Patriettes train with Rockettes in NYC

Bob Jones Patriette dancers worked with Rockette and Madison native Danni Heverin (front, third from left) in New York City. CONTRIBUTED
Bob Jones Patriette dancers worked with Rockette and Madison native Danni Heverin (front, third from left) in New York City. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – The Patriettes Dance Team from Bob Jones High School studied with the Radio City Rockettes in New York City during winter break.
Patriettes members also toured city sites and attended the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the world-famous Rockettes known for precision dance and kicklines.
In summer 2016, the Patriettes worked with Madison native and Rockette Danni Heverin on choreography for the band’s halftime show. An alumnae of Bob Jones and The Dance Company, Heverin told Patriettes coach Katie Robertson and assistant coach Hannah Williams about the “Rockettes’ Experience” class.
Patriettes attending the optional trip were juniors Anna O’Donell, Bailey Burpee, Ally Miller and Claudia Waddell; sophomores Nolen Gunner and Sarah Waldrop; and freshmen Erin Neal and Kaitlyn Linehan.
Other Patriette members are seniors Abbey Harris, Shelby Hogan, Emma Pointer and Nadia Stewart; juniors Amaya Alexander, Caitlin Hollingsworth and Shanna Caldwell; and sophomore Caroline Smelser. Coach Robertson teaches sixth-graders at Rainbow Elementary School.
In NYC, “the girls worked on a jazz number from a former Christmas Spectacular and tapped from the current show,” Robertson said. “The Rockettes spoke about precision and performance as one large unit.”
“Students learned about dance technique to implement in their dances — not only on dance team but at their individual studios as well,” Robertson said. “We saw how precise dance moves affect the show’s overall effect and how moving as one unit influences the team’s overall visual effect.”
The Rockettes advised the Patriettes to avoid making the same mistake twice by remembering corrections that a director or coach gives them.
The Bob Jones dancers also ‘auditioned’ in small groups with jazz, tap and kick routines. They received scores from 1-3 on their performance.
Patriette Bailey Burpee said she “loves the energy of the city during the holidays and learning the choreography from the Rockettes at Radio City. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
“It was an amazing experience getting to dance and learn from some of the best dancers in the world while being completely immersed in the diversity and excitement of the city,” Patriette Claudia Waddell said.
The Madison dancers traveled from Dec. 26-29. With chaperone groups, they explored Midtown, Times Square, Rockettes shows, Metropolitan Museum of Art and other tours.
Their tours varied from seeing “Chicago” and “Matilda” on Broadway; Empire State Building; The MET; Tiffany’s Jewelers; Ellen’s StarDust Diner; Bill’s Bar and Burger at Radio City; and window shopping on 5th Avenue.

Bob Jones High School

Local Talent Shines In Alabama Baseball Victory At Toyota Field

Bob Jones High School

Bartlett selected as Executive Director of US Chess Federation

Madison

Mill Creek students shine in Elementary Science Olympiad

Madison

Facility dog Daryl comforts, ‘listens’ to children at Midtown elementary

Madison

Batt-Rawden named ‘Alabama School Psychologist of the Year’

Madison

Madison city councilman Teddy Powell loses to Marilyn Lands in special election for HD10

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones’ population fondly remembers Angela Mooney

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – March 27, 2024

Events

AUSA showcasing the U.S. Army’s technological advances in Huntsville

Madison

Voters in HD10 to decide who fills unexpired term today

Madison

Jackie Smith’s legacy thrives through her students at Mill Creek

Harvest

AUSA sponsors ‘Operation Deploy Your Dress’ for women’s gowns

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones ‘fetches’ ‘Mean Girls – High School Version’ for Spring Musical

Events

Arts Huntsville announces Panoply Arts Festival 2024 highlights  

Huntsville

Women in Tech – Huntsville event to view business future, open scholarships

James Clemens High School

Students in grades K-11 earn City Chess Champ titles

Madison

MVP Community Impact Grant helps library’s Music Garden

Harvest

Enjoy a day of celebration at TARCOG’s Senior Fun Fest

Madison

Kim Dykes named state’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication Professional

Bob Jones High School

All-Girls National Chess Championships set for Chicago

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Mustang Mud Run Set For April 13- Register Now

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Madison Miracle League Facility Hopes To Be “Shining” Location

Bob Jones High School

Madison Visionary Awards: Madison residents and business leaders named finalists for volunteerism awards

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – March 13, 2024

x