As I grew up, my mom shared stories and photographs of her childhood in the Bronx. Her parents had immigrated from Austria and Russia, each arriving at Ellis Island with nothing. They met, fell in love, married, and built a life together on Elsmere Place. 

Because money was tight, my grandfather could occasionally treat the family to an evening at the movies. There, my mom first saw Shirley Temple and dreamed of becoming a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. Since her parents couldn't afford dance lessons, she did her best to memorized Shirley’s steps and tap sounds from the silver screen to practice at home. As soon as she was old enough, she took a job in the Radio City box office just to scout when the Rockettes would audition. 

I can still hear my mom describing that audition. Before it even began, the dancers lined up on stage; anyone whose legs weren’t perfectly straight was excused. As you can see in the photograph, my mom had beautiful legs. Next, the choreographer demonstrated a routine, expecting them to repeat it exactly. Although my mom had never taken a formal lesson, her tenacity and talent made her dream come true. 

Whenever my mom heard music, she transformed. Her rhythm, timing, and charisma instantly ignited. Learning how she pursued her dream taught me that our family's story has never been defined by what we lacked, but by what we were willing to work for. The courage and determination my grandparents brought to America became the very qualities that made my mother a Rockette. Those are the values she passed on to me. 

 

– Lorelei Guttman

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant