Community Corner
Local Rockette Dancing in Town
Radio City's famous dancers are bringing a Stone Mountain native home.
Joanna Richardson had it all figured out by the time she turned nine.
The Stone Mountain native's mother was a dance instructor. “I grew up training with her and then continued the family business as a dancer,” Richardson told DeKalb Neighbor.
She eventually became a Rockette, no less, and returns to Atlanta with the Radio Center Christmas Spectacular to perform at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in November.
Richardson said it wasn't easy joining the world-famous dance troupe. “The audition itself is a grueling two days and when I auditioned there were about 400 people wrapped around Radio City,” she said. “And everyone is trying out for only a handful of jobs that are available each season.”
She added that team work is crucial to the success of the Rockettes. “I would say being part of the Rockettes is about being something bigger than yourself. It’s not just about one woman being up there on stage by herself; it’s a group effort.”
Tickets to the shows are available here and here.
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