Hook
Lily Santisi, a 12‑year‑old Phoenix dancer, defied bone cancer.
After her diagnosis, she paused her dance career.
A private lesson at Radio City Music Hall revived her passion.
Two Rockettes guided her through high‑kick choreography.
“It was hard,” Santisi told NBC New York of the Rockettes’ trademark high kicks.
“There’s so many, and it was so quick.”
The experience felt “really special” and “once in a lifetime.”
“It feels like really special because it’s like once in a lifetime,” Santisi said, “and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to do this.”
Lily’s mother, Deanne, praised the foundations’ support.
The Garden of Dreams and Make‑A‑Wish enabled the event.
The day marked a milestone for the young survivor.
Dreams on Hold
Santisi had always aspired to join the Rockettes.
Her competitive dancing began in Phoenix’s local studios.
A bone‑cancer diagnosis halted her progress abruptly.
The disease forced her to focus on treatment.
She missed the rhythm of rehearsals and performances.
The pause left her longing for the stage again.
Her family supported her through chemotherapy and recovery.
She remained determined to return to dance.
The possibility of a Rockettes lesson seemed distant.
Yet hope emerged through charitable foundations.
Gift from Foundations
The Garden of Dreams Foundation organized a special event.
Make‑A‑Wish Foundation partnered to provide the lesson.
Radio City Rockettes agreed to host private coaching.
Santisi received a one‑on‑one session at Radio City.
The lesson took place in a rehearsal hall.
Two Rockettes, Bailey Harding and Paige McRae, taught her.
The choreography came from “New York at Christmas.”
The session was tailored to her skill level.
She learned the routine quickly, impressing the instructors.
The foundations’ collaboration made the dream a reality.
The Lesson
Harding guided Santisi through synchronized high kicks.
She emphasized repetition and precise timing.
“She learned it so quickly,” Harding said.
The instructors added detailed cues during the practice.
“So we were able to give her more details,” Harding explained.
The class was customized for the young dancer.
Santisi’s stamina was tested during the drills.
“Don’t worry, practice makes progress,” Harding encouraged.
The Rockettes shared their own breath‑holding experiences.
The lesson concluded with a triumphant high‑kick finale.
Harding’s Perspective
Harding described Santisi’s impact.
“The moment she walked into that dance studio, she lit up the room,” Harding said.
“Just seeing her persevere through something so difficult and challenging and to see her move through dance to feel that inspiration and that joy, just to be in the room with her was such a privilege.”
“We’re just honored to be able to offer this experience to her.”
“It was a true gift.”
The Rockettes highlighted her perseverance.
They praised her dedication and resilience.
The instructors felt privileged to mentor her.
The lesson exemplified the Rockettes’ community spirit.
Their support made the day memorable.
Reactions
Santisi’s parents watched from the front row.
Dean Santisi described the moment as emotional.
“It’s been a long time since we watched her dance on stage, and even just practicing,” said her father, Dean Santisi.
“So to see her back in the studio, it definitely is emotional.”
Lily’s mother, Deanne, reflected on the joy it brought.
“Obviously she went through something horrible and you would never want that, but the organizations…they just give these kids some joy when they are at their lowest and it really just helps them,” said Lily’s mother, Deanne Santisi.
McRae praised the excitement of the audience.
“To know that they’re as excited as we once were as audience members too when we were younger and came to see the show is absolutely spectacular,” McRae said.
The family felt gratitude toward the foundations.
The event reinforced the power of community support.
The Show
After the lesson, Santisi attended a matinee.
The performance was part of Garden of Dreams Day.
About 500 children watched the “Christmas Spectacular.”
Santisi experienced the show for the first time.
The audience shared the same excitement as her family.
The Rockettes performed their iconic routine flawlessly.
The stage lights illuminated the precision of the dancers.
The crowd cheered with enthusiasm and appreciation.
The event reinforced the power of community support.
Santisi left the theater inspired and hopeful.
Rockettes’ Rehearsal Regimen
Harding explained the Rockettes’ rigorous training schedule.
Rehearsals begin in late September for the Spectacular.
They dance six hours a day, six days a week.
The goal is perfect timing and synchronization.
“It’s truly repetition,” Harding said.
“Lots of efficiency in rehearsals.”
The dancers master over 200 high kicks.
They practice until each movement feels natural.
The discipline requires dedication and resilience.
This regimen inspired Santisi’s own perseverance.
Key Quotes from Rockettes
Harding highlighted Santisi’s resilience.
“She’s such a trooper, she’s so bright.”
“She’s so intelligent, and such a great young dancer.”
“So she picked it up so quickly.”
McRae noted the shared excitement.
“To know that they’re as excited as we once were.”
The Rockettes emphasized the joy of teaching.
“We’re just honored to be able to offer this experience.”
The dancers felt privileged to mentor her.
The lesson exemplified the Rockettes’ community spirit.
Family Perspective and Closing
The Santisi family celebrated the day’s achievements.
They felt the weight of Santisi’s recovery lift.
Dean Santisi praised the Rockettes’ patience.
He noted the emotional impact on his daughter.
Deanne expressed gratitude for the foundations.
She highlighted the joy brought to her child.
The family appreciated the chance to witness dance again.
They hoped Santisi would pursue a career.
Her passion for dance continues to grow.
The day at Radio City Music Hall will remain unforgettable.
