Internal Dialogue of a Rockette Hopeful

Here are some thoughts that typically enter my mind on the morning of the annual Radio City Rockette audition. Do you have similar internal conversations with yourself? Ha!

1. COFFEE. I'm so excited!!
2. Where is my heating pad? Time to do some light stretches. Do I have everything? Headshot/resume? Shoes? Lipstick? Water? 
3. I have to stick to my usual Rockette audition tradition of a pb&j bagel on the way to Radio City. 
4. What time should I get in line? Should I be in the first group with all of the equity peeps? I feel on top of my game and ready to audition. Do I go in the second group like I usually do because of my strange theories? Won’t they be watching former Rockettes more than me if I go in the first group since I’m sure priority lies with them as it should? I’m thinking second group. I’ve always shined in the second. Second it is!
5. There are some beautiful french twists in this line. You really couldn’t perfect one in the last 6 years? 
6. Why did I just spend $235 on La Duca’s that I can’t even wear today? They are impossible to break in. What kind of rubber are they using now?? I guess I’m wearing my old ones. I hope it’s not too slippery!
7. Does my body look good enough? I’ve worked my butt off (literally). Yes, I look great and I’m rocking this red leo, red lip and french twist. 
8. Okay… I need to find a spot in this insanely packed holding room to warm up and stretch it out. I have to be close to the door though. 
9. I don’t mean to be rude friends, but please let me get in the zone. I can’t wait to talk later!
10. Race to the front and stand near the choreographer. Focus. 
11. SQUEEZE YOUR CROTCH!!!!!!!!! Engage your core. Don’t forget to breathe! 
12. Don’t watch any of the other girls. Don't compare while you're waiting to dance. You know what you’re doing. Keep your eyes on the ground.  
13. SMILE and enjoy yourself. This is what you love to do more than anything in the world. You’ve wanted to be a Rockette since you first saw them at age 12. You’ve done 6 summer intensives and auditioned for this job so many times that you don’t even remember the exact number. Or you’re just embarrassed to admit it’s nearing the double digits… Show them that you want it and are extremely capable.