'World record': NYC dance teacher has 72 students become Rockettes

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Mary Donnelly was just a little girl when she decided she wanted to become a Radio City Rockette. 

"Rockettes has always been my dream — that’s why I started dancing when I was 3. I saw them on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," she said.

It's why she now trains with Rhonda Malkin, one of the only dance instructors who specializes in the unique technique the Rockettes are known for.

Malkin, a former Rockette herself, danced with the company for 12 seasons. During that time, she started coaching friends and other aspiring Rockettes. 

"I saw that there was a need for it, especially within the Rockettes, because the style is its own genre," Malkin said.

That was more than 20 years ago. And now? 

"I've had 72 dancers become Radio City Rockettes. I think it's a world record," Malkin said.

Malkin is no longer officially associated with Radio City. But this year alone, she says she's taught 33 members of the current Rockette roster in her class, aptly called Fusion Heels.

"It gets [dancers] used to dancing in heels, which is primarily what they’ll have to be dancing in," she said. 

Fusion Heels isn't just for Rockettes. Malkin has worked with NFL and NBA cheerleaders and Broadway performers, too. But the class is focused specifically on the precision style that the Rockettes make look so easy. 

"It's a fusion of jazz, drill team, dance team, cheer, fosse, Broadway and kickline, tap and ballet and contemporary. It's all mixed in together," she said. 

This year, Malkin said seven dancers from the class made it to the Rockettes. More than 800 dancers auditioned for a few openings. 

"I always say, it is actually easier to get into Harvard than it is to get into Rockettes because the Rockettes don't have to take an incoming freshmen class," she said. 

It’s not just the physical work. As dancers tap away in her classes, Rhonda taps into her years of experience, sharing the mental stamina needed to ace that all-important Rockette audition. 

"Smiling while you’re going through it — it is really rough, and she talks about that a lot," said Donnelly. 

"It's really bridging the gap between a school setting, and 'this is right, this is wrong,'" said Fusion Heels dancer Ashley Klinger.

"I like to tell very real stories things that happened to me in my formative years as a dancer which helped to inspire me," Malkin said.

Her lessons come from nearly a lifetime of dance education. She started teaching dance at a young age, to help her single mom pay the bills. 

"I consider myself a 'womentor.' Because I help young women from all over the world achieve their dreams of dancing professionally," Malkin said.

Then, of course, watching those dreams play out on the big stage. This season, Rhonda has more than two dozen reasons to stop by her old stomping grounds and see the Christmas Spectacular.

"I'm just so excited about watching my 33 dancers up on the great stage," she said. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Rhonda’s classes, you can find information about Fusion Exercise here.