Earlier this year, hundreds of would-be Rockettes auditioned for a chance to join the famous dance troupe’s grueling summer intensive at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
St. Albert’s Tyra Posty, 17, a longtime student at DanceCo, was one of the lucky dancers to make the cut. Auditions are generally open to all female dancers experienced in tap, jazz, ballet and modern dance.
“I was interested in the Rockettes since Grade 10, but I never thought I could build up the courage to audition. When I did and was accepted, I realized my dream was possible and it could happen for me,” said Posty, a Grade 12 Victoria School of the Arts student.
The summer intensive offers aspiring professional dancers the opportunity to train with Rockettes and director/choreographers learning the world-famous precision dance technique.
Rockettes are famed for their high-kicking dance lines that are a distinct feature of New York City’s Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
“I just like their style and precision that is so unique. It’s so beautiful to watch and it’s almost magical.”
At five-foot six-inches and 110 lbs., Posty has the mandatory sleek, tall and polished look of a Rockette and the discipline to match.
In addition to dancing about 10 hours weekly at school, the leotard-clad teen also spends another 30 at DanceCo refining pliés, spins and jumps. Well rounded in most genres, she studies jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary and musical theatre.
“I feel the Rockettes is the best fit for me. I’ve been inspired by watching them. When I went to audition, I felt at home with them and I could see myself dancing with them.”
The one-week summer intensive, running July 21 to 28, gives Posty a leg-up for the company’s August auditions in preparation for their Christmas special and Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
However, if the young dancer fails to make a transition from the summer intensive to a coveted spot in the company kick-line, she has a fallback plan.
Posty has the distinction of also being accepted to a three-year post-secondary certificate program at the prestigious Ailey School, an offshoot of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
The Manhattan-based school mixes dance training, dance techniques, dance academics, creative studies, repertory and performance in a program that develops some of North America’s most dynamic dancers.
Although the Rockettes are Posty’s number one choice, she nonetheless has high praise for the Ailey School. The post-secondary program begins in September 2019.
“I like their contemporary ballet. I like that style of movement in my body and the way it feels right. I like their precise movements, but I also like the looser feeling and how I feel vulnerable.”
While many aspiring dancers struggle to find placements, Posty appears to have discovered her niche.
“I feel extremely grateful to be accepted at both dance schools. Today’s dancers have to be really skilled and the calibre is really high. Dancers have improved over the years and the competition is hard. I feel really gratified at being accepted.”
