Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan, twin sisters from Ridgewood, New Jersey, have turned their lifelong dream into reality.
After years of hard work and dedication, the 25-year-old Rutgers graduates are now part of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.
Their inspiring journey shows how passion, family support, and perseverance can lead to incredible success.
Let’s dig into the story of Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan.
- Dreams take time and effort. Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan worked hard for years, even after setbacks, to make their dream of becoming Rockettes come true.
- Family and community support matters. Their family and time at Rutgers gave them the help, skills, and confidence they needed to succeed.
- Hard work leads to big rewards. Their dedication, long hours of practice, and focus helped them achieve something amazing.
From Rutgers to the Rockettes
Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan, twin sisters from Ridgewood, New Jersey, have made an incredible leap from college life at Rutgers University to performing as Rockettes on one of the world’s most famous stages — Radio City Music Hall.
Their story is one of passion, determination, and family support, and it shows just how far hard work and teamwork can take you.
The twins graduated from Rutgers in 2020, both earning psychology degrees with business administration minors.
But their hearts have always belonged to dance.
They started dancing at the age of three and never stopped, training together and pushing each other to be better every day.
By high school, they had a dream: to one day perform as Rockettes.
And that dream first seemed possible when Rockettes visited their dance studio during their teenage years.
After the visit, their teacher told them they had what it takes to be Rockettes themselves.
Encouraged by their family and mentors, Caitlin and Courtney set their sights on achieving that goal, and they never looked back.
How Rutgers Helped Shape Their Dance Careers
College was a major stepping stone for Caitlin and Courtney.
They were part of the Scarlet Knight Dance Team at Rutgers, where they developed the precision, endurance, and team spirit that would help them in the future.
Performing at athletic events and competitions gave them experience in dancing at a high level and representing something bigger than themselves.
They credit their coaches and teammates at Rutgers for preparing them for the challenges of the professional dance world.
“Rutgers shaped us,” Caitlin has said, adding that the discipline and focus they learned during those years played a huge role in helping them reach their goals.
The four years they spent at Rutgers involved much more than dancing—since it was a place where they built strong friendships, grew as individuals, and made memories they’ll carry with them forever.
It was the perfect environment to grow their skills and confidence before taking on bigger challenges.
The Hard Road to Becoming Rockettes
Auditioning for the Rockettes is as tough as it sounds.
In April 2023, Caitlin and Courtney joined hundreds of hopeful dancers at Radio City Music Hall, all competing for just 14 open spots.
It was a grueling process that tested their stamina, precision, and ability to pick up choreography quickly.
The twins were determined to make it together.
And they never entertained the idea that one might make it and the other wouldn’t.
Instead, they stayed focused and positive throughout the audition process, supporting each other every step of the way.
When they both made the cut, it was a dream come true.
All the years of training, sacrifice, and hard work had paid off.
Being selected together made the moment even more special and marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.
What It’s Like to Be a Rockette
Becoming a Rockette means committing to a demanding schedule of rehearsals and performances.
Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan spent six weeks preparing for their debut, practicing six hours a day, six days a week, to prepare for the Christmas Spectacular.
This iconic show, now celebrating its 90th year, is a holiday tradition that attracts audiences from all over the world.
As Rockettes, the twins perform in separate casts, which allows them to support and cheer for each other during performances.
Seeing each other take the stage for the first time was, of course, an emotional and unforgettable moment for them both.
Being a Rockette is about much more than performing on stage.
It involves long hours of practice to perfect choreography, master high kicks, and handle quick costume changes backstage.
The role requires physical strength and stamina, sharp focus, and the ability to make each performance look seamless.
Caitlin and Courtney have fully embraced these challenges.
For them, being a Rockette is about creating memorable and magical moments for every audience.
Every show is a chance to inspire someone, especially young dancers who may watch and think, “I can do that too.”
Support from Family and the Rutgers Community
Through it all, Caitlin and Courtney have leaned on their family for support.
Their parents, siblings, and friends have been there every step of the way, attending multiple performances and cheering them on from the audience.
Seeing familiar faces in the crowd has been a constant source of motivation and joy for the twins.
Their journey has also been shaped by the resilience they developed along the way.
They first auditioned for the Rockettes in 2022 but didn’t make it.
Instead of giving up, they used the extra time to train harder and improve their skills.
They were ready when they auditioned again in 2023—and it paid off.
Rutgers, too, remains a big part of their story.
Caitlin and Courtney often talk about how their time on the Scarlet Knight Dance Team gave them the foundation they needed to succeed.
The lessons they learned there—about teamwork, discipline, and representing something larger than themselves—are things they carry with them every time they step on stage.
The Joy of Performing as Rockettes
For Caitlin and Courtney, being Rockettes is definitely a personal achievement, but it’s also a way to make a difference in others’ lives, and that means the world to them.
It’s a chance to inspire people and bring happiness to audiences from all walks of life.
When they perform in the Christmas Spectacular, which runs through January 5, it reminds them of why they fell in love with dancing: to create magical and meaningful moments through their art.
Each show is another opportunity to brighten someone’s day, whether it’s a young child experiencing the Rockettes for the first time or a family building a holiday tradition together.
That sense of purpose drives Caitlin and Courtney forward, even on the most exhausting and demanding days.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
When thinking about their journey, Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan’s path from Rutgers to the Rockettes is a story of hard work, teamwork, and following dreams.
With their determination, they’ve shown that working hard and having support can help make even the biggest goals possible.
As they continue their careers with the Rockettes, the twins stay closely connected to their roots.
They carry the lessons they’ve learned from their family, their time at Rutgers, and their many years of dancing.
Their story is a strong reminder that dreams can come true—and they prove that chasing those dreams is always worth it.
