Sisters unite on the Great Stage: two siblings realize a lifelong dream as they perform together--for the first time--in the annual "Christmas Spectacular" at Radio City Music Hall.

• Author: LaVergne, Alissa
• Position: Entertainment - Alissa and Amanda LaVergne - Interview

"THE MAGIC of the 'Radio City Christmas Spectacular' brings joy and happiness to generations of families each holiday season and we are extremely proud to present the most dynamic Christmas Spectacular yet," says Don Simpson, executive vice president of productions for Madison Square Garden Entertainment. "We are committed to providing audiences with a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience that begins the moment they arrive at Radio City so that fans of all ages look forward to continuing the tradition of returning with their families year after year." This year, a pair of talented and dedicated sisters, Alissa and Amanda LaVergne, have seen a lifelong dream come true, as they, for the first time, perform together on the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall. Their tale truly is an inspiring one.

Alissa LaVergne

I was in middle school when I decided I wanted to be a Rockette. We always had watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as a family and it became a ritual that my parents would wake us up right before the parade started and make coffee--then we would snuggle up as a family to watch. As a child, I only had seen the Rockettes in the parade, but every year I watched them in awe.

That morning, as we watched, my mom came in from the kitchen: "Lis, I can see you doing that. I can see you being a Rockette." In that moment, my secret passion to be a Rockette had been validated.

After two years of auditioning, my dream came true when I was cast as a Rockette in the 2009 Nashville production, and I couldn't have been more excited. That same year, my sister Amanda was cast in the Atlanta/Dallas production. While we weren't in the same cast, we were in the same city together for rehearsals and it was very comforting having my sister there while going through my first year. Rehearsals are pretty intense, so when I was having a rough day, it was nice to talk to my sister and experience the rehearsal process together.

That same year, our parents traveled to every city that we performed in to see the show. They are the most supportive parents anyone ever could ask for; they never missed a show. I believe they have seen the show at least 100 times over the course of our careers with the "Christmas Spectacular."

As a result, you can imagine their excitement when we told them that we would be performing at Radio City Music Hall together this year. Amanda and I always have wanted to perform together, and this Christmas will be our first. I can't think of a better Christmas present to give to our parents then for them to see us on stage together, living out the dreams that they helped make possible. Since I can't be home in Texas with my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew for the holidays, I'm thankful that I get to spend it with my sister and the 39 other Rockettes that I've come to consider sisters.

I feel so lucky to be able to share the stage with the other Rockettes. What's so wonderful about this show is that there not only is so much tradition, but that it also is evolving constantly to incorporate new technology that highlights just how dynamic the Rockettes are. The new number this year, "Snow," showcases the versatility we have as dancers while retaining the precision technique that we are known for. "Snow" features beautiful new costumes, choreography, and technology that really will surprise and delight the audience.

It's been...