Working with the Rockettes

Mia Michaels, well-known contemporary choreographer, is living it large. Having launched her own company, she has been a three-time Emmy Award winner as a result of her work on “So You Think You Can Dance”, and has also choreographed a hit Broadway musical. Michaels is now set to step it up a gear and is preparing to start work with the legendary Rockettes in New York.

Michaels will make her debut as the director and choreographer of the New York Spectacular, starring the Radio City Rockettes, which is a revamped version of last year’s New York Spring Spectacular. She will be working with the company on the new show, gearing up to present it at Radio City Music Hall from 15 June–7 August. Originally Michaels was brought in to choreograph the opening number of the Spring Spectacular, and is now directing the entire show.

Having strived to direct for a long time, Michaels is now getting her chance with this challenging first project. The new show depicts a magical journey through New York City, told through the eyes of a child. Michaels will be introducing a group of male dancers to the mix, for lots of dance work and original music. Whilst the movement will still be typical classic-Rockette, there will also be added contemporary strands to challenge the dancers physically and technically.

The Rockettes have been in existence for more than 85 years, but the challenge of Mia Michaels is a first. Michaels is aspiring to create a New York spectacle – including the inevitable kick lines – in breathing new life into the company. The Rockettes brand is iconic, so pairing it with the work of Michaels really is a recipe for success, retaining the iconic movement with fresh tweaks. Whilst the challenge of directing may be initially overwhelming, the end result is set to be spectacular.