The Radio City Rockettes, renowned for their dazzling performances in the annual Christmas Spectacular, lead multifaceted lives beyond the holiday season. While the demanding schedule of multiple shows per week from November to January requires immense dedication, many Rockettes maintain other professions to supplement their income and pursue diverse passions.
Three Rockettes, Britain Feeny, Alexis Payton, and Jordan Betscher, offered insights into their off-season careers, highlighting the varied paths their colleagues take. “Everybody does something different,” Betscher explained. The Rockettes’ ranks include full-time mothers, accountants, and professionals in various fields, demonstrating the diverse talents and ambitions within the group.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/alexis-payton-rockettes-112624-1-88d3db4a65cc4b0987c2f176a80516d1.jpg)
While being a Rockette is undeniably a full-time commitment during the Christmas Spectacular season, Alexis Payton, a fourth-season veteran, balances her role with a part-time career as a data analyst. This exemplifies the demanding yet rewarding nature of being a Rockette, requiring dedication to both performance and professional development. Payton emphasized that many Rockettes juggle full-time jobs, showcasing their resilience and time management skills. Her own data analysis work, focusing on public health, allows her to pursue her passion for environmental engineering, obtained through her master’s degree. She typically dedicates her mornings to data analysis before transitioning to her Rockette duties in the afternoon and evening.
According to sources like Good Housekeeping and open casting calls on the official Rockettes website, the weekly base rate for a Rockette is approximately $2,627.51. This aligns with the salary of Broadway performers, as reported by The New York Times in 2005, highlighting the professional standing of Rockettes within the performing arts world.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(665×0:667×2)/britain-feeny-rockettes-112624-1-ecb78ec8037b45c9b61cf9d0bb5a600a.jpg)
With 84 Rockettes divided into two casts of 36, each member has a unique schedule. Payton, part of the evening cast, maximizes her mornings for data analysis before immersing herself in the world of the Christmas Spectacular. This demanding routine highlights the dedication required to excel in both professional spheres.
Jordan Betscher, an eighth-season Rockette, leverages her off-season by working as a freelance dancer in New York City. This allows her to continuously hone her craft through auditions, TV, film, and theater projects, while staying in peak physical condition.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/jordan-betscher-rockettes-112624-2-7dc9548ecb974cc3912688db359022da.jpg)
Beyond individual pursuits, Rockettes often participate in off-season events, including performances at the Tony Awards, VMAs, and other high-profile events. These opportunities maintain their visibility and keep their performance skills sharp year-round.
Britain Feeny, primarily focused on the Christmas Spectacular during the season, also works as a freelance dancer in the off-season. She prioritizes the demanding schedule of the Christmas Spectacular, dedicating her time and energy to delivering flawless performances. Maintaining her skills through training and dance classes throughout the year is crucial for her success.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/radio-city-wooden-soldiers-2-120524-9d4781d328d0480b8adef64ac737e0f4.jpg)
The Rockettes’ commitment to their craft extends beyond the holiday season. They participate in various events and maintain their skills through continuous training, ensuring they remain at the pinnacle of their profession. Their dedication to both their artistic pursuits and diverse off-season careers showcases their remarkable talent, discipline, and versatility.
