Rockettes Kick Off The Holiday Season in Port Washington

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Many familiar faces were seen in the Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe on Wednesday, including a Rockette in full uniform who grew up not far from Port Washington.

Two of the famous Rockettes from the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” spent part of their day in Port Washington meeting their biggest fans.

The two Rockettes, Eleni Gavalos, a Manhasset native, and Jennifer Clavin, a Holtsville native, offered advice and gave the young dancers some insight on what it’s like to be a Rockette.

The two dancers said they change into eight different costumes during the course of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” performance. Clavin said the costume she was wearing is her favorite, while Gavalos’ favorite costume is the one she wears for the “March of the Wooden Soldiers.”

Delilah Albucker, 4, is a big fan of dance and gymnastics. “She loves to dance with Miss Trish at Dance Works,” her mom Britt said. Delilah has never seen “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” before, but she plans to go with her mom during December break.

Gavalos was excited to stop at the Dolphin Bookshop since it’s less than 10 minutes from her house in Manhasset. “It was great being so close to home,” Gavalos told Patch. “I had a couple family members stop by. Hopefully they come see the show.”

Gavalos and Clavin have been Rockettes for four and eight seasons, respectively. When they aren’t in rehearsal for six hours a day, six days a week, the women both work as fitness instructors and teach dance classes. “Dance, eat and sleep,” Clavin said with a laugh.

The two women made a trip to Port Washington to meet members of the community before beginning rehearsals Friday in preparation for the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.”

Even Police Commissioner Dave Franklin stopped by to pose with the Rockettes for a few pictures. (Pictured above.)

The Rockettes spent the day touring Long Island towns promoting the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” in partnership with Patch.

Performances of the 2015 Radio City Christmas Spectacular begin Nov. 13, and run through Jan. 3, at Radio City Music Hall.

To purchase tickets, visit radiocitychristmas.com or the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular’s” Facebook page for more information and to see pictures from other meet and greets.