Hundreds Audition For A Spot On Radio City Rockettes

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Hundreds of would-be Rockettes auditioned for a chance to join the famous dance troupe at Radio City Music Hall.

1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports: The Ultimate Dream

The Tuesday audition was open to all female dancers experienced in tap, jazz, ballet and modern dance.

Photo Galleries: Rockette Auditions

"It's my ultimate dream," a woman at the tryouts said.

For Jillian Egan, from Queens, being a Rockette would be an honor.

"It means New York to me," Egan said. "My parents would be most proud because it is a New York thing and it seems really appropriate for me."

The dancers who make the cut will be offered a spot in the high-kicking dance company that has been part of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular since 1933.

Director choreographer Linda Haberman said they are looking for strong dancers and performers.

"Being a Rockette requires the desire to be perfect and that is what we strive for everyday," Haberman said. "[It's] really hard work, not just physically but mentally."

The Rockette hopefuls lined up at Radio City, where they were taught a brief dance routine before being called on three at a time to strut their stuff.

One woman at the tryouts said she hasn't been training but figured she'd give it a shot since she's tall and a "good" contemporary dancer and tapper.

WCBS 880's Paul Murnane With Every Little Girl's Dream

This year's Christmas show will run Nov. 11 through Jan. 2

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)