Rockettes, Squared

If you’ve ever seen the Rockettes perform, you know that the dancers, whose bodies move in perfect synchronicity, look remarkably similar. This year, two Rockettes (performing on different stages) are actually identical: twin sisters Kristin and Lisa Jantzie, who are part of the NYC and Providence Christmas Spectacular casts, respectively. As young dancers in Alberta, Canada, Lisa and Kristin trained together, and after graduating from high school, they both worked for Tokyo Disney. Then they parted ways, each sister pursuing her own individual goals. Kristin moved to L.A., where she auditioned for the Rockettes, which she joined in 2005; Lisa toured with Alberta Ballet and then danced on cruise

ships before joining the Rockettes this year. DS talked to the twins about sharing the Rockette experience.

Dance Spirit: Kristin, what advice did you give Lisa when she auditioned for the Rockettes?

Kristin Jantzie:
I knew that she had strong technique, but the Rockettes use a different style. It’s really about listening carefully and paying attention to the details of the choreography.

DS: Lisa, what was your reaction when you found out you’d be joining your sister as a Rockette?

Lisa Jantzie:
Actually, I think Kristin knew before I did because I was on a cruise ship. I was so excited and happy!

DS: What’s it like for you to be part of the Rockettes together?

KJ:
It’s brought us closer. The last couple years we’ve only been able to see each other a few times a year. She’s done a lot of traveling. Now, she’s in Providence and I’m able to take the train from NYC to visit her.

LJ:
It’s really nice that I can talk to my sister because this is my first season and it’s been quite a learning experience for me.

KJ:
When we’re hanging out, we can relate to each other’s experiences. Now we have a whole other language we can speak, this Rockette language.

Pictured top to bottom: Kristin Jantzie and Lisa Jantzie. Photos by MSG Entertainment.