Bright lights and big kicks were the order of business Saturday for aspiring dancers in Greensburg.
The Spectacular Holiday Dance Workshop, held at Seton Hill University and The Palace Theatre, welcomed students of all ages to step into the magic of Broadway with a 2½-hour class taught by former Radio City Rockette Jennifer Rias.
“I hope that through this class they feel the pristine legacy of the Rockettes, one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my life,” Rias said, from the dance studio at the Seton Hills Student Arts Center. “I want to instill hope that with hard work, anyone can do it.”
The workshop was presented by The Academy at Westmoreland Cultural Trust, an initiative that launched last spring. It operates with the mission to provide industry-aligned training for the performing arts, said Nick Lenz, education and engagement manager.
“We want to provide experiences that are direct pathways to a career in the arts,” Lenz said.
“Instead of it being thought of as something extra, we want to make sure these classes are provided consistently to connect children with experts in the industry that they’re pursuing.”
Three sessions were hosted with a total of 90 students — some who traveled from as far as New York City.
Laighton Macuga, a seventh-grader at Norwin Middle School, said it’s “in my future” to be on stage at the famed Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.
“I was excited to come today to see just what it’s all about,” Laighton said.
Twelve-year-old Emma Tuskan of Plum said she was lucky enough to see the high-kicking dancers in person during a trip to New York and it sealed her desire to join the line one day.
“I truly want that to be my career,” Emma said. “I wanted to come out today to learn some of the techniques and tricks.”
Rias, who danced with the Rockettes for a year before going on tour with the musical “Spamalot,” brought the workshop to Greensburg through her company, The Broadway Edge, which she co-owns with Verona native, Mike Cannon.
The pair caters to students who have a passion for elevated training. Classes illustrate all that goes into a professional role.
“It’s not just going to practice,” Rias said. “It becomes your life. It’s what you think about all the time.”
Lenz said The Academy works to divert young professionals from leaving the area for professional training. His goal is to “pour into them” and develop an artistic workforce locally.
Saturday’s class was no easy feat.
Students began with lats and leg warmups before learning choreography to “I want to be a Rockette” by Debbie Gravitte.
Rias taught authentic precision dance techniques that included core strength, eye-level kicks and stiff shoulders.
“Rockettes are 100% athletes,” Rias told the students. “When you’re on stage, nothing is relaxed. Everything is tight and straight.”
“Shoulders are a main character in the show,” Rias added. “You have to keep your body in tip-top shape.”
Rias, who made her Broadway debut in “Rock of Ages,” has also performed in “Aladdin” and “The Cher Show.”
She is currently the associate choreographer for the U.S. Tour, Australian and upcoming Vienna companies of “Beauty and the Beast.”
After class, she took time to answer questions from the students, who wondered what her favorite costume was and if she ever appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Rias revealed a few stage secrets, including how the Rockettes have lightning-fast costume changes and how they are tasked with 246 kicks per show — up to five times day.
At the end of each session, dancers walked to The Palace Theatre and got their chance to shine on stage, performing for family and friends.
Cadence Connelly of Norwin said the arduous kick line didn’t dissuade her hopes to pursue a career as a Rockette.
“It think I would be exciting,” the 11-year-old said.
Manor Township resident Catarina Pugliano, 12, said the same. She’s been dancing since age 5 and said the workshop “was a great opportunity to enhance my skills.”
“The Rockettes are super good,” she said. “We all want to be like them.”