As you’ve probably heard, the Trump camp has had a difficult time finding entertainers willing to perform at next month’s inauguration. But now it looks like the President-elect will get to glare and leer through a performance by The Rockettes, who have been slated to perform as they did for George W. Bush’s inauguration in 2001 and 2005.
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As Gothamist reports, some dancers have suggested boycotting the performance, but they’ve more-or-less been told to either participate or prepare to be fired.
Rockette Phoebe Pearl took to Instagram to say that she’s “embarrassed and disappointed” that she’s basically being forced to perform for Trump.
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“The women I work with are intelligent and are full of love and the decision of performing for a man that stands for everything we’re against is appalling,” she writes.
I am speaking for just myself but please know that after we found out this news, we have been performing with tears in our eyes and heavy hearts #notmypresident.”
The Rockettes are owned by MSG Entertainment, headed by James Dolan.
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As BroadwayWorld reports, the American Guild of Variety Artists have sent out an email to the Rockettes saying that a boycott will cost dancers their jobs:
We have received an email from a Rockette expressing concern about getting “involved in a dangerous political climate” but I must remind you that you are all employees, and as a company, Mr. Dolan obviously wants the Rockettes to be represented at our country’s Presidential inauguration, as they were in 2001 & 2005. Any talk of boycotting this event is invalid, I’m afraid.We have been made aware of what is going on Facebook and other social media, however, this does not change anything unless Radio City has a change of heart. The ranting of the public is just that, ranting. Everyone has a right to an opinion, but this does not change your employment status for those who are full time.
This has nothing to do with anyone’s political leanings (including AGVA’s), it has to do with your best performance for your employer, period. I will reiterate that if Hillary Clinton was the President-elect, nothing would be different, and there would probably be those who would not want to be involved because of her. It is a job, and all of you should consider it an honor, no matter who is being sworn in. The election is over and this country will not survive if it remains divided.
Everyone is entitled to her own political beliefs, but there is no room for this in the workplace.
If you are not full time, you do not have to sign up to do this work. If you are full time, you are obligated.
So far there’s been at least one effort to fight the powers that be:
This has been circulating around my FB from the entertainment ppl who are fancier than me and actually know #rockettes. pic.twitter.com/5CdQv0QduT
— Magan Carrigan (@MaganCarrigan) December 23, 2016
However dancers are also worried they’ll have a difficult time finding new jobs if they abruptly leave The Rockettes, so it’s increasingly looking like they may have to quite literally grin and bare it. And what could be more fitting than that?
We strongly suggest that they all wear masks:
amigay
Simple fix. Dance but look like you’re not enjoying it.
Will L
Their job requirements include moving and smiling in absolute unison. They WILL look like they are enjoying it. But I wouldn’t blame any of them. They have a job to do and they had no say in accepting this gig.
MacAdvisor
@Kieran: Kieran, growing up is being strong enough to put your ethics ahead of your job. Shutting up leads to “I was just following orders.” There simply isn’t a job worth your soul. Moreover, the Rockettes are unionized. As Madison Square Garden Company, the operators of Radio City Music Hall, has now stated, none of the Rockettes will be force to perform against their will.
Mkiel
Though I sympathise,I would not like to preform for the Dump,but they are dancers hired to perform where ever the company says,otherwise anti-gay poeple can claim the same exemption when it comes to provide services for gays.
Deepdow
@Mkiel:
Dancers are not businesses which make contracts to serve the public and sell their goods. Your analogy is illogical and ansurd.
@Kieran:
Not surprising that gay nazis find no issue with telling women, no commanding them, to perform while shutting up for a known misogynists.
Will L
@Mkiel: I had thoughts along those same lines. If they were working in a bakery, the Republicans would be behind them all the way if they didn’t want to bake a wedding cake. But refuse to dance for Hitler, er Trump, and you’re out of line.
paul dorian lord fredine
working in such close proximity as they do, if one gets really sick they just all might get really sick. just saying.
Neonegro
Why not tell us how many of the Rockettes have an issue with doing their job.
If Trump is so terrible, they should be correct enough and quit. Would they perform for Hitler or the KKK. So either put up or shut up.
Finally, Trump should do things differently and get rid of all entertainers at his inauguration. I really never understood the need to have court jesters at a political ceremony.
Neonegro
Here is the real story
“NEW YORK — The Radio City Rockettes will be dancing at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next month but not everyone is kicking up their heels at the booking.
One of the famed dancers took to Instagram to say she was “embarrassed and disappointed” by the gig, triggering calls for a boycott by some on social media. Critics have posted the phone numbers of the dancers’ union and the Rockette’s employer to urge complaints.
But Madison Square Garden Company, which employs the dancers, said Friday no dancers are being compelled to attend the event.
“For a Rockette to be considered for an event, they 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, for the coming inauguration, we had more Rockettes request to participate than we have slots available.”
Many on social media believed attendance was mandatory, including Julissa Sabino, a performer who is part of the union, who tweeted that the issue “breaks my heart” and urged supporters to “help these ladies.” Autumn Withers, a former Rockette, supported a boycott, saying “take a knee, ladies!”
The American Guild of Variety Artists, which represents the Rockettes, has not publicly responded.
The Rockettes, who have performed at Radio City Music Hall since the 1930s, have previously appeared in Super Bowl halftime shows, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades and George W. Bush’s inaugurations in 2001 and 2005.
The Rockettes who choose to attend will join The Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20. Earlier this month, Trump’s inaugural committee announced that “America’s Got Talent” star Jackie Evancho will be singing the national anthem at the ceremony.
monroerob69
I’m getting tired if the lies on this site. Who sensors you for “fake news?” In other words, BULLSHIT
BriBri
They do have options: slit their wrists. Problem solved.
Sluggo2007
Maybe they can give Trump a collective high kick in his ugly puss!
ShowMeGuy
Real news sources have already released official statement from MSG and no Rockette is being forced to perform. Each employee will decide for herself if she will work that gig.