A lifetime of training leads to the moment dancers audition for a coveted spot on the Rockettes for the "Christmas Spectacular." 

Hundreds of hopefuls poured into Radio City Music Hall Monday for day one of try outs. 

What You Need To Know

  • About 800 dancers auditioned for the Radio City Rockettes on Monday. Callbacks are Tuesday and Wednesday

  • The organization is trying to diversify the kickline, and this year the height requirement is adjusted by one inch

  • Only a select number of dancers will make the final cut, but they are all considered for an all expenses paid, invite-only Rockettes training program while auditioning

"It feels really good to be back in person, without a mask, dancing in front of people," said Haley Bjorn. 

"I'm looking for people that love what they're doing, and listen to what's going on in the room," said Julie Branam, director and choreographer of the "Christmas Spectacular." "Smart dancers that are really technically strong."

This year the company adjusted the height requirement. Previously, dancers had to be between 5'6" and 5'10" 1/2. Now, dancers can be 5’5.”

"And what that does is it expands the eligibility for dancers here in the dance world," said dance captain Danelle Morgan.

It’s a critical change for newly eligible dancers like Kendalyn Breakfield. She stands just at the new cutoff at 5’5.”

"They're so beautiful, they're inspiring, I'm very nervous but I know God is on my side, just do the best I can," she said. 

And while only a select number of dancers will make the final cut, they are all considered for an invite-only Rockettes training program while auditioning.

Organizers say the week-long Rockettes Conservatory is offered at no cost to promising dancers they want to invest in.