Rockettes - Grand Prairie, TX

Having taken the stage Dec. 10, the internationally known Rockettes continues to perform their Radio City Christmas Spectacular through the 30th at the Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas. (Source: Fort Worth Weekly).

KERA, Channel 13 in Dallas/Fort Worth has been broadcasting segments of their performances on TV and asking for donations throughout the shows.

One Rockette interviewed said an 80-plus-year-old former Rockette recently enjoyed the show from the audience and went backstage afterwards to get acquainted with today's performers. Auditions are strenuous and prospective Rockettes are required to memorize a litany of choreography, representing an all-American image and professionalism.

"I felt like I did pretty good after my audition and when I got the news my mom and I cried together," the Rockette interviewed by the local station said. "My mom and I had been sitting by the phone waiting to find out if I made it or not."

The Rockette said she had 36 best friends by being such a dancer and that they had all seen each other get married and start families at various periods of their lives.

"When people find out I'm a Rockette they ask for my autograph and talk about how they wanted to be a Rockette when they were a young girl," the Rockette stated.

A TV commentator recently told the at-home audience that every year she feels like she can start the Christmas season once The Rockettes have begun performing.

Elaborate costumes are all part of the festivities on stage, such as a biblical scene featuring the Three Wise Men, Mary, Joseph, and manger viewers. Throughout their performances The Rockettes will be dressed in everything from Santa suits, to reindeer costumes, and classy apparel in between.

The Rockettes started their national tour recently which includes towns such as New York City.

The group's immaculately precisioned kick line are part of the tradition, states The Seattle Times.

But the two-hour show may make those eight years old and younger squirm out of restlessness, says dallasnews.com.

More young women than ever auditioned in April to become a Rockette, according to research, with the number totaling 400.

According to National Dance Week, the performers not only serve as ambassadors for Radio City Music Hall but to the nation. The choreography style was started in 1881 by John Tiller of The Tiller Girls.

"The Rockettes are as beloved today as they were more than 75 years ago and they continue to entertain millions of people every year with their extraordinary talent, style, and allure," reports the Dearborn Press & Guide.

For ticket information to the Grand Prairie show, access ticketmaster.com or radiocitychristmas.com online.

The theater is located at 1001 Performance Place and the phone number is 972-854-5111.