THE ROCKETTES SUMMER INTENSIVE Airs 4/15

The second episode of MSG Varsity's Emmy award-winning hit series "The Rockettes Summer Intensive" will focus on six of the twelve tri-state students who are competing with more than 1,000 dancers nationwide for the chance to train with the world-famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Each dancer is competing for one of 450 coveted spots in the 2012 Rockettes Summer Intensive training program. The episode is scheduled to air on Sunday April 15th at 9:00 p.m. on MSG Varsity, channel 14 on Cablevision's iO TV.

The six dancers featured in the second episode are: Morgan Beasty from Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Jessica Chambers from Maria Regina High School in West Islip, Marisa Hann from Greenwich High School, Tess Liantonio from Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville, SAra Martino from John P. Stevens High School in Edison, and Micki Williams from Ridge High School in Basking Ridge.

This episode will give viewers an up close look at what it's like for these six dancers to try out for The Rockettes Summer Intensive. Cameras will follow the girls, documenting their rehearsals, auditions and the emotions that go along with it. Their hard work will culminate with the girls auditioning both jazz and tap routines for the world-famous Rockettes, with each girl hoping to secure her own spot in the 2012 Rockettes Summer Intensive.

"We are thrilled to once again follow local high school dancers in their quest to train alongside the legendary Rockettes. By documenting their intense determination, discipline and passion, we hope to bring viewers a better understanding of what training to be a professional dancer is really like for these girls," said Michael Lardner, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, MSG Varsity.

"The Rockettes Summer Intensive program gives aspiring dancers the unique opportunity to learn the world-famous precision dance style alongside Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall," said Eileen Grace, Rockettes Director and Choreographer. "Our dance education programs are invaluable for dancers and one of the best training tools for these talented Rockettes hopefuls who strive to become part of the legendary line."

The Intensive is part of The Rockettes Dance Education program, which offers dancers the opportunity to study under The Rockettes and Rockettes Director/Choreographers and experience the athletic demands of their training. Acceptance in the program is a stepping stone for Rockettes hopefuls who aspire to one day dance with the renowned company. Since The Rockettes Summer Intensive program began in 2001, 47 participants have gone on to become Rockettes.

The episode will also feature some of the creative visionaries behind The Rockettes including: Rockettes Director and Choreographer, Eileen Grace; Current Rockettes dancer and Assistant Choreographer, Melinda Farrell; and Rockettes Summer Intensive Coordinator and Rockettes Experience Coordinator, Elizabeth Helms.

For more information on MSG Varsity's "The Rockettes Summer Intensive" including future episode airdates and pictures from the auditions, please go to www.msgvarsity.com or www.rockettes.com.

Photo credit: JoNathan Smith/MSG Varsity

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