Life and Work with the Rockyettes Dance Ensemble

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Farrell. They and their team shared their story with us below:

The Rockyettes was founded by Ann Kennedy in 1997 at the Apex Recreational Center. She offered tap and Broadway-style dance classes to adults in the Arvada community.

Today’s performance opportunities at local retirement centers show audiences that you are never too old to dance. Through the years, the group has grown and leadership has changed but commitment to the longstanding tradition of friendship and outreach remains the same.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The COVID pandemic created a turning point with the Rockyettes on two fronts.

Ann Kennedy wanted to be closer to family on the East Coast and the group was unable to continue their necessary in-person rehearsals. Zoom meetings allowed for the friendships to continue virtually but everyone was wondering if and when rehearsals and performances would resume.

When things started feeling more normal, the group decided to seek out a new leader, found in local dance instructor, Michelle Farrell. Rehearsals resumed and, little by little, performance opportunities became available again.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our group embraces the individual strengths of each dancer.

Our focus is not on performing perfectly but rather on sharing our love of tap and jazz dance with our audiences. Our choreography mostly reflects the styles of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Our attitude sparkles as much as our costumes.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
We seek out performance opportunities where the audiences will be enthusiastic and receptive to our style and ability—this is our comfort zone.

As we continue to grow, we look forward to pushing the boundaries of this comfort zone by performing with a professional dance company. We have plans to perform in March 2024 with Colorado’s premier tap company, Rocky Mountain Rhythm. Flash mobs have been considered and we are always looking for new ways to grow.

Expanding the ensemble always involves a challenge when bringing new members up to speed but the new energy and fresh perspective are vital in keeping the group growing and vibrant.

Pricing:

• $45/month

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therockyettes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arvadarockyettes5666