She finally got her chance, nearly 80 years later.
92-year-old Mary Silvestri was supposed to audition for the famous dance group, the Radio City Rockettes, almost 80 years ago.
However, she wasn’t able to audition because she couldn’t make it to New York City, where the group was based.
Mary was devastated.
She believed this was her only chance to audition and the dream to dance with the Rockettes was now over. Boy, was she wrong! She would finally get her chance to audition.
In April 2023, Mary finally got her chance to audition. She was number 813.
To be honest, she wasn’t there to audition.
“I was supposed to be here doing what you’re doing today and I couldn’t make it,” Mary shared. “I couldn’t get to New York alone and no one could take me,” she explained. “So here I am today, to see you ladies and hope you all make it.”
It must have been a long day for Mary, too, even if she was only watching.
Auditionees are asked to come in one hour before their audition slot and need to be prepared to stay at least one to three hours at the venue.
It was going to be a grueling audition because the Rockettes were looking for the best of the best.
Mary fit that description.
Or, at least, she would.
All auditionees were expected to have ballet, tap, and jazz backgrounds.
If you had anything less, you’ll have a more challenging time passing the auditions.
Would Mary have passed auditions during her time?
Who knows? Fortunately, when the Rockettes heard Mary’s story, they decided to make her dream come true.
They invited Mary to dance with them.
“We knew we had to be involved,” Rockette Amarisa LeBar said. “We always love making someone’s dream come true.”
They taught Mary how to do kicks and how to pose for a photo.
“To see the joy on her face throughout this experience was something that really touched my heart,” LeBar added. “I was so happy to be a part of it. We were honored to create this magical moment with her.”
Mary was thrilled about the opportunity.
The Rockettes were also thrilled to share the dance stage with Mary. LeBar shared that it made her appreciate being a Rockette even more.
Mary also had a few wise words to share with the women auditioning for the dance group.
“Just keep moving, keep going, and keep going to dancing school,” Mary said. “Do your routine and enjoy it. You have to enjoy what you’re doing.”
How can you make it as a Rockette?
The Radio City Rockettes Creative Director Karen Keeler shared this great piece of advice.
“Be who you are and show me your true self in the room, because that’s the person I’ll end up working with,” Karen said. “Confidence is really big; if they’re confident in what they’re doing, that comes through and that’s something I like to see.”
Watch how Mary “rocked her auditions” in the video below!
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