Two Rockettes made a special visit to the Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe on Wednesday, Sept. 30. “The Rockettes contacted us about coming in for a visit to meet Port residents and take photos,” said Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe manager Robin Appel.
Two Rockettes, Aleni Gavalas and Jennifer Clavin, took pictures with more than 50 Port residents, including Port Washington Police Commissioner Dave Franklin. “It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it,” said Commissioner Franklin.
Children and adults lined up to take photos with the Rockettes. Many of the girls were interested in the glittering costumes that the Rockettes were wearing. Residents asked them questions about the audition process and rehearsal schedule.
The Rockettes have to audition every year to keep their spot in the company, according to Gavalas. “It took me three tries to become a Rockette,” said Gavalas. “I’ve been a Rockette now for four years. I wanted to be a Rockette since I first saw the show at 3 years old. My family went to the show every year.”
Clavin, who auditioned just once and got the job, said that she cried the first time she performed in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City. “It was something I had always dreamed about.”
Gavalas said that a Rockette must be 18 years old and between 5’6” and 5’10 ½” tall, but there is no weight requirement. “We can eat whatever we want because we practice six hours a day, six days a week. It’s a full-time job.”
There are 80 women in the Rockettes and 36 in every show. “We can perform in five shows a day,” said Gavalas.
Port residents who came to Dolphin were happy to get a chance to see the Rockettes up close and personal.
