I was 17 years old, wearing nothing but a black leotard, nude tights and an intolerable pair of 2-inch heeled Capezio character shoes as a camera crew followed my anxiety-ridden peers and me in the rehearsal hall of Radio City Music Hall.
How did I end up here? Considering it was my — and my mother’s — dream to be a Radio City Rockette, I signed up to audition for “The Rockette Summer Intensive” almost 15 years ago. It was a demanding, weeklong, boot camp-like program where eager young women danced their hearts out, praying they would stand out enough to possibly be offered the opportunity of a lifetime — a coveted spot on the world-famous kickline.
Fabiana Buontempo featured on “The Rockette Summer Intensive” show. MSG Varsity TV
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