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Deidre Carroll
Radio City Rockette
Radio City Rockette Deidre Carroll began her dance training in New Jersey where she studied ballet, jazz, tap and acrobatics from the age of five. Since graduating from Cornell University with a dance and pre-med degree, Deirdre has become one of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes and has kicked 'em up high in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for three fabulous seasons. more >>
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Questions and Answers
Want to know more? Read the questions and answers below or submit one of your own.
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Q: Do you think about the math and physics which govern the steps you make when you practice and perform? - Sara and Amy, 10th Grade, from New York City
A: Dear Sara and Amy,
First of all, I absolutely abhor physics! It was always my worst subject in college. I could care less how long it takes a box to slide down an inclined plane or how much tension is in a pulley wire. Nevertheless, physics and mathematics do, indeed, govern many aspects of our lives. All of the choreography the Rockettes do is extremely mathematical. The Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall is gigantic and consists of three portions that can be elevated and lowered. Hence, it is very important to be on your exact mark at all times, lest you fall into the abyss below the stage! So you must calculate how many steps it will take to get from point A to point B in the number of counts of music you have to get there. Also, in some numbers in the Christmas Spectacular we use props which always test the laws of physics. For instance, you might have to twirl an xylophone stick in a circle with the exact amount of force so that you do not lose it in a tangential projection. The person in the audience who gets hit with the stick would certainly ask for a refund!
I guess the most basic level of mathematics is always at work for any dancer...we are always counting the beats in the music. The trick is to have all of the math and physics going on in your head, but making your movements look easy and effortless.
Thanks for a really good question.
Q: What is the element of performance? - Tash, 12th Grade
A: Thank you so much for your question. Although I'm not quite sure I understand your question completely, I'll attempt to answer it as I interpret it. The element of performance that is so exciting for me is when you can perform in front of a live audience and hear them appreciate what you're doing through their applause or their laughter. The energy the audience gives off reaches the performers and helps them perform even better. When the Rockettes start to do their world-famous eye-high kicks, the audience goes crazy and it makes kicking your legs up so high much, much easier! Knowing that I am brightening someone's day through my dancing is very rewarding and is why I love to be a dancer. All elements - the choreography, the costumes, the makeup, your stage presence - come together as you're performing and the audience can feel the magic you're creating.
I hope that answers your question.
Take care,
Deirdre
Q: What do you like and dislike about your job? - Sarah
A: Dear Sarah:
You have asked a very good question because there are always pluses and minuses to every situation. The thing I like most about my job is that it is interesting work. I don't just sit at a desk everyday and work on a computer or do the same thing every single day. As a performer you can play different roles in different projects, which always stimulates your creativity and makes the experience fun and challenging.
On the other hand, being a Rockette is hard work. We have to dance in high heels a lot, which really hurts my feet! And after kicking all day long on a steel stage, sometimes my body aches and I feel like an old lady. Overall, though, I love what I do and can't really complain too much.
Thanks for your question, Sarah
Deirdre
Q: With such a busy schedule, do you have time to have a boyfriend and for your family? - Dawn, 10th Grade, from New Jersey
A: Hello Dawn!
Thanks so much for your question. Well, the Rockettes do have a really busy schedule so it is difficult to make time for friends and family. About half of the NYC Rockettes are married or engaged and most of us have boyfriends. My family lives in New Jersey so I don't see them very often during the Christmas season, but I do talk to them on the phone frequently. All of my friends are understanding and know that I don't have much time to socialize right now, but after Christmas we always get together and catch up things. As for me and my boyfriend, we're taking a short vacation together in January to Jamaica. There's no better way to pamper yourself after a job well done than by going to the beach! :)
Happy Holidays!
Deirdre
The responses and opinions contained herein are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Power to Learn or Cablevision.
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