Cheery kickoff

Amid chilly weather, eight Radio City Rockettes generated some Christmas cheer at the Samueli Theater on Tuesday evening, announcing their December engagement at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with their world-famous kick line.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular will bring 22 Rockettes, two camels, four sheep, a donkey and Santa and Mrs. Claus to Orange County for the first time since the world’s most famous precision dance troupe first performed at the Radio City Music Hall 75 years ago.

In her second year with the group, Huntington Beach native Amy Lenhardt is looking forward to dancing on her home turf, having trained since she was 5 years old to be a Rockette.

“I am so honored to have the opportunity to perform here in my hometown,” she said. “For me, it’s been a lifelong dream to dance with the Radio City Rockettes, and I really worked hard to be able to do what the Rockettes can do, especially that famous eye-high kick.”

-Jessie Brunner

Click here to see the Rockettes introduce themselves in Orange County.