Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Summer intensive hosts Rockettes in training, provides real-world experience for dancers

Now going into its ninth year, the Radio City Rockette Summer Intensive has provided dancers with a glimpse into the life of being a Rockette. And for others such as Erin Harold, a junior jazz dance major, the intensive served as a training ground and networking opportunity to help her fulfill her dream of becoming a Radio City Rockette.

The Rockette Summer Intensive is a weeklong program where dancers train six hours a day in tap and Rockette jazz. Students also learn the Rockette’s famous eye-high kicks, auditioning skills and various numbers from the Rockette repertoire. Besides Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Point Park Univeristy is the only location for the summer intensive program.

Harold, who was a participant in the intensive for two years and a teaching assistant the past two summers, credits the intensive with helping her get the job as a Rockette.

“The intensive was such a big connection,” Harold said. “I’m glad I also had the opportunity to assist because Eileen Grace, artistic director of the intensive and director/choreographer for Radio City, saw me not only as a student but also as an assistant.”

Most students agree that the Rockette Summer Intensive provides them with superior training and dance experience whether or not they aspire to become a Rockette.

Elyse McLaughlin, a senior at the University of Alabama, has participated in the Rockette Summer Intensive for six years.

“I keep returning to the intensive because I have wanted to become a Radio City Rockette since the age of 3 or 4,” McLaughlin said in a recent phone interview.

Natalie Lohler, a sophomore dance major, agrees that the Rockette Summer Intensive has helped her become a better dancer.

“The intensive has taught me so much about myself and how I dance,” Lohler said. “I have learned to pick up combinations more quickly and how to move at a fast pace and not get stressed out.”

Being a Rockette is hard work, and anyone who has participated in the intensive is not afraid to admit that. However, performing numbers from various Rockette shows on the stage at the end of the week is where all that hard work pays off.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All Point Park Globe Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *