'The Rockettes Summer Intensive' Returns for a Second Season, 3/18

MSG Varsity's hit series "The Rockettes Summer Intensive" is back for a second season, offering viewers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at aspiring young dancers as they reach for their dream of training with the world-famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. After a successful first season, MSG Varsity has increased the number of episodes for its second season from three to six, delivering more in-depth coverage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The first episode will premiere Sunday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. on MSG Varsity, channel 14 on Cablevision's iO TV.

"We are excited to partner with the legendary Rockettes to present the second season of 'The Rockettes Summer Intensive,'" said Theresa Chillianis, General Manager, MSG Varsity. "From the intense auditions to training alongside The Rockettes, viewers will get to experience firsthand the drive, determination and passions of these young dancers and share in their extraordinary journey."

"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 serve as the best training tools for these talented dancers and it brings them one step closer to achieving their dreams. Since the program's inception in 2001, 47 Rockette Summer Intensive participants have gone on to become Rockettes."

In the first episode of the six-part series, six tri-state area high school students will compete with more than 1,000 dancers from 14 different cities spanning New York to San Francisco, and viewers will follow the intensity and emotions of the young women as they vie for a coveted spot in The Summer Intensive program. 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 crucial stepping stone for Rockettes hopefuls who aspire to one day dance with the renowned company.

The six local students in the premiere episode include:

·         Sharon Bownes                       West Islip HS (West Islip, NY)

·         Lauren Karow                          Pascack Valley HS (Hillsdale, NJ)

·         Joanna Keating                        Garden City HS (Garden City, NY)

·         Amanda Krohne                       Howell HS  (Manalapan, NJ)

·         Kristi Lazarczyk                        Morris County School of Tech. (Pompton Plains, NJ)

·         Raquel Rosario                        St. Catherine Academy (Bronx, NY)

The series will also feature interviews with some of the creative visionaries behind The Rockettes including: Director and Choreographer of The Rockettes and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Linda Haberman; Rockettes Director and Choreographer, Eileen Grace; and current Rockettes dancer and Assistant Choreographer, Melinda Farrell.

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.

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