Jessalyn Ward & Paige Litle getting their headshots for the Rockettes | Photo by MSG Entertainment

Catching up with alumni Jessalyn Ward and Paige Litle as they recount their experiences with the Rockettes thus far while unpacking some of their most memorable moments.

How would you say that your training at USC Kaufman has prepared you for this opportunity?

“Training in all the styles at USC Kaufman really informed my dancing as a whole,” says Jessalyn. As a Rockette, Jessalyn is well-versed in the company’s core styles of ballet, tap, and jazz. Jessalyn explains the importance of being a versatile dancer, making every Rockette unique while still contributing to a cohesive lineup. USC Kaufman’s rigorous BFA training schedule also prepared Jessalyn to take on the Rockettes’ workload. In preparation for the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, she often rehearsed six hours a day, six days a week.

Did you always know you wanted to go into a performance career with the Rockettes? When/how did you know?

It began with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Ward says. “I would turn the TV on and wait eagerly for their performance.” A dynamic embodiment of vibrant spirit and striking precision, Ward never missed the chance to witness the Rockettes perform. “I always knew that the Rockettes interested me.” Though growing up on the West Coast of California, dancing in New York City felt like a distant goal. In 2021 Jess had the opportunity to see the Rockettes perform live in the Christmas Spectacular. Knowing from that moment on that this was something she wanted to pursue, she began to tailor her training to audition for the show upon graduation. “I have always really enjoyed the artistry that goes into the performance, but also the precision and cohesion of the women on the line. To me this is just so satisfying, something that I really wanted to be a part of. I feel so lucky to be doing that now.”

What was the process like from auditioning for the show to preparing for your first performance?

Paige Litle attended the open call audition during her junior year of college, securing an invite to the week-long Rockettes Conservatory program. At the Conservatory, she “really got the feel of the precision dance style and show choreography.” Throughout this first Conservatory experience, Litle was set on becoming a Rockette and attended the open call the following year, completed the Conservatory again, and got a personal invitation call. Litle got the job a couple of months later. “It still feels like a dream,” she says.

What has been your favorite moment working with the Rockettes thus far?

Opening night, the moment of intense anticipation when the curtain begins to rise, Litle says. She can hear the roar of the crowd building, and the warmth of the lights shining down on her. Positioned in her beginning position for Sleigh Ride, Litle describes this feeling as purely magnificent. A moment that truly “takes your breath away.” Having never danced in a performance of this magnitude before, Litle describes this night as something that she will remember for the rest of her life. 

How would you describe the feeling of setting foot on the Radio City Music Hall stage for the first time?

“Still to this day—after having done at least 40 shows—I find myself peeking out at the audience when the curtain goes up,” says Ward. “Each time, I cannot believe how many people are there to watch us perform.” With 6,000 seats at the Radio City Music Hall packed full, Ward describes this experience as unlike anything else. “It really is so surreal to know that there are so many people here to enjoy the show that we have worked so hard for.” For Ward, each performance is a dream come true. 

Although Litle says it’s nearly impossible to encapsulate such a memorable moment into words, “the first thing that comes to mind is magical.” Like Ward, Litle also highlights the surreal nature of performing in the Christmas Spectacular, an experience that is so enthralling it sometimes doesn’t seem real. In fulfilling a passion she had so rigorously strived for, Litle loves the empowering feeling of dancing alongside a line of such talented women every day.

By Rhaine Marquardt (BFA ’26) & Irena Yin (BFA ’26)