Since she was seven years old, Tualatin native Brooklyn Bronson wanted to be a Radio City Rockette. Growing up, her life revolved around dance, taking lessons at Westside Dance and Gymnastics Academy in Tigard and Innovative Dance in Wilsonville. Carla Webber, her dance teacher, was a Rockette in the 60s and planted the inspirational seed.
In early 2022, Brooklyn survived three grueling days of auditions, where over 800 dancers were narrowed down to a group of 20. Her dream of becoming a Rockette was finally within reach. In November of that year, she officially performed as a Radio City Rockette. The moment was magical for her parents, Toni and Brian Bronson, and sister Ashlyn. It was an unforgettable experience as they listened to kids around them cheer for their little girl.
To make the evening more special, Brooklyn’s dance teacher, who planted the original seed of becoming a Rockette, flew in to watch her in her first performance.
According to mom, Toni, dancing for the Rockettes is an incredible opportunity for Brooklyn, but it is a lot of work, and Brooklyn spends many hours a day practicing and performing during the holiday season. Sometimes, some of that grueling practice results in injuries, which can sideline a dancer and sometimes be career-altering. Every year, they have to audition to earn a place on the roster, which means they always have to be in their best shape and on top of their game, as hundreds of young ladies await their turn of having the honor of performing as a Rockette.
Last month, I had the opportunity to see Brooklyn perform in the Christmas Spectacular in New York. It was by far the most amazing performance I’ve ever seen. The talent of the Rockettes, along with the sensational singing and special effects, whisked me away to a magical place I will never forget. I was able to meet her after the show and was astounded to find out that some of the performances in the show that I thought were performed by other performers while the Rockettes changed outfits, were actually performed by the same group of Rockettes, which made what they do even more inspiring. In addition to the Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes perform in many other shows such as the Macy’s Parade, the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony and more.
According to the New York City Theatre website, the Rockettes, a 36-member strong dance troupe, has been performing since 1933 and attracts over a million visitors a year. This year’s show includes new choreography, new costumes, and an incredible light show created using drones.
Brooklyn grew up in Tualatin and attended St. Anthony’s in Tigard, Jesuit High School in Portland, and Chapman University in California before heading to New York to pursue her dream of dancing as a Rockette. She and her sister now live in NY, and her mom and dad spend as much time as they can there supporting their daughters in living out their dreams.
If you ever have an opportunity to travel to New York during the holidays, make sure you take the time to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular and cheer on our very own Rockette, Brooklyn Bronson. She is especially touched by the folks from Oregon who make the trek to see her perform. Brooklyn, you make us proud.
