The Rockettes, a precision dance company whose dance style is a mix of modern dance and classic ballet that are most popular for their holiday performances, has said that they, by no means, are being forced to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January. “For a Rockette to be considered for an event, they must voluntarily sign up and are never told they have to perform at a particular event, including the inaugural. It is always their choice,” said Mikyl Cordova, their spokeswoman and manager.
The rumors of a possible forced performance came after dancer Phoebe Pearl posting a now-deleted post on Instagram that read, “Finding out that it has been decided for us that Rockettes will be performing at the Presidential inauguration makes me feel embarrassed and disappointed. The women I work with are intelligent and are full of love and the decision of performing for a man that stands for everything we’re against is appalling. I am speaking for just myself but please know that after we found out this news, we have been performing with tears in our eyes and heavy hearts. We will not be forced! #notmypresident.”
Recently, it was reported that Céline Dion turned down the opportunity. However, so far there are 3 confirmed performances for Trump’s inauguration. Jackie Evancho, a singer who lost season 5 of America’s Got Talent, an almost all white, conservative and male choir named the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Rockettes. Donald Trump, in an almost sad matter, tweeted angrily about the event saying, “The so-called ‘A’ list celebrities are all wanting tixs to the inauguration, but look what they did for Hillary, NOTHING. I want the PEOPLE!”
