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How Radio City Rockettes Earn Outside Christmas Spectacular & Off-Season Jobs (Exclusive)
2024-12-18
The Radio City Rockettes, those professional dancers who grace the stage during the Radio City Christmas Spectacular from November to January each year, lead lives that are a whirlwind of activity. Their daily schedules are filled with multiple shows a day, week after week during the holiday season. But some take on even more to make a living. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE ahead of the show's opening night, three Rockettes - Britain Feeny, Alexis Payton, and Jordan Betscher - opened up about their lives as full-time performers this year and shared their off-season occupations.
The Diverse Off-Season Careers
Alexis Payton: Data Analyst and More
Alexis Payton, in her fourth season with the Rockettes, is a prime example of multi-faceted talent. During the Christmas Spectacular season, being a Rockette is a full-time commitment. But she also works as a data analyst simultaneously. "We have a diverse group of castmates," she said. "Some are full-time moms, while others are accountants. It really varies from person to person." Payton explained that her data analyst career is fortunately only part-time. "I'm not juggling as much. But it's something I'm passionate about and do in the off-season too. It's within the realm of public health. I actually have a master's in environmental engineering. The first few hours of my day are spent analyzing data, contributing to manuscripts, and checking emails. I do this year-round."Jordan Betscher: Freelance Dancer Extraordinaire
Jordan Betscher, in her eighth season as a Radio City Rockette, showcases her versatility during the off-season. She works as a freelance dancer based in New York City. "I'm constantly auditioning, doing TV, film, and theater work. And I never stop taking classes to stay in top shape," she said. During the non-holiday months, she and the Rockette cast have related duties like additional shows or social media obligations. "We've performed at the Tony Awards, the VMAs, and last year at the Cheetah Awards in New York. These off-season activities keep us fresh and alive," she added.Britain Feeny: Focused Freelance Dancer
Britain Feeny is also a freelance dancer. "I audition and just love dancing. During the off-season, I take on various jobs when I can," she said. However, this year her focus is solely on the Christmas Spectacular. "During this season specifically, I'm only a Rockette. It's what I've put at the forefront as I don't have the time or energy for anything else. I want to give this my full attention for the two months we perform," she emphasized. But she also acknowledged the additional obligations she has after the season ends. Christmas is always at the forefront of her mind, so she continues to train and take dance classes to stay active throughout the year. "We do some events here and there, but during the Christmas season, we are full-time Rockettes."The Radio City Rockettes truly embody the spirit of dedication and perseverance. Their lives are a testament to the fact that one can pursue multiple passions and still excel in their chosen field. Whether it's performing on stage during the holidays or taking on off-season careers, these Rockettes continue to shine. With 84 Rockettes in total, split into two casts of 36, each one brings a unique energy and talent to the stage. Their hard work and commitment make the Radio City Christmas Spectacular an unforgettable experience for audiences year after year.