IU freshman to audition for Rockettes in New York

An IU freshman is one of the top 10 contestants to become a Radio City Christmas Spectacular Rockette.

On May 3, Brittany Ignas will travel to New York City for her final audition.
 
Ignas, a contemporary dance major, said she has been dancing since she was 3 years old.
 
She has aspired to be a Rockette since she saw them perform in Indianapolis when she was in fifth grade.

“I love the way they carry themselves,” Ignas said. “I love that style of dance. Something about their style has really intrigues me. It’s just something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

Rockettes must be proficient in jazz, tap and ballet. When Ignas was a sophomore in high school, she traveled to New York for two weeks during the summer to train with the Rockettes in a dance intensive program.

Ignas had to submit a résumé, headshots and a video before her audition. The dance company will pay for her flight to New York City and hotel in May.

If she joins the precision tap line, Ignas said she will take one semester off to train for the iconic show.

She said the rehearsals start in August and the performances last until January.

Ignas estimated about 500 other dancers will audition and only 120 will be chosen.

“If I won, I think the best part would be that I actually achieved my goal,” Ignas said. “If I don’t make it this year, it’s going to be something I try to do until I make it.”

— Megan Walschlager and Kate Thacker