From RHS graduates to holiday icons, Courtney and Caitlyn Sullivan are living the dream in the Rockettes’ historic centennial season
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEW YORK, NY – High-kicking 1,200 times a day and listening to the same nine Christmas songs from September through January might sound like a challenge to some—but for Ridgewood twins Courtney and Caitlyn Sullivan, it’s the thrill of a lifetime.
The sisters, both graduates of Ridgewood High School, have officially joined the fabled Radio City Rockettes just in time for the dance company’s monumental 100th anniversary season. As the world celebrates a century of precision dance, these North Jersey natives are helping lead the holiday cheer.
From Studio L to the Great Stage
The twins’ journey to the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall began at age three at Studio L in Waldwick. As the youngest of six children, they were eager to follow in their siblings’ footsteps.
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Age 5: Started competing in Star Dance Alliance competitions.
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Age 9: A Christmas Eve trip to see the Rockettes sparked a lifelong dream.
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College Years: Performed on the Rutgers University dance team while balancing degrees in psychology and business.
“It was always a dream,” Courtney said. “We had the technical foundation, and we’ve always loved Christmas, so we don’t mind the music; it’s so special being holiday leaders.”
The Grind Behind the Glamour
Becoming a Rockette is no easy feat. Approximately 1,000 dancers audition every spring for a handful of spots on the two 36-dancer lines. Once selected, the sisters endured a grueling rehearsal schedule: six hours a day, six days a week, for six weeks.
During the 200-show season (running from Nov. 6 to Jan. 5), the Sullivans perform in up to 16 shows per week. Even a pouring rainstorm during their first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade couldn’t dampen their spirits. “It’s all about the mindset,” Courtney noted.
Rockette Secrets Revealed
The twins shared a few behind-the-scenes secrets that make the precision dance team so legendary:
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The No-Touch Kick: During that famous high-kick finale, the dancers aren’t actually holding onto each other. Their arms are behind one another, but they don’t touch to ensure perfect, upright posture.
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Mic’d Up Toes: Rockette tap shoes have tiny microphones installed in the soles so the 5,900-seat theater can hear every crisp, intricate tap.
Christmas Cheer All Year
While the Christmas Spectacular ends in January, the Sullivan twins stay busy. They represent the Rockettes at special events year-round, including appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the TODAY Show.
“We keep the Christmas cheer going all year round,” Caitlyn said.
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What year did they graduate..?
2016