Rockettes uphold Christmas tradition

By Kira Semmler Dec 23, 2010, 10:32 GMT

New York - They are as much a part of Christmas in New York as is the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre and the department store windows.

The Rockettes have been dancing at Radio City Music Hall for decades, long enough to become a Christmas tradition in the city.

Jocelyne Levesque, at 177 centimetres tall, meets the height requirement for the job, and every year at Christmas she is one of 200 dancers who perform at Radio City Music Hall at Rockefeller Centre.

Americans for generations have seen film or photos of the Rockette kickline - a row of women all about the same height, all kicking in unison, high over their heads. For some little girls who love dance, it is their dream to someday become a Rockette.

The Canadian Levesque is in her ninth year as a Rockette. She started when she was 18, the minimum age. She's been dancing since age 3, but never knew of the Rockettes until she saw them on tour in Canada when she was 15.

She was the right height, so when Levesque was old enough she applied. She has enjoyed it so much that every year she returns to the job.

To become a Rockette, a dancer must stand 170-180 centimetres tall, with training in ballet, tap and jazz dance.

At the audition, applicants must show that they can kick high enough. And they must have a musical ear, because singing also is part of the job.

Finally, would-be Rockettes have to be able to show the required enthusiasm for Christmas.

Adorned in a glittering costume and answering every question with a beaming smile, Levesque clearly passed that test.

Despite the other requirements, the Rockettes don't have a maximum age. Dancers can continue as long as they can do the training and as long as they have fun.

Levesque said she enjoys the excitement and especially the delight of children in the audience. It is a live show in which something almost always goes wrong, usually in the scene with live animals.

Levesque started out with the Rockette's touring group. When she stood on the stage at Radio City Music Hall for the first time, she experienced a thrilling moment when the applause from 6,000 people in the audience rose up. The emotion was so gripping it brought tears to her eyes, she recalls.

Even though performing at Christmas means she cannot be with her family, no sad shadow falls over her flawlessly made-up face when she's reminded she won't be with them. The dancers celebrate together and exchange gifts, she said. They also have a large meal together 'like a family.'

She stays in touch with her family in Canada on Skype and celebrates with them in January.