Twin Rockettes
Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan of Ridgewood: Is Radio City Music Hall big enough for both of them?
Ever wonder what it’s like to be an identical twin? Or to be a Rockette, dancing in the Christmas Spectacular on the famous stage of New York City’s Radio City Music Hall? Now, combine those wonderings and step—vicariously—into the four high-kickin’ shoes of Ridgewood’s Sullivan sisters. Curious itself, BERGEN caught up with them for a Q-and-A-and-A.
Did you always know you wanted to be a Rockette?
Courtney: I grew up dancing at Studio L Dance Co. in Waldwick. Two Rockettes came to the studio one day to teach us choreography from their number “Shine” and I was in complete awe. I couldn’t stop talking about it and dreaming that could be me one day. As an identical twin, I was drawn to the unison and synchronicity of the line. It resonated with Caitlin and me, since dancing in sync has always come to us naturally.
Caitlin: I’ve known I wanted to be a Rockette since I saw the Christmas Spectacular when I was 9 years old. My best friend and her mom took Courtney and me to see the show on Christmas Eve and we fell in love with the dancing instantly. My dance teachers from Studio L Dance Co. always encouraged me to work toward becoming a Rockette one day.
As a newbie, what surprised you most?
Caitlin: The fast pace of learning choreography, I think—as much as I prepared. The intricate details, unparalleled precision and coordinated formations are integral to what makes the Rockettes so magical and mesmerizing to watch.
Courtney: I’ve been blown away by the amazing care we’re given by our athletic training staff. Everyone on that team is committed to injury prevention and treatment.
As of a few weeks into rehearsals, any funny incidents or mishaps?
Caitlin: One morning as Courtney and I were walking to rehearsal, someone snuck up behind us and nearly knocked us to the ground in a huge bear hug. We turned around and realized it was our oldest sister, Chelsea. She is a teacher at the school across the street from where the Rockettes rehearse—we had no idea she was so close! Chelsea even brought us a big bag of homemade baked goods. She’s the best!
Courtney: In the middle of rehearsing one of our numbers my shoelaces came untied. I was already nervous to tackle this dance and couldn’t believe I had to kick with my laces flying in the air. Luckily, I made it through to the end and will never forget to double-knot again.
How are you two different?
Courtney: This is easy: tap! Tap comes naturally to Caitlin, and in preparation for the audition, she would spend time helping me to refine tough sequences.
Caitlin: One big difference is how we work through problems. Courtney likes to power through problem solving when we’re stuck and would stay in the studio all night to smooth out any kinks. I like to give breathing room and come back fresh the next morning.
When you fight, what do you fight about?
Courtney: Most of our arguments are truly about clothes. We’re the same size in everything, so we share a lot of our shoes and jackets. We think alike and end up wearing the same things all the time.
Caitlin: We bicker all the time and then laugh like it never happened a minute later.
What does your family think about your both being Rockettes?
Courtney: My entire family is beyond excited that we’re going to be in the Christmas Spectacular this year. They’re planning on coming to multiple shows, and I’m especially excited to see my 1-year-old niece and 2-year-old nephew in the audience.
Caitlin: Our family has been so supportive and excited for us! We’re the youngest of six kids, and we know that everyone is going to come to the show. Since Courtney and I are in separate casts, everyone will be coming at least twice so they can see us both perform.
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?
Caitlin: I made a nerve-racking decision heading into my senior year of college to decline an offer at a top tech company where I had interned. I had an amazing experience while working there, but I just wasn’t ready to stop dancing.
Courtney: Caitlin and I both turned down corporate job offers upon graduation because we couldn’t give up on our dream of becoming Rockettes. I would have accepted a position at an investment management and financial services firm if dance wasn’t in the picture.
What do you do when you’re not performing?
Caitlin: I spend as much time with my friends and family as possible. We have a family dinner in the city at least once a month. I also prioritize taking care of my body on my off days and staying healthy. I’ll make time to go to physical therapy, get a massage and do yoga.
Courtney: My parents and siblings all live close to New York City, so we try to see each other as much as we can. We love trying out different restaurants, and now we can’t wait to find a new favorite spot near Radio City.
Tell us a personal secret.
Courtney: I keep a journal and write down important moments in my dance career, my goals and my dreams. After the audition this year, I wrote down every moment of how I felt, and I did the same thing after I received the call that I got the job.
Caitlin: I spent the last year manifesting the day I would get the call offering me the role of a Rockette!
What’s it like living in Ridgewood? Any favorite places there?
Caitlin: Ridgewood is the quintessential New Jersey suburb, a cute town filled with restaurants and boutiques. I love that my parents still live in the same house I grew up in, and I’ll always call Ridgewood my home. My siblings and I recently threw our parents a 40th-anniversary surprise party at White Maple Cafe in town.
Courtney: It’s such a special town with a fun downtown area within walking distance of our high school. My sisters and I love Mr. Moo’s Ice Cream Café, and we’ll never pass up a trip to Best of Everything Deli. Ridgewood will always be home— it’s where I spent every Christmas morning and where all of my holiday traditions started.
Advice for young would-be high-kicking Rockettes?
Courtney: Keep kicking! There is nothing stopping you from making your dream a reality. Trust the process and let your passion for dance lead the way.
Caitlin: Keep training in the classic genres of dance: jazz, ballet and tap. Technique is the foundation of everything. We wouldn’t be here without the strong training we had at our home studio. Work hard and never give up on your dreams!
