okay, you have a lot of fans in this building, so we put the question out. What do you want to ask our Rockette? So I'm gonna run down a couple of these. This says, in the Wooden soldier fall, which position is generally considered the most desirable? Is it easier to dance in the front, middle, or end? And what challenges come with each placement?
- [14:24]
B
Yeah, I think. I wouldn't necessarily say there's an easiest part of the fall. We try to make it look easy, but it definitely is challenging. The way that we rehearse it is that we start six ladies at a time, and we work our way up to the full line.
- [14:37]
A
Oh, my gosh.
- [14:38]
B
And it's. It's really a fun process because we have to have each other's backs, quite literally. I've been both at the front and the back of the fall, and I think each have their own set of challenges and their own, I guess you could say benefits. But, yeah, it's a really fun thing to learn.
- [14:56]
A
What's the benefit of being at the front? What's the benefit of being at the back?
- [14:59]
C
Well, you know, I think what most people think about during the fall is that this is something that every Rockette that's been a Rockette has done this. So I think it's the sentimental part of it and the idea that we're all working together and that, you know, without one of us, we wouldn't be able to do it. We all are needed in this moment.
- [15:17]
A
The next question is, what's their favorite costume? Pair of laducas.
- [15:23]
C
Oh, my favorite costume would probably be 12 days of Christmas. I think it's super cute. It's very Christmassy. We use it for events as well.
- [15:34]
A
Shoes.
- [15:35]
C
I mean, any Laduca shoe really is the best. I can't really pick one.
- [15:40]
B
Yeah, I would say I really like the Dance of the Frost Fairies costume. What's so unique and special about that is that each Rockette is wearing a different costume, which is something you don't necessarily see. Kind of like snowflakes. Everyone's individual, and it's just so bright and shiny and sparkly. And I think those Laduka shoes are also my favorite. They're a little bedazzled on the heel.
- [16:01]
A
What's the most annoying Rockette related question that you get asked regularly at parties? If you get to go to parties. If you go to a party, what is the most annoyingly ranked question you're asked?
- [16:15]
B
I wouldn't Say, this is necessarily annoying, but do you know Santa Claus? Of course we know Santa Claus.
- [16:22]
C
We know him very well.
- [16:25]
A
Oh, this is from a caller. A caller wants to know, are there any social conduct restrictions? I know Miss America, they have strict dating restrictions. Anything like that. Appliable for the Rockettes. I think this person's looking for a date.
- [16:39]
C
No, I think we're all about just representing the company in the best way possible. So I think we all just think about that and there's no restrictions, but, you know, we're all just trying to present ourselves in the best way possible. For sure.
- [16:51]
A
All right, back to our WNYC questions. Do they still make you kick to your eyebrows? And what's the margin of error? Bottom of the nose or top of forehead?
- [17:01]
B
It definitely gets that specific. Our signature kick is a toe to eye. And what's really special about that is that it's kind of an illusion. We place our tallest dancers in the center and we work our way out. So the less tall dancers are at the end of the line when everyone kicks toe to eye. It looks like we're all kicking the same height.
- [17:18]
C
Yes.
- [17:19]
B
Pretty neat.
- [17:20]
A
That's a good piece of information. What's your favorite dance number in the show?
- [17:25]
C
Mine would be New York at Christmas, which is the costume that we're currently in. I know you guys can't see it, but Alison can, and I love it because it incorporates the entire cast. There's the dancers, the singers, Santa. I mean, it's truly a number that you really get a feel for New York City. You get a feel for the Rockettes, what we represent. And it's one of our longest numbers in the show. It comes right after Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, which we have a quick change into New York at Christmas. It's 78 seconds.
- [17:55]
A
78 seconds.
- [17:56]
C
78 seconds from stage to the wings, changing and coming back on stage. You see us right away. So it's an exciting number.
- [18:04]
A
Wow. They got nothing on you at Saturday Night Live. Let's talk to Abna in Montclair. Hi, Abna. Thanks for calling all of it.
- [18:12]
D
Hi, Matt. Hi, Maya. I was like, Maya is auntie.
- [18:17]
A
My auntie that your auntie is calling in? Yes.
- [18:22]
D
Oh, my gosh. Congratulations. I was like, wait. Oh, we love you. We miss you. We're so proud of her. We are so proud of her.
- [18:32]
C
Love you so much.
- [18:34]
A
So tell us a secret about Maya. I want to know a good secret about Myra, about Myra's dancing. Some things you could tell us.
- [18:42]
D
Oh, my God. Her a secret. I would Say would be that she really inspires, like, all the little. Like, my daughter is Elise. And every time Elise sees Maya on tv, she's just, like, in love and loves the show. She's cheering now and she just wants to, like, do all the flips because she sees you girls on stage and as a black Rockette, it just means everything. Everything.
- [19:11]
A
So, yeah, thank you so much for calling in. You. There was a real tear. You really.
- [19:17]
C
Yeah, it means. Well, I mean, support from friends, family is what gets us through.
- [19:22]
A
So I can imagine this call, this text says, don't you all freeze outside at the parade, the tree lighting, et cetera. What do you do? How do you stay warm?
- [19:35]
B
I mean, it's definitely chilly out there. But I will say, the adrenaline and the rush of doing events like the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade, the tree lighting, it really is like no other. It's such a special moment that you kind of forget about all the external elements.
- [19:49]
A
All right, we've got more journalist questions. I'm telling you, the journalists come, they come, they're ready. They want to know what age range of dancers is within the show.
- [19:58]
C
Well, you just have to be 18 years old to audition, and there's no limit past that. So there's definitely a mix, but just 18 and an exceptional dancer.
- [20:08]
A
What kind of career path are you looking forward to next?
- [20:13]
B
I would love to be a part of the Christmas Spectacular as a Rockette for as long. As long as I can. It really is so special. And I think, especially this year, being the centennial year, it really is a testament to once a Rockette, always a Rockette. And just being a part of that legacy is so special and such an honor.
- [20:30]
A
Let's talk to Ann calling from Westwood, New Jersey. Hi, Ann, thanks for calling, all of it.
- [20:36]
D
Oh, my. They're my favorite people. I sell Rockettes to everybody I meet. There's nothing like it in the whole world. But I've been doing that with my mom since I was 7 years old. And they had a movie then, and you have a movie in the Rockettes, and then movie would play again in the Rockettes again. And we used to go by the subway train, the A train, and the train went. The door. There was a door in the lower level of the Radio City Music hall where you could go from the train and right into Radio City. Musical at the lower level. Of course, that's gone now, but it's. They're the most fabulous. I love it every year.
- [21:20]
A
You sound like you have really good memories. Thank you, Ann, for calling in. You smile on stage, you're smiling all the time, but your smile on stage almost the entire time. How do you train to smile that long?
- [21:36]
C
You know, I don't. It doesn't take much training. I feel like it just comes, truly, from, you know, being on that stage, being with our friends, our sisters, it just comes natural. It's. I don't think I couldn't smile on that stage. Besides, for wooden soldiers, we have to be serious for a little bit. But it just comes so easy.
- [21:55]
A
What is it like backstage when the show is going on? Like you said you had 78 seconds to change from one costume to another. What's going on backstage? Because up on front, it looks like it's perfect. It's precision. But there's got to be a lot going on backstage.
- [22:09]
C
I mean, the choreography that you see on stage, there's just as much choreography backstage as well. We have rehearsals where we speak with our dressers, the crew to make sure that everything is in order so that, you know, as soon as we step off the stage, we know exactly where to go, what's happening, because, you know, it's a 90 minute show. We've got to keep going. Got to get back out on the stage.
- [22:30]
A
Earlier, we spoke to Julie Branham, your director and your choreographer. What does Julie mean to the both of you? Kayla?
- [22:37]
B
I mean, single handedly, Julia's the person that made my biggest dream come true, truly. And I owe her so much. Not only for me, but for what she has shaped the company and the Rockettes to be. And just having the opportunity to learn from her and chat with her, knowing her deep history with the Rockettes is something so inspiring. And I don't think I've ever said that to Julie, which I think I should. That, yes, she is technically my quote unquote boss, but she's also one of the biggest forms of inspiration and probably the most influential person in making my dreams come true.
- [23:16]
C
Absolutely.
- [23:17]
A
Yeah.
- [23:17]
C
I mean, I met Julie when I was 18, so she's seen me grow up and I truly can't thank her enough for bringing me into this job, bringing me into the company and inspiring me and motivating me to be where I am now.
- [23:30]
A
What have you learned from her that you think will help you in the future?
- [23:35]
C
Leading with kindness. You know, she's always at the front of the room with joy and just like motivating us to be the best versions of ourselves. Even when it's hard days, we're rehearsing all day, but she's always up front with a smile. On her face. And, you know, it makes us smile out on stage. You know, it's. It's leading with that joy and kindness that I'll definitely take with me wherever I go.
- [23:59]
A
What have you learned from Julie that will be helpful to you as a person?
- [24:02]
B
Yeah, for sure. I think everything that Maya was saying. But Julie has an incredibly difficult job, and regardless of how difficult it may be behind the scenes, we never know about that, which is so inspiring and so special. She leads a room with such kindness and also with humor, too. It's a very rigorous rehearsal process, and she makes it fun and enjoyable, and she is our fearless leader in this all. And it just goes to show that with a great leader, you can create great work.
- [24:32]
A
Have you been able to meet past Rockettes?
- [24:35]
C
Yes, definitely. In this year of celebrating 100 years. I mean, for opening night, we had over 500 legacy rockets that were able to be there for opening night and to talk with them before the show, after the show. So it was so special to have such a energetic audience that evening.
- [24:54]
B
For sure. I was able to chat with a former Rockette whose name is Jean, who is 93 years old, and it was so incredible just to hear her journey to the line and her stories, and it really puts things into perspective. You really recognize the weight of the work that we're doing.
- [25:12]
A
What is one thing you want people to know about the Rockettes that I haven't asked you yet? Hmm.
- [25:19]
B
I think for me, just as much as it's a tradition for so many families to come see the show, it really is a tradition for us to celebrate these monumental moments on stage. We're celebrating some of the most joyous times of the year with our incredible friends and family. And just know that we're having as much fun on stage as you guys are in the audience, and we can. Your energy is palpable. We can feel all the energy, and we want to give that back to you guys.
- [25:43]
A
How about for you, Maya?
- [25:44]
C
Yeah, I think it truly is a second family, a home away from home. We spend so much time at Radio City, so much time with each other, and, you know, I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else.
- [25:58]
A
We have had two Rockettes live in studio. Kayla sue and Maya Addy, thank you so much for. Did I say it right?
- [26:08]
B
Yes.
- [26:09]
A
Maya Addy, thank you so much for joining us and making our holidays so special.
- [26:13]
C
Thank you.
- [26:13]
B
Thanks for having us. Here's a quick podcast for all you true crime fans. The Case of the Missing Reese's. It was me at the store with my mouth. Motive They're Reese's. What was I going to do? Stop myself? Tune in next time to see if I do it again. Spoiler I will.
- [26:36]
D
Wow.
- [26:37]
B
That had everything. Reese's Suspense Reese's Finding ways to be.
- [26:47]
D
Financially savvy is a smart move, and.
- [26:50]
B
Knowing you could be saving money for.
- [26:51]
D
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- [27:08]
B
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C
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