She missed her Rockettes audition 80 years ago. She finally made it to Radio City.

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY
·3 min read

A Connecticut woman who was supposed to audition for the Radio City Rockettes over 80 years ago finally got her chance to attend tryouts last month.

Mary Silvestri, 92, said she was encouraged by her dance teacher to try out for the Rockettes as a teen, but she wasn't able to enter New York City alone, nor could anyone drive her there.

That changed when her family set up a visit for the her at the Radio City Music Hall. Accompanied by her son and nephew, Silvestri was able to learn the Rockettes' signature dance move and encourage the ladies who were auditioning.

"80 years ago, I was supposed to be here doing what you're doing," she told them. "Here I am today to see you ladies and hope you all make it."

Athena Petrizzo has been with the Radio City Rockettes for five years and was at the auditions Silvestri attended on April 20. She was inspired by her words as she pushed those currently trying out to keep moving forward.

The 92-year-old has a warm, welcoming aura and her enthusiasm to be at the Radio City Music Hall was unmistakable, Petrizzo said.

"I think everybody around her realized what a special moment we were creating and and how important it was in her own journey for her to be able to say that she finally made it to Radio City," Petrizzo told USA TODAY. "It was an absolute honor to just experience that alongside her."

92-year-old finally has audition with the Rockettes
92-year-old finally has audition with the Rockettes

More on Mary, the Radio City Rockettes and their legacy

The Rockettes first began dancing in 1925 when Russell Markert created the American chorus line. To qualify, dancers needed to be skilled in tap, modern, jazz and ballet. The line originally began with 16 women and has since morphed into a line of 36.

Auditions are completely open, Petrizzo said.

"Everybody is welcome to go and experience it and experience the history and the legacy," she said. "Just being in Radio City itself is an experience ... This year, there were over 800 women who auditioned, so being able to say that you were one of those women, that makes you part of this grand legacy of the Radio City Rockettes."

Silvestri's attendance was mainly about her being able to finally make it to Radio City after waiting so long, Petrizzo said.

She did a few kicks and also learned the iconic Rockettes bevel, a formal move where the dancers put their weight on one leg and bring their toes together, crossing their knees.

Petrizzo said seeing the 92-year-old's dream come true inspired her and it was great seeing her encourage women who were likely nervous and anxious about making the cut.

"For so many of us Radio City Rockettes, that's what this job is," Petrizzo said. "To us, it's a lifelong dream that we work towards ... that one day, hopefully, we're finally able to say that we made it to Radio City Music Hall. It was just really amazing and inspiring to watch her finally complete that in her journey."

Mary Silvestri, 92, a Connecticut woman who was supposed to audition for the Radio City Rockettes over 80 years ago. She couldn't attend and in April 2023, she was able to attend auditions.
Mary Silvestri, 92, a Connecticut woman who was supposed to audition for the Radio City Rockettes over 80 years ago. She couldn't attend and in April 2023, she was able to attend auditions.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 92-year-old attends Rockettes audition 80 years after missing her shot