Western NY native living her dream of being a Radio City Rockette

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Paige McRae is in New York City dancing over eight hours a day with the Radio City Rockette’s in preparation for the season, which kicks off in November.

“This has been a lifelong dream, and for it to come true I think I’m still in the “pinch me” moment,” McRae said.

McRae has been dancing since could walk. When her phone rang with the offer to be a Rockette, it almost didn’t feel real.

“When I announced that I did get the phone call, actually a classmate that I knew from third grade, reached out and was like I remember when I met you, first day of school you talked about when you grew up you wanted to be a Rockette.”

McRae is originally from Buffalo but she’s lived in Honeoye Falls most of her life.

She says after the call, she packed up and went right to work. Right now the Rockettes are in rehearsals. McRae says demanding rehearsals six days a week has really put her talents to the test.

“It’s a 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday, we are on during those hours learning new choreography. We’re always expected to know exactly what we learned the day before, so we can work as efficiently as possible.”

You may have seen a Radio City Rockettes show before, but, McRae says this season will be like no other.

“We’re on stage for nine numbers, and most recently we’ve created “Dance of the Frost Fairies.” There will be interactive drones, and lots going on to really immerse the audience into the experience.”

“I have the privilege of being a Radio City Rockette this season and it has been spectacular to say the least.”

The Rockette season starts November 18th and runs through January 2nd.