She's Rockette-Ready: Point Park University School of Dance Student Joins the 2026 Christmas Spectacular Student Profile
Meet Kayla Atkinson '27
- Job Title & Employer
- Radio City Rockette, 2026 Christmas Spectacular
- Majors/Programs
- Dance (jazz), MBA
- Hometown
- Tampa, Fla.
- High School
- Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
- Hobbies & Interests
- Reading, exploring visual arts (especially painting and drawing) and finding ways to grow creatively and personally
"Point Park University prepared me for this role by pushing me to work hard, stay adaptable, accept corrections and approach every opportunity professionally. The training and high expectations have helped me build the discipline and confidence I need to take on this opportunity."
Why did you choose Point Park University’s School of Dance?
I chose Point Park's School of Dance because it's committed to its students, not only as dancers but as people. The faculty genuinely care about you as an individual and want to see you succeed both inside and outside of the studio.
I appreciate how Point Park creates an environment where you feel supported while still being challenged to grow as an artist. The faculty and staff hold their students to high standards while giving them the tools, guidance and space to develop their own artistry.
Point Park truly has something for everyone and I knew it was a place where I could grow both personally and professionally.
Which faculty member has impacted you most?
Crystal Frazier has had a significant impact on my journey as a dancer, both as a teacher and a mentor. Her guidance, support and dedication to her students were part of what initially drew me to Point Park. Seeing the kind of teacher and mentor she is helped me recognize the environment I wanted as I continued to grow as a dancer. Throughout my time at Point Park, her influence has continued to shape my training and development and I am grateful to have learned from someone who has played such an important role in my journey.
What led you to enroll in the fast-track B.F.A. + MBA program?
I chose to enroll in the B.F.A. + MBA with a concentration in sports, arts, entertainment and music business because I wanted to expand my knowledge beyond performing and better understand the management and business side of the industry. As a B.F.A. dance major with a concentration in jazz, I've experienced the industry from a performer's perspective, but I've become interested in what goes into managing productions, coordinating live events and making the business decisions that allow the entertainment industry to operate successfully. I wanted to find a way to combine my passion for performing with the skills needed to lead, manage and contribute to the industry behind the scenes.
What excites you the most about the fast-track program?
What excites me the most about this program is the opportunity to learn how the industry functions beyond the stage, including leadership, management, marketing and the operations involved in live entertainment. I think having both an artistic background and a business education has allowed me to bring unique perspectives to opportunities, whether that means working in production, artist management or live event management.
How did you land this amazing opportunity as a Rockette for the 2026 Christmas Spectacular?
I first learned about the Rockettes' style at the International Association of Blacks in Dance, where the Rockettes hosted a master class and audition. A few months later, I auditioned at Radio City Music Hall for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular.
Although I didn’t book the job that first year, I gained valuable insight and was introduced to the Rockettes' Dancer Development program, including Rockettes Conservatory and Rockettes Preparatory, which was created to expand access to the intensive dance training required to become a Rockette.
I took everything I learned from that experience and applied it to my training in preparation for the 2026 audition. After auditioning again and being invited back to the Dancer Development program, I got the phone call that I'd been booked. It was a full-circle moment and a true dream come true!
What have been some of your favorite moments during this experience, and how has your Point Park training prepared you for this moment?
One of my favorite parts of this journey has been seeing how much I have grown between my first audition and the moment I received the call. The process taught me the importance of perseverance, trusting myself and continuing to work toward my goals even when things do not happen on the first try. Point Park prepared me by pushing me to work hard, stay adaptable, accept corrections and approach every opportunity professionally. The training and high expectations have helped me build the discipline and confidence I need to take on this opportunity.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
My advice to future students is to give your all to every opportunity and embrace the moment you are in. College goes by quickly, so take advantage of everything available to you, be open to learning and trust the process. Not every opportunity will work out the way you expect, but every experience has something to teach you. Stay consistent, work hard and remember that growth takes time.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m grateful to Point Park, the School of Dance faculty and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. Being a Rockette has been a dream of mine since I was 13 years old and seeing that dream become a reality is something I will never take for granted. I hope my journey reminds you to keep believing in yourself, stay committed to your goals and trust that the work you put in will keep opening doors.