http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/08/nyregion/metropolitan-diary-rehearsing-with-a-rockette.html 2016-09-09 02:10:16 Rehearsing With a Rockette Signing on to perform a choral piece at Lincoln Center, an amateur singer learns she is a second alto and when it comes to choreography, there is a ringer in the group. === Dear Diary: I walk into the Astoria rehearsal room and learn that I’m a second alto. At least, I think I am. Outside of karaoke, my music education ended in elementary school, but now I’ll be performing with 999 other singers in “ Today’s rehearsal will focus on the choreography. I Zumba regularly, so I should be able to do this. As the choreographer’s assistant describes each step and gesture, he says that when he raises a yellow flag, we will all turn to our left and march around the fountain. He goes on to explain that people close to the axis should take small steps, while those farther away should take larger ones so we move together. “Are there are any Rockettes in the room?” he asks (they would understand). He laughs, ready to move on. A woman in the back row in a T-shirt and shorts raises her hand. Really? “Well,” she says, “a former Rockette.” Visions of synchronized kicks and Santa costumes fill our heads on a hot summer night. This second alto will be moving to the music alongside a Rockette … I go with it.