The Rockettes' involvement with Donald Trump's swearing-in has been complicated at best. The troupe's inauguration performance was announced just before Christmas, which came as a surprise to the dancers, who learned of the news along with the rest of the world.
While their participation was, after some initial back-and-forth, fully voluntary, many Rockettes felt their brand's alignment with the divisive president-elect put them in a compromising position, and that they didn't have an outlet to express their dissent.
After one Rockette spoke out to MarieClaire.com about the turmoil behind the scenes, Madison Square Garden executive chairman James Dolan called a meeting with the dancers to discuss the performance and the controversy surrounding it, in which he messaged that they should tolerate intolerance and appreciate the opportunity for what it is. "This is a great national event," he said.
RELATED STORY
In an interesting twist, the Rockettes did not take the inauguration stage today as many expected. They also did not perform in the inauguration parade. Instead, they danced at the Liberty and Freedom Balls, the official inaugural balls taking place in the capitol tonight.
"The Rockettes were only ever scheduled at the Liberty and Freedom Ball," an MSG spokesperson said in a statement to MarieClaire.com.
Watch the Rockettes' performances here:
The Radio City Rockettes! pic.twitter.com/ww76KpJa98January 21, 2017
If you look closely the @Rockettes are kicking "HELP US" in Morse Code. #InauguralBall pic.twitter.com/fHUbOrdtrhJanuary 21, 2017
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
The "Frightening" Easter Prank William Played on Eugenie"Prince William has just stood on a chair and bitten the mouse's head off."
-
A Resurfaced Photo Reveals Charlotte's Royal Lookalike"The Spencer genes are so strong."
-
Why Prince Andrew Attended Royal Family's Easter ServiceIt was previously alleged King Charles's "patience was wearing thin" with his brother.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenFeatures It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun SafetyThe Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.How To Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to KnowThe case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
