The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1541034
the bus and walked into the lobby of Macy's." While Patty reiterated the magic and "fun" of being a Rockette, she was also clear about the hard work that went into it. "We worked seven days a week, 365 days a year," she stated. When Patty le the Rockettes aer more than a decade, her work ethic and dedication to the art of dancing found a new home at Summer Kicks, the fitness studio in East Hampton that she opened and ran for 32 years. "We had wonderful times in that studio," Patty reminisced. "And it all had to do with life as a Rockette." Both Patty Grantham and Heather Langham, a Rockette from 2009-2021, grew emotional while discussing their time with the Rockettes, clear evidence of the deep love and lasting connection the Rockettes share. For Heather Langham, being a Rockette meant that "as long as my legs could keep going, I was gonna do it." Heather, who started her career in dance as a two-and-a-half-year old, grew up in Phoenix, AZ, continuing to dance throughout her adolescence and college career. Aer becoming a Rockette in 2009, Heather joined a sisterhood, one that she lovingly recalled. "I miss my sisterhood, that's the one thing[...]you come into this job and really become part of a family. I'm meeting Rockettes that were Rockettes in the 60's and 70's with the 100th anniversary," she shared. And like her fellow Rockette, Patty, Heather shared how it felt to be in the spotlight. "I miss the performing," she admitted. "Going to the Christmas show now, some of my friends are still doing it, and watching them brings back the old nostalgic feeling of what it felt like to be on the stage and looking out at the audience." She also shared in Patty's enthusiasm of performing at the anksgiving Day Parade. "I was in 11 Macy's Parades; the rush you get from going out and performing with the cameras in your face, being in 10-60 degree weather, feel that rush of adrenaline, perform your number, reap the benefits…it's something I truly miss." While Patty and Heather joyfully reminisced about the fun and glamour of the Rockette lifestyle, Heather also attested to the amount of dedication that every dancer puts in. "One insight for me is it looks beautiful, they're up on stage, dripping in these Swarovski crystals, but there's a lot of love, sweat, heart, and tears that go into this job," said Heather. She also affirmed Patty's claim about the amount of practice hours. "It's a full-time job," Heather stated, "but working over VUE ON | LIFESTYLE 42 VUEHAMPTONS.COM

