YORK COUNTY — Madison Farris is preparing to graduate from high school after returning from New York City, where she auditioned for the Radio City Rockettes.
Farris began dancing at the age of two. She moved around as a child and ultimately found her way to York County to be her home. She continued dance training at The Academy of Dance and Gymnastics, where she still practices.
Feedback from judges and instructors at competitions often centered on Farris’ height, build and dance style as a match for the Rockettes.
“When I went to New York and saw the Rockettes perform in person, I fell in love and knew that I wanted to do exactly that when I got older,” Farris said.
Fast forward to 2026, and Farris headed to New York City to audition. She was placed amongst over 700 women auditioning for the same role she was. After learning the choreography in a short amount of time, Farris got the chance to show the routine to the judges.
“I was the youngest age that could audition, and I was in the room with people auditioning who were 20 and 30 years old. I just kept telling myself that I needed to go out there and show them what I had, and I did just that,” Farris said.
Although she didn’t earn a spot for the 2026 Radio City Rockette season, she’s still grateful for the experience.
“When I found out I didn’t make it, I wasn’t devastated. I was just really proud of myself because I knew how hard this job was to get. I was so excited to just be there and have the opportunity to be there with so many other talented girls,” Farris said.
She also intends to continue auditioning for the dance troupe until she makes it.
“I want to do it not just for myself but for all the people that have gotten me where I am today and the people who have people helped me train for this,” Farris said.
While dance will continue to be a part of her life, after graduating from York High School, Farris will head to Old Dominion University and major in dental hygiene.
However, becoming a Rockette is not off the table.
“Even if I just do it for a year or two, I just want to be able to experience being a Rockette and dancing in New York City.”