Despite My Lesson, the Rockettes Are the Professional Kickers in This Town

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As part of a holiday tradition, my mom and I try and see the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes" whenever the show is in St. Louis. We went to the show this past Sunday, and let me tell you, I have never felt more excited for the holidays. The show always lives up to its spectacular title, and you have until December 28 to see the show at the Fox Theater. Click here to get your tickets now.

Perhaps the reason why I was so excited this year to see the show is because I had a better understanding of the Rockettes themselves. I was lucky enough to chat with Leah Hofmann, a Rockette from St. Louis who is now performing with the Nashville group of high-kickers. Judging from her answers, this Lafayette High School alum is pretty excited about her transition from a Show-Me-State gal to a talented, sophisticated Big Apple Radio City Music Hall Rockette.

How did you get from the Arch to the Big Apple? I am truly thankful to have grown up in St. Louis where there are endless opportunities to enjoy live theatre. I first visited the Big Apple after my freshman year in college in order to attend the Rockette Summer Intensive at Radio City Music Hall. During that time, I fell in love with the Rockette persona and choreography. I Ever since my first visit, I've traveled back to New York during almost every school break for dance classes and auditions. It's now where I spend most of my time when I'm not performing or at home in St. Louis with the family.

What is your favorite part about being a Rockette? I love being from St. Louis, where the Radio City Rockettes were first established in 1925 as the Missouri Rockets. For more than 80 years, the Rockettes have impressed America with their classy, precision dancing, and I am honored to be included in this iconic troupe. I often have moments onstage when I think, "I can't believe I'm a Rockette!"

What is the first thing that you did when you found out that you had been selected to become one of these American icons? I When I heard I was a Radio City Rockette, I ran outside and literally leaped into the air. Then I called my parents and told them I had good news and bad news. The bad news was that I wouldn't be home for Christmas that year. The good news was that I would be performing as a Radio City Rockette in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis when you're not busy touring? I spent most of my summer this year here in St. Louis performing at the famous St. Louis Muny Opera Theatre. I always find time to take a ballet class at Saint Louis Ballet in the Chesterfield Valley. I am thankful to all of my friends and family in St. Louis for their support, encouragement and prayers. I wouldn't be where I am today without them in my life.

Needless to say, when I sat in my cushy chair for the two-hour show this year, I had a newfound appreciation for the 100-person stage crew, 22 Rockettes, 14 singers and dancers, 12 fabulous sets, eight different elaborate Rockette costumes, two camels and of course, Santa Clause (and a partridge in a pear tree). My personal favorite scene is "The Parade of Wooden Soldiers," which has been performed every year since 1933.

Most impressive to me was the fact that in a four-day show alone, the Radio City Rockettes perform more than 1,200 kicks. Cat Yurkovich and Karilyn Ashley Surratt, two Rockettes who grew up in the St. Louis area, were kind enough to teach me how to strut kick like one of them. I didn't get it on the first try (It's harder than it looks!), but I didn't do half-bad. Click on the Featured Video tab to meet Cat and Karilyn and watch my strut kick attempts.

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