Owensboro Dance Teacher Celebrates 100 Years Of Rockettes

An Owensboro dance teacher is leaving for the Big Apple for an even bigger reunion. Ashley Ayer Martin is heading back to her former stomping (or, should I say 'high kicking') grounds for a Rockette milestone celebration.

THE ROCKETTES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

The world famous New York City Rockettes are celebrating their 100th Anniversary this weekend with a huge gala at Hotel Edison and Ashley's excited about returning to NYC, where her childhood dreams came true. As the song goes, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere." Ashley certainly made it.

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She auditioned for the Rockettes in Chicago way back in 1999 and did something very few dancers do. She made it on her first try. Then, she whisked off to New York City and got the chance to perform with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. She spent eleven incredible years dancing in the cast.

I first interviewed Ashley about her experience as a Rockette back in 2020, when the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular was cancelled because of COVID-19.

Now, the Rockettes are back in full force and formation. This weekend, over 300 former dancers are reuniting for an action-packed weekend. Ashley is thrilled to be among them.

OWENSBORO TEACHER REUNITES WITH ROCKETTES

Ashley says, "I am leaving Friday out of Nashville. The gala is that night from 6pm to 11! There's a Rockette brunch Saturday morning, then we have a Rockette teaching a BeMoved workout class." Then, fittingly, the former Rockettes are going to see the current cast of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular!

Ashley, who currently teaches dance at Owensboro Middle School, Owensboro High School, and Owensboro Dance Theatre, says she's so excited to be back 'in her second home.' After reuniting with the Rockettes, she plans to see a Broadway show or two, enjoy the New York City Christmas lights, and walk around some of her old favorite neighborhoods. See, when you make it in New York City, it stays with you even after you've gone. For Ashley, it's a 'kick' to get to go back.