A Dream Come True: MMC Senior Lands Iconic Role at Radio City
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The Radio City Rockettes are making history this winter, celebrating their 100th anniversary—and if you scan the famous kick line, you’ll spot at least one familiar face. MMC Dance and Business major Christina Grace Naslund ’26 is among the company’s newest and youngest members, having earned her spot on the 2025–26 squad this September. With their season’s start on November 6, she’s already appeared in the Rockettes’ storied Christmas Spectacular and is looking forward to more milestones, including the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting.
The achievement makes her the latest in a 71st Street tradition: Over the years, more than a dozen MMC dancers have taken the stage as Rockettes. In fact, Naslund will be appearing alongside five alums this season, including best friend and fellow newbie Samantha Noto ’25, Kayla Hsu ’25, Meena Jay ’23, Athena Petrizzo ’21, and Kelty Ober ’19. In addition, three alums are featured as ensemble dancers: Dan Doran ’25, Nick Camarero ’23, and Drew Fountain ’12. The College also counts former Rockettes among its faculty; Adjunct Jazz Professor Katie Walker, for example, danced with the troupe for 15 years.
For Naslund, a Nashville native, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and—as she prepares to graduate in May—a taste of what it means to dance full-time with a company. She currently balances the troupe’s performances with nighttime classes. We caught up with her to ask about the experience and the magic she hopes to bring to audiences.
Congratulations, Christina! What made you decide to audition for the Rockettes?
Becoming a Rockette has always been a dream of mine—I’ve seen the Christmas Spectacular every year since I was six. When the company performed in Nashville, it was our family tradition to go see them. After they stopped coming, we’d travel to New York to watch the show at Radio City Music Hall. I’m completely obsessed with Christmas—I start playing Christmas music on October 1—and nothing says Christmas to me like the Rockettes. As a kid, I was definitely the one in our family pushing to get tickets.
As a dancer, I find their precision style very fun, and auditioning for them has been on my radar since I moved to NYC. When auditions came up last spring, I thought, ‘What the heck? Let me try and see where this goes.’ And now I’m here, and I love it so much.
What’s the audition process like?
There are two rounds. The first was in April, and if you do well, you’re invited to their dancer development program. After that, you would hopefully be invited to another audition at the end of that week of training, where they teach you the Rockettes’ choreography.
How excited was your family when you told them you’d been selected?
They were so thrilled they couldn’t believe it. My only regret was not being with them when the call came. But my mom flew to New York right after because she said she had to give me a hug. It made the whole moment feel really special.
What has life been like for you since you joined the company?
I joined after rehearsals had already started, so things were a bit hectic at first. I worked hard to learn the whole show quickly, and everyone was super supportive. A bunch of the girls reached out to offer help with any questions I had. The sisterhood that they’ve built here is amazing, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.
How did you manage that with your MMC workload?
I’m currently a part-time student and take a Business class at night over Zoom. The Rockettes are split into two casts, morning and evening, and since I’m part of the morning cast, that works out well. I plan to finish my remaining credits in the spring and will still graduate on time with both of my degrees in May.
What’s been the best part of the job so far?
Well, now that we’ve started performances, that is definitely the best part—getting to perform and make everyone smile. The most rewarding moment, though, may have been when my sister came to see the show, because I grew up dancing with her, and to have her in the audience supporting me meant a lot.
Has any part of the journey so far surprised you?
It’s been really neat to see all the behind-the-scenes elements. I had no idea that the stage we perform on at Radio City is made up of three elevators that can rise 13 feet or drop below the floor. And having dressers for quick changes—that’s new for me, but totally necessary because the show moves so fast. There’s zero downtime; you’re literally on your feet for the full 90 minutes!
Have you gotten a chance to talk to MMC alums in the company?
Yes, Dan and Meena are both in my cast, and we were already pretty close. Because they’re recent graduates, I spent some of my years at MMC with them, and it’s been great having those close friends with me throughout this journey. Samantha and Kayla are in the other cast, but the times we’ve been together during rehearsals were also super special. Sam’s one of my best friends, and it’s so cool that we got to start the Rockettes in the same year.
How has your MMC training prepared you or helped you in the process?
Marymount has really helped me hone my technique. Most of my classes are geared toward the skills the Rockettes look for. Each semester, I’ve taken ballet, tap, and jazz, and the requirements to be a Rockette are to be 18 years of age and proficient in ballet, tap, and jazz.
How do you feel about this being your senior year at the College—excited, emotional, or both?
Honestly, I’m very sad to be graduating. I’ve built so many friendships here, and I hope I can keep them going, but you never know where people will end up after college. It’s been amazing to see some of those relationships carry over into my career, though. At the same time, I love my job as a Rockette, and I’m happy to have a home with them. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a sisterhood that’s lasted 100 years. It’s been amazing to start my journey with them during the anniversary year and to get to meet all the legacy Rockettes.
What plans do you have for the future?
I hope to be part of the Rockettes line for as long as possible. After that, I want to go to grad school—my dream is to become a physical therapist one day.
Do you have any advice for younger Dance students who might also dream of becoming a Rockette?
A lot of your career is in your own hands. Even though we’re students in a college dance program, there’s so much you can do on your own to grow. I think I’ve done a great job of going out and taking additional classes at places like Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center, and I’ve pushed myself to go on auditions and put myself out in the world. It’s easy to slip into “student mode” and wait for things to come to you—but then graduation hits and you’re wondering how to start your life in the city. Start building the life you want now.
For tickets to the Christmas Spectacular, visit rockettes.com.
Published: November 25, 2025
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