Podcast Summary: "Wondered What It's Like To Be a Rockette?"

All Of It with Alison Stewart, WNYC
Air Date: December 29, 2025

Overview

This special episode of "All Of It" commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes, tracing their rise from a St. Louis basement troupe in 1925 to a beloved New York City institution at Radio City Music Hall. Host Alison Stewart invites current Rockettes Kayla Sue and Maya Addy into the studio for a lively and heartfelt exploration of what it means to become, and be, a Rockette—from early dreams to backstage realities. The conversation draws in listener questions, nostalgic stories, and memorable behind-the-scenes insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dreams of Becoming a Rockette

• Kayla Sue shares growing up in New Jersey, seeing the show every year, and dreaming from a young age of joining the line:
  • “Knowing that I was a dancer, I really just wanted to be on that stage.” (00:57)
• Maya Addy, originally from Arizona, describes her introduction via the Ailey/Fordham BFA program:
  • “The Rockettes would actually come to the Ailey School for workshop classes… That’s when I had my formal introduction to the Rockettes.” (01:26)

2. The Audition Process

• Typically a three-day process in the spring, involving multiple dance styles (tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary) and focusing on precision and adaptability.
• Kayla attended the Rockettes Conservatory, a no-fee, week-long intensive at Radio City, which helped her “achieve this dream.” (04:30)
• Maya's first audition was a smaller call post-pandemic:
  • “We are dancers that have to be able to do anything and everything.” (05:09)

3. The Rigorous Schedule

• The main “chunk” of Rockette work is in the holiday season; many pursue school or other activities in the off-season.
• Rehearsals: 6 hours/day, 6 days/week, for 6 weeks leading up to the show (12:30).
• Performance load: Up to 4 shows per day, about 200 kicks per show—“Definitely a lot!” (12:30)
• Wellness: Access to athletic trainers and an emphasis on rest and nutrition (12:52).

4. The Sisterhood & Backstage Life

• Both Rockettes praise the supportive, familial atmosphere backstage:
  • Kayla: “Our dressing rooms are like one big slumber party… It’s really a sacred place.” (10:01)
  • Maya: “Truly, these people have become my family. In the five years I’ve been a Rockette, I’ve been to six or seven different weddings.” (10:35)
• Backstage choreography is as extensive as onstage: “As soon as we step off the stage, we know exactly where to go, what’s happening.” (22:08)

5. Costumes and Iconic Moments

• The first time in costume is a major milestone:
  • Kayla: “Trying on the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers costume for the first time… That was really my ‘wow, I’m a Rockette’ moment.” (08:39)
  • Maya: “So much history comes through my mind… It’s so special that we all get to say we’ve experienced this same exact moment.” (09:05)

6. Inspiration and Legacy

• The Rockettes recognize their role as inspiration for young dancers:
  • Kayla: “Now having the opportunity to be that person on stage, hopefully inspiring the next generation… is such an honor and such a privilege.” (06:54)
  • Maya: “It’s really emotional sometimes, knowing that we could be changing someone’s life in this 90 minute production.” (07:20)
• A caller shares: “As a Black Rockette, it just means everything. Everything.” (18:41)

7. Frequently Asked Listener Questions

• Do Rockettes have side gigs?
  • Yes, many pursue school or other dance work off-season. (03:21)
• Favorite costumes and shoes?
  • Maya: “12 Days of Christmas—super cute, very Christmassy.”
  • Kayla: “Dance of the Frost Fairies… Each Rockette is wearing a different costume. It’s just so bright and shiny and sparkly.” (15:22)
• Most annoying question:
  • “Do you know Santa Claus?” – “Of course we know Santa Claus.” (16:15)
• Kick height:
  • “Our signature kick is a toe to eye… We place our tallest dancers in the center and work our way out so it all looks identical.” (17:01)
• Backstage quick-changes:
  • “We have a quick change into New York at Christmas. It’s 78 seconds from stage to the wings, changing and coming back on stage.” (17:56)
• Smile training:
  • Maya: “It just comes naturally… I don’t think I couldn’t smile on that stage.” (21:35)

8. Coaching, Teaching, and Outreach

• Rockettes are involved in arts outreach and teaching workshops, both during the season and off-season, to help nurture future generations and spread the joy of precision dance. (09:37)

9. On Their Director, Julie Branham

• Kayla: “Julie is… probably the most influential person in making my dreams come true." (22:37)
• Maya: “Leading with kindness… It’s leading with that joy and kindness that I’ll definitely take with me wherever I go.” (23:34)
• Julie is praised as a motivating, supportive leader who maintains positivity in challenging circumstances.

10. Legacy and Community

• The Rockettes express deep honor at being part of a centennial tradition:
  • Meetings with former Rockettes (500+ legacy members joined opening night, including a 93-year-old alum) reinforce a sense of history and shared legacy (24:34).
  • “Once a Rockette, always a Rockette.” (20:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kayla Sue (inspiring future Rockettes):

  “Now having the opportunity to be that person on stage, hopefully inspiring the next generation of Rockettes for another hundred years… It’s such an honor and such a privilege and something that I don’t take lightly in the slightest.” (06:54)

• Maya Addy (on audience impact):

  “Knowing that there’s someone seeing the show for the first time… it kind of transforms the rest of that show for you. This is for that person, that future dancer or Rockette.” (07:20)

• On Sisterhood:

  “Our dressing rooms are like one big slumber party. We have so much fun… It’s really a sacred place.” – Kayla Sue (10:01)
  “Truly, these people have become my family… I can’t imagine my life without them.” – Maya Addy (10:35)

• On Director Julie Branham:

  “She leads a room with such kindness and also with humor, too… With a great leader, you can create great work.” – Kayla Sue (24:02)
  “Leading with kindness… she’s always at the front of the room with joy and motivating us to be the best versions of ourselves.” – Maya Addy (23:34)

Important Timestamps

• 00:53 – When did you want to become a Rockette?
• 04:30 – Audition process description
• 08:39 – First time in the costume
• 10:01 – The sisterhood
• 12:30 – Performance and rehearsal schedule
• 15:22 – Favorite costumes and shoes
• 17:01 – Signature kicks and line formation
• 17:56 – Backstage quick-change time revealed (“78 seconds”)
• 21:35 – Smiling onstage
• 22:08 – Backstage choreography
• 22:37 – Leadership from Julie Branham
• 24:34 – Meeting legacy Rockettes
• 25:19 – What the Rockettes want you to know

Closing Thoughts

This centennial celebration episode paints a vivid, affectionate portrait of life as a Rockette—from childhood dreams to high-kick realities and precision teamwork. It highlights the deep sense of community, grueling discipline, and generational legacy that define this iconic NYC institution. For Rockettes Kayla and Maya, every show is not just a performance but a chance to pay forward inspiration, joy, and tradition to New York and beyond.