In 2001, 16-year-old Joanna Richardson sat amongst a cheering audience, anticipating the start of A Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the iconic Radio City Rockettes in their Atlanta debut at the Fox Theatre. Before the first dance number was over, Joanna knew — she wanted to be on the stage. She wanted to be a Rockette.
So, she made her dream come true.
Born in Stone Mountain, Ga., Richardson started dancing at the age of three. She studied, mostly, at her mother’s dance studio, The Dance Centre at Vista Grove, located in Decatur. “When I was little, “ says Richardson, “I always said, ‘I just want to dance.’”
Only two dance companies really interested Richardson: Disney and the Rockettes. She focused her training in ballet, jazz and tap, the three styles each company prioritized.
Immediately out of high school, Richardson landed a position with Disney, dancing overseas in Japan. A few months after she finished her Disney contract (and a mere four auditions later), Richardson began kicking it with the Rockettes. She’s now been a Rockette for five years.
“It is such an incredible experience,” Richardson says. “The Rockettes are such a tradition, to be a part of that legacy of women and troupe is such an honor.” She says she not only loves the abundant energy and experience of the troupe, but also the close friendships that have developed behind the scenes, providing both professional and personal support.
There are a total of 200 Rockettes. (That’s 400 high-kicking legs, for those of you doing the math.) That includes the number of dancers employed by two casts based in New York City, three national and international touring companies and an arena company. But, the dancers aren’t the only legs keeping the shows moving.
According to Richardson, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, alone, requires over 100 people to bring the show to life in its various locations. “There are the performers onstage, the crew backstage and the company managers.” Plus, there is livestock on tour: two camels, one donkey and a sheep. Her favorite number is “Christmas in the New York,” which she calls “the epitome of a Rockette number.”
Even though she’s been with the Rockettes for some time, Richardson is excited about the upcoming shows in Atlanta. It will be her professional Georgia debut and the first time she’s ever performed on the Fox Stage.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular sparkles at the Fox. Nov. 19-Dec. 6.
Suehyla El-Attar is an actor/writer in Atlanta. Currently, she is directing MacBeth at Shiloh High School, opening December 10. Next, she will appear onstage at the Alliance Theatre with Tennis in Nablus.
