Former Rockette’s Viral Pregnancy Audition Showcases Extraordinary Determination

The internet has been captivated by an extraordinary display of talent and perseverance as former Rockette Alina Silver’s throwback video went viral, amassing a staggering 11.7 million views across TikTok and Instagram. The video shows Silver confidently auditioning for the iconic dance company while seven and a half months pregnant, a feat that has left viewers in awe. The 43-year-old mother of three, who dedicated 12 years of her life to the prestigious Rockettes, has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and admiration. “I really didn’t expect that to take off,” Silver told The Post, expressing surprise at how her routine resonated with so many. “It’s just women being like, ‘Wow, you go girl!’ And it’s been sweet to read the comments because as dancers, it’s just wired in us to be super determined, and I didn’t necessarily feel like that was brave, but now, to look back, I’m like, ‘Wow, I really did go for it.'”

The Nashville native, now residing on New York’s Upper West Side, shared the nearly decade-old clip following a particularly nostalgic evening at Radio City Music Hall in November 2023. Silver had attended the opening night of that year’s “Christmas Spectacular,” which celebrated the Rockettes’ 100th anniversary with over 500 former and current dancers in attendance. The emotional reunion with women she “grew up with” in the dance world prompted her to share this remarkable moment from her past. The video itself was a gift from the show’s director in 2016, who presciently told Silver, “I want you to show this to your daughter one day.” Little did either of them know that this personal memento would eventually captivate millions of strangers worldwide, who would marvel at Silver’s “superhuman” abilities and label her performance as the epitome of female empowerment.

Silver’s journey with the Rockettes began in 2005, and her pregnancy was strategically planned during the 2015 “Christmas Spectacular” run. “I knew that if I had the baby in August or July, that I could go back the next season,” she explained, demonstrating the careful consideration that went into balancing her professional passion with her desire to start a family. Since Rockettes must audition annually, Silver faced the daunting task of trying out while seven and a half months pregnant. She described the decision to attend the May audition as a “game day decision,” but recognized that showing up was essential if she wanted to be offered another contract. With her husband’s encouragement, Silver traveled to Radio City Music Hall, where she not only completed the audition but also secured her position once again, receiving enthusiastic support from her fellow Rockettes during her performance.

The audition itself was a uniquely calm experience for Silver, who attributes her composure to maternal instinct. “I have never felt more calm in an audition and I think it’s because I knew I had to be for my baby,” she reflected. This remarkable poise is evident in the video, where Silver executes the Rockettes’ signature high kicks with seemingly effortless grace despite her advanced pregnancy. Following the birth of her daughter Amanda on August 1, 2016, Silver returned to rehearsals just nine weeks later, though she candidly admits the transition was challenging. “On that first day, I was like, ‘Whoa, I wasn’t expecting this to be this hard.’ And I was pumping [milk] on every break,” she recalled with a laugh. That season would mark her final performances with the Rockettes, as she knew she wanted to expand her family further.

Since leaving the Rockettes, Silver has continued to build both her family and her professional life with the same determination that characterized her dancing career. She now has two additional children—Molly, 7, and Ving, 4—while her firstborn Amanda, now 9, has followed in her mother’s footsteps by joining the pre-professional Manhattan Youth Ballet. Silver has also founded Tribe by Alina, described as “a fitness community centered on empowering women” through workouts. Her viral moment has reached far beyond the dance community, catching the attention of Kylie Kelce (wife of NFL star Jason Kelce), who discussed the impressive video on her “Not Gonna Lie” podcast. Kelce marveled at the height of Silver’s kicks, her apparent ease despite being heavily pregnant, and humorously noted the boldness of wearing gray pants while performing such athletic movements.

The viral nature of Silver’s audition video speaks to something universal about the human capacity to overcome challenges. In a world often fixated on limitations, Silver’s performance stands as a powerful reminder of possibility and determination. Commenters have been quick to recognize this, with one noting: “I am zero weeks pregnant and trip over my own two feet walking. Major legend status for being able to do that pregnant AND in heels.” Silver herself has found humor in the unexpected aspects of her viral fame, particularly regarding Kelce’s observations about her wardrobe choice. “Honestly, I think that maybe those gray leggings went more viral than I did,” she joked. Yet beyond the lighthearted commentary lies a profound story of a woman who refused to let pregnancy define her limitations, instead embracing it as part of her journey as both a mother and an artist—a story that continues to inspire millions who have witnessed her remarkable performance.