PLANTATION, Fla. — For Natalie Butt, few moments feel more surreal than joining the world-famous Rockettes in their signature eye-high kickline during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — or stepping onto the stage at Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular.

At 23, the Plantation native is already in her fourth season with the legendary precision dance company. But the journey from South Florida to New York City, she says, has been defined by hard work and relentless practice.

“There’s definitely no word to describe that feeling,” Butt said of performing live for millions. “It’s a big sigh of relief… excitement… nerves for sure.”

Rehearsals for the Rockettes are famously grueling. Butt says the dancers spend about six hours a day, six days a week, for roughly five weeks preparing for the Christmas Spectacular season.

This year’s production is especially meaningful: the Rockettes are celebrating their 100th anniversary. And while the show evolves each season, classics such as the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and the precision kickline remain untouched — a throughline connecting the modern company to its storied past.

Butt says embracing that history helps her stay grounded. She often thinks back to her childhood in Miami, watching the Rockettes on television each Thanksgiving and dreaming of joining them one day.

“That really often grounds me and gives me my why — my reason for why I love to do this,” she said.

Her own path began early. Raised with five older sisters — none of whom danced — she was placed in a ballet class at age 3. That small decision ultimately shaped her life. Now, every pointed toe, every jazz hand, every rehearsal reminds her of where she started.

“I’m really happy they decided to put me in that class,” she said.

Butt says she carries her South Florida roots with her onstage, along with a deep gratitude for the people who supported her rise.

“Getting to call my mom and dad and family and all my friends who have been a part of this journey… it’s really special,” she said. “It’s a whole village that brought me from Florida to NYC.”

For Butt, performing for children who attend the Christmas Spectacular — many seeing the Rockettes for the first time — is a full-circle experience.

“Seeing all the kids in the audience every show who are so happy to be there… it’s really special,” she said. “It’s a full-circle moment every time I’m on stage.”

The Christmas Spectacular is a 90-minute production with no intermission, featuring 16 musical numbers that combine dance, vocals and storytelling. More than a million people are expected to attend this holiday season.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.