High kicks
I’m still processing what happened Friday night.
I always wanted to be a Rockette and for one brief moment I had the chance. And I must say it was far more emotional than I thought it would be. It wasn’t just dancing with these women in front of 6,000 people, it was being in Radio City. It’s one of New York’s most beautiful landmark buildings and has played host to so many events over the years.
I started to tear up when I saw my name on the marquee before I even entered the building. All the emotions that go back some 40-something years came flooding back.
You have to remember that this was a fantasy of mine since I was a little kid, one that I never really believed would be fulfilled. And then I got scared that I would really mess it up. And I realized that this wasn’t just some lark--these Rockettes were giving me a chance to be a little piece of their history. And I took it very seriously.
Jack in the wardrobe department created a special outfit just for me. When I put it on and squinted I almost believed I was 25 again, and 5’ 6” (instead of 52, and 5’ 3”). And every single girl in that kick line made me believe that I deserved to be there. I know now how hard they work, day after day to create magic.
Even though I screwed up a step or two, I felt pride at having accomplished it. And I must say for an old lady my kicks are pretty good.
When my part of the show was over I changed, and went into the audience to watch the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular, and I realized--truth be told--that’s where I really belonged.
I only hope that someone else in that audience gets to see their dream come true, no matter what it is.
Thank you, Rockettes. (And don’t worry, I’m not giving up my To-Day job…)
Everyone should have a dream like yours and do whatever they can to try and make it come true. Good for you-you set a great example!
Meredith,
You looked right at home dancing with the Rockettes! How do you stay toned and in such fantastic shape? Would you share your eating and exercise strategies?
You were WONDERFUL as a Rockette! I was very impressed with that high kick, I would have probably fallen over backwards and taken all of them with me! Great job Meredith - but glad you aren't quitting your To-Day job!
What a hoot! Congratulations on being able to fulfill your lifelong dream. I have to ask: I've always thought your legs looked great, how do you feel they compared to those of the Rockettes?
You were great on Conan. I have not laughed so hard in ages. Looked like you were having fun. Hope to see you on Leno soon.
Meredith--you go girl!!!. I thought you did a GREAT job dancing with the Rockettes. I'm glad it was a dream come true for you, cause you deserve it! I thought you looked very cute in your costume. Wish I could have been there in person, but I'm miles away in Texas. I really enjoy your blog--I read it everyday.
you are the best! transformation is so life affirming and you morph daily! today's blog tells me you are turning into "that girl"....couldn't befall a nicer 'girl'. xo
Hi Meredith,
I said it once and I'll say it again: YOU ROCK!!
You definitely had a lot of guts to do something huge like being able to dance with the Rockettes! :) And I am so happy for you because it was a life-long dream finally fulfilled.
Your kicks looked great.....I know I couldn't do it! :)
Now for your next dream -- I hope TODAY will do a segment of you being a pediatric therapeutic clown for a day.
Thanks again for yet another cool morning!
Joe
Meredith,
I thought you were awesome!! I was thrilled to see the piece on the show this AM!! Way to go girl!!
Standing ovation! Meredith, not only are you a terrific dancer and a good sport, you ROCK(ette)!
You were wonderful, Meredith!!! Congrats on having your wish come true! You deserve it!
You go girl!I am very proud and happy
for you.I have a dream that i am working
on now and when it happens for me i will
share it with you.
Thanks Meredith for the pep talk!Hugs,Tudy
Wow nice job! In your busy schedule, do you find time for exercise?
It was great. That took guts. Meredith, what happened to the "getting to know you" segments? You went bbq with AL and did something with Ann. What happened to you and Matt doing something?
You go, Meredith! I know I'll never get to fly with the Blue Angels (too old and way, way too fat!), but I'll never give up daydreaming about it!
Hi Meredith, I would have been in my glory. Just being up there in front of all those people and strutting your stuff. What an Amazing high!!!!
Way to go!!!!
Deanna
Hi Meredith I saw you dance yesterday and I was most impress with the kicking
at your age.
I agree with you on fulliling a dream.
When I was young my dream was playing hockey in Quebec it's like a religion.
Unfortunately I lacked the the size to play 5.9 150lbs so I did the next best thing I became a hockey referee.
Yoy know what it was cool and on ice I was the boss!!! I decided to referee in baseball in summer I did it for many years and enjoyed it very much.
So there is always a way to fullil a dream just like you did.
What's your next dream or fantasy!!
Keep going we love you like that and the hell to those jealous who will critisize you.
Bye and have a good day Jc
I'm lovin' the pics and video of your cool stint as Rockette. That was some kick, Meredith! And you're such a joy to watch on the Today show. More power.
Congratulations on getting to live your dream!
You were fantasic! I was in the audience that night I my husband and I thought you were wonderful. I am a huge fan your's and it was such a treat to see you. Great job!
GREAT LEGS MERIDETH GREAT LEGS>>>>>BRAVO AGAIN FOR THE WOMAN WHO LOOOKS AWESOME IN PANTYHOSE AND HEELS
Meredith, you were AWESOME with the Rockettes. You are one brave soul!
you look great!
Loved the dance moves! You certainly had those kicks down too! So what's next? Dancing with the Stars?! ;-)
you're COOL! REALLY COOL
it was AMAZING -- I got goosebumps.
(and of course I felt like you were up there for ALL of us who always wanted that chance : )
bravissimo!
Anytime someone reminds us that dreams are worth chasing and fulfilling, I can't help but cheer. Inspiring, and hey, you did great--you should be incredibly proud of yourself.
I think you looked wonderful as a Rockette. Keep up the good work.
i had no idea the rockettes were such big women! you make them look like giants! haha. (that is meant as a compliment to you, by the way)
Hi There Merditha,
Congrat's to you On Taking a Seat Next to Matt Lauer. Well You Have Been There a Few Month's Now. You Like Great Like you was There for 20 Year's. Don't Be afaird if Matt & AL Because There Kid's Thereself's. Well I Watched you From Day 1 at The View 10 Year's ago, But Now you Have Gone to a Better Show. Because The View is a Mess Now. Well. I Saw you Part of The Show When you was Talking to Joy BeaerHeart. It was Like you was On The Couch Back at The View. Well I Hope The Today will Start to Feel Like Home to you Soon or If Sooner. Well Before I Go Have a Great Christmas Season on The Today Show. Well I Hope you Enjoy The Great Seat you Have. Matt Say's He Has Watched The View to See How you Do. It's amazing That When you was Still at The View Matt Lauer was The Only One Not There in Those 9 Year's you was There But Katie Curric was & So was Al Roker also. Well I Must Let you Get Your Rest Now. Oh You was a Great Dancer with The Ladies of The Santa Clous Dancer's.
Meredith,
This is what I teach (for free usually) to people od America again: your dream can come true...You are a real American hero in that respect... Bravo...From a Frenchman that dig what America is all about (like PBS community thinking and the go fo it attitude!)
WOW!!!!!What a great pair of legs and everything that goes with it.
What a great asset you are to The Today Show. I want to send an article to you about MS. I recently heard you say how MS was dear to your heart. I thought you would be interested in seeing this article. I'll put it in today's mail to your attention c/o: The Today Show.
Next...the can-can!
Awesome job, Meredith! And not just because you can tap dance, either! The smartest thing NBC ever did was get you on the Today show. You are truly a class act, and a sweet lady. I wish you all the best!
You were fabulous!!
FABULOUS TU TU LA RUE. YOU'VE DEFINETELY TAPPED DANCED YOUR WAY INTO THIS HEART...LOVE, PAUL
Woops!, that's "tapp danced" bye TU TU.
P.S. I think I've caught the CAPITAL LETTER BUG damn it!
Oh my God, I'm such a ("L") Ta"p" dance.
I always dreamed of becoming a rokcette too...thanks for the inspiration Meredith :)