Two Rockettes from New Jersey, Katie Hamrah and Maranda Lebar, give us a look into the backstage chaos. Watch video
NEW YORK -- Before the lights go on and the dancing perfection of the Rockettes is ever seen by an audience, a million things have to fall into place. Amid the music, live animals, and dancing bears -- costume changes are among the most challenging and important.
The Rockettes perform their famous eye-high kicks on stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Two Rockettes that hail from New Jersey, Katie Hamrah and Maranda Lebar, give us a look into the backstage chaos that is part of putting on the Radio City Christmas Spectacular during the holiday season. "It's choreographed back here, as well as on stage, said Hamrah, who grew up in Middlesex. "We have up to nine costumes in each show, according to Lebar, who hails from Iselin. "Our quickest change is 78 seconds."
The costumes, shoes and accessories are all labeled in the dressing rooms to help eliminate any delays and confusion. In addition, "dressers" help the women make sure the changes happen quickly and smoothly. There's no room for error when performing in front of a Radio City audience of more than 6,000 people.
During the peak time of the season there can be as many as five shows in one day on the weekends. That's not to say that each Rockettes performs in every show, but the schedule is demanding. "We rehearse six days a week, six hours per day, says Hamrah.
"So it's pretty grueling. There's a lot of hard work that goes into each season." "My dad is a football coach and he likes to call us athletes in rhinestones."
This year, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs through Sunday Jan. 3. The show includes holiday songs, ice skaters, dozens of Santa Clauses, a living nativity, state-of-the-art technology that transforms the Music Hall into a magical wonderland and of course, the world-famous Rockettes.
Andre Malok may be reached at amalok@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndreMalok. Find NJ.com on Facebook.