Mason Media Blog

DeMoya Watson can still remember her first season as a Radio City Rockette when the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Now in her seventh season, Watson, a graduate student in Mason’s arts management program, still loves every minute of it.

“I don’t think anyone can be a Rockette if they don’t love it. The best thing about it is the camaraderie and friendships that come with it. These girls have become my second family,” says Watson.

She is one of thousands of women who audition each year for a chance to become part of the legendary line and perform the famous ‘eye-high’ kicks.

Watson, a native of Daytona Beach, Fla., is performing in this season’s Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular in Fort Myers, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Austin, Texas. By the time the season is over, Watson will have performed in 97 shows – that’s almost 200 kicks per show!

“Everything about being a Rockette is rigorous. We begin rehearsals in October and are performing right up until the New Year,” says Watson. “With about eight numbers in each show and six hours of rehearsals each day, you have to be physically fit to keep up.”

Soon after her fourth season as a Rockette, Watson began conducting extensive research on various programs and decided that Mason’s arts management program was the best fit for her. After she graduates, Watson hopes to continue working in the dance field as an arts manager or educator.

Watson is also busy performing with other organizations in the Washington, D.C., area. She recently starred in “Sophisticated Ladies” at Arena Stage and has performed with Washington Reflections Dance Company, a contemporary ballet and modern dance ensemble.

More information about Watson can be found here.

Last year, Mason enrolled 700 student veterans and fewer than 5 percent of these students studied abroad. Many of these students can’t cover the cost of studying abroad because of the financial limitations of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

To help make studying abroad more accessible and affordable to student veterans, Mason’s Office of Military Services and Center for Global Education (CGE) have joined forces in the hope of securing a $50,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project.

To cast your vote to help Mason’s student veterans study abroad, visit the website. Voting continues through Dec. 31.

Each month, Pepsi is giving away millions of dollars to fund “refreshing” ideas submitted by individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations whose aim it is to change the world. Throughout the month of December, anyone can vote for their favorite “refreshing idea.” The idea that receives the most votes at the end of the month will be awarded the grant money.

More information can be found here.