NEW YORK, NY April 29, 2009 —It may be spring, but it might as well be Christmas at Radio City. The Rockettes kicked off auditions today for the 2009 Christmas Spectacular. Dancers from across the country came to test their mettle for a coveted spot in the legendary dance troupe known for their leg kicks in perfect unison.

Besides proficiency in jazz and tap dancing, Rockettes must be between 5'6 and 5'10, and over 18 years old. Joy Girard just turned 18 and flew in from California to tryout.

GIRARD: I wanted to be a Rockette since I was four years old and I saw them on TV in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Besides a life long dream of being a Rockette, many girls auditioning said they could use the extra money during the holidays and the technical training a Rockette receives.

At least 400 girls lined up today. Auditions will continue in Chicago and LA for just over 20 available spots.