TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - New York’s Radio City Entertainment is offering a comprehensive summer training program in conjunction with The University of Alabama. The Rockette Summer Intensive will be held June 2-7, 2002. The program is the first of its kind and is designed to allow young dancers to connect with the professional dance world, as well as give students the opportunity to discover and develop their dance potential.

Radio City Rockettes will teach their world famous precision dance technique. This style includes Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater, Post Modern, Lyrical, Latin and the legendary Kick Line. The curriculum will focus on original choreography and formations from the Rockette repertoire -- plus specialty classes with UA faculty -- and will culminate in a performance opportunity.

“The University should be proud we were chosen,” says Edith Barnes, professor of theatre and dance and director of dance in the College of Arts and Sciences at UA. “This is the Rockettes first Summer Intensive anywhere, and we’re the first venue.”

The Rockette Summer Intensive is open to intermediate/advanced dancers ages 14 and up with at least 5 years of continuous training in ballet, tap and jazz. Classes and rehearsals will be offered every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with group education seminars in the evening. Classes will be offered at ability levels following an initial placement audition. Students should be able to execute clean double pirouettes, double and triple time steps and have the ability to perform multiple “jump kicks” at eye level.

“It’s not just about having talent, people have to be able to work with you,” says Cornelius Carter, a UA associate professor of dance who recently was named 2001-02 Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. “And that’s the greatest thing about having the Rockettes program here. That’s one of the things I applaud Edie for as a director and a visionary. The dance world is such a national and international field that the Rockettes being here is just incredible.”

The Rockettes have thrilled millions with their dance technique throughout their 75 years. The Rockettes have been a legendary force in entertainment, with a rich history of skill and dedication to their craft that have inspired young dancers nationwide.

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Ala., a west central Alabama city with a population of 80,000. Dance classes will be held in the dance studios and athletic facilities located on campus -- including Clark Hall dance studio, the Student Recreation Center aerobics wing and the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building.

To register, call Radio City Entertainment at 212/631-4354.