The Preemie And The Rockette

My day job allows for some pretty interesting stories. One of the more interesting ones happened this fall with a Rockette.

Two Rockettes were in town to help promote the Omaha debut of  “Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes” (opening Nov. 13!). Part of my job was to accompany the ladies to a few promotional events.

One evening, Rachel and Karilyn were to read stories at the Momaha story time at the Bellevue Public Library. I planned on bringing my two kids because, come on, it’s story time with the Rockettes. How cool is that?

Karilyn reads to children during a Momaha story time in September.

I invited my sister who lived nearby. I knew she’d bring my infant niece, Sophie, whom my kids adore (“Soapie!”).

OK, to set the scene. It’s a PJ story time, Rachel and Karilyn have read some entertaining stories, led the kids in some ridiculously cute dance moves and now they’re signing autographs.

They’re genuinely interested in talking with each kid who bravely comes forward, taking pictures, and signing pictures.

It’s a long wait, but I finally get my daughter to go up there (Farley wasn’t having any picture taking that night, but he did get an autograph).

Mooch was all about the Rockette pose with her hand on the hip.

I motioned my sister to come forward. She brings little Sophie with her. Rachel – who happens to be from Norfolk – asks how old Sophie is. My sister proudly says she’s 6 months old, but to explain why she’s so tiny, she adds Sophie was born 3 months premature.

And that’s when Rachel tells my sister she was born 3 months premature.

Rachel chats with my sister and little Sophie about her road from preemie to Rockette.

And the kicker (pun intended?): Rachel was born in Norfolk weighing only 1 lb 10 oz – she was then lifeflighted to University of Nebraska Medical Center … the same hospital as Sophie’s.

Rachel half-talks to Sophie, explaining that she had gotten into dance because her doctor told Rachel’s mom that it’d help her stretch everything and build up strength.

At this point, everyone within listening distance is in tears.

Because, look at this stunning, glamorous, athlete in the most well-known dance troupe in the world, the Rockettes. The Rockette that was a preemie.

Just imagine what Sophie will be someday, you’re thinking, right?

Anyway. It was a neat moment for my sis and I.

My sister will attend opening night with me. I’ll be working before I can settle back into my seat. I’ll probably go again with my kids and Mr. Wonderful.

How about you and your family?

Omaha Performing Arts presents “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” Nov. 13 and through Nov. 30 at the Orpheum Theater.

I don’t want to give away too many details about what’s planned for opening night, but if you’re in the area or you have tickets to the show, get there at about 6:30 p.m. for a memorable arrival.

If you go

“Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes”

When: Nov. 13-30

Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

Tickets: TicketOmaha.com

Disclosure: I am an employee of Omaha Performing Arts. This blog is a personal project and not connected to the nonprofit organization. All thoughts are my own. 

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