Rockettes Parent Company Says Inauguration Participation Is 'Voluntary'
The parent company of the Rockettes said Friday that participation in President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, which had reportedly been protested by at least one dancer when it was announced Thursday, was “voluntary,” contradicting earlier reports.
The Madison Square Garden Company, of which the Rockettes are a part, told The Hollywood Reporter Friday morning that dancers “must voluntarily sign up and are never told they have to perform at a particular event, including the inaugural. It is always their choice."
“In fact,” the statement continued, “for the coming inauguration, we had more Rockettes request to participate than we have slots available. We eagerly await the inaugural celebrations."
That statement seems to contradict an email reported by BroadwayWorld, an industry publication, on Thursday. In it, an unnamed high-ranking administrative member of the union representing the Rockettes known as the American Guild of Variety Artists acknowledged reported protests by at least one member of the group, but said that dancers had to perform and were contractually required to do so.
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http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/rockettes-inauguration-performance-protest
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