51 - Traci Reszetylo: Leading the Line as Rockette Dance Captain

Episode Summary: Menina Fortunato interviews Traci Reszetylo, a 22-year veteran of the Radio City Rockettes, to discuss her incredible career and journey in the dance world. Traci reflects on her early dance training in Pittsburgh, her move to New York, and her audition experiences for the Rockettes, eventually landing the role on her second attempt. She shares the challenges and rewards of performing with the Rockettes, including her experiences on tour, in prestigious events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and her role as dance captain. Traci also talks about her passion for teaching, which led her to create Exactitude Dance during the pandemic. She explains how the studio evolved from online classes to an in-person space in Brooklyn, where she combines precision dance with other genres and offers career development workshops. Traci offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of consistency, humility, and building relationships in the industry. She shares audition tips, time management strategies, and insights on how dancers can create a sustainable career in dance. This episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice for dancers at all stages of their careers. Show Notes: (00:00) - Introduction to Traci Reszetylo (02:15) - Early dance training in Pittsburgh and competing (05:30) - Auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes and getting the job (10:00) - Performing with the Rockettes: Tours, TV shows, and events (15:30) - Becoming a Dance Captain and the team-oriented culture of the Rockettes (20:00) - Starting Exactitude Dance during the pandemic and growing the business (25:30) - The evolution of Exactitude Dance and its workshops (30:45) - Balancing a dance career with family life and other pursuits (35:00) - Advice on auditioning: staying in the moment and managing nerves (40:00) - The importance of consistency and humility in dance (45:30) - Final thoughts on building a successful dance career and long-term sustainability Biography: Traci, the founder of Exactitude Dance & dancer for Radio City Rockettes, attended Point Park University focusing on jazz and musical theater. While attending Point Park, Traci performed in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Richard Rodgers Awards, and also performed as a dancer/ singer for Royal Caribbean. She was then cast in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s production of Chicago, performing the role of “Liz” at the Byham Theater. Traci moved to NY and was chosen to be a Radio City Rockette in 2002. Her first four years as a Rockette, she performed on tour in several cities, and in 2006, started performing at Radio City Music Hall. She has been performing there to the present date. Traci was selected as the Assistant Dance Captain in 2009. In 2010 was cast as a swing, and in 2014 Dance Captain/ Assistant Choreographer for 5 years. Traci has performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Today Show, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, Dancing With the Stars, America’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Tony Awards, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Ellen, and the Wendy Williams Show. Traci participated in Oprah’s celebration for the 10th anniversary of her O Magazine, and also traveled to Vienna, Austria, where she performed in Diane Von Furstenberg’s fashion show at the Life Ball. Traci has led & assisted auditions, taught for Rockettes Summer Intensive and assisted in teaching and staging the Christmas Spectacular. Her passion is teaching and working with her students. She cannot wait to share her knowledge of precision dance and create exactitude in you! Connect on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/tracirez https://www.facebook.com/traci.reszetylo.167