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The UK's top dance team the Rockettes entertained spectators at Murrayfield Stadium on the 14th September and supported football giants 'Heart of Midlothian' in their European Cup match against Sparta Prague.
The Rockettes joined forces with the east coast team to provide pre-match entertainment at this crucial Euro clash and got fans hyped up despite the miserable weather and traitorous conditions.
"We were delighted to be supporting Hearts in their Euro Campaign and we hope that the fans enjoyed the show. The dancers had been training hard in preparation for this match, and it's just a shame we weren't able to lift Hearts to a well deserved victory!" Carole Anne Deeney, Dance Team Manager
So are you wondering what it was like to dance at that match? Well to give you a behind-the-scenes account of the event is vice-captain Katrina McMahon:
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There was a buzz of excitement in the weeks building up to the Hearts vs. Sparta Prague match. We had been in the gym doing our usual training sessions plus some!! On one occasion we ended up in the car park area of the Glasgow Fort where we train with our fitness sponsor JJB. The dance studio is fantastic but as the pitch at Murrayfield is massive and we'd have to fill it, the car park seemed like a pretty obvious option. The many shoppers who stopped to watch were certainly entertained and they all started applauding and tooting their horns. Final rehearsal over and everything was looking perfect. Now we'd just need sunshine for our perfect debut at Murrayfield. Couldn't wait!
Arriving at Murrayfield on Thursday evening and we were greeted by torrential rain!!!! Great! Still we left our bags in the changing room and embarked onto the pitch for a rehearsal. "It wouldn't last long" we told ourselves. Aye right!! As the rain poured down on us we ran through our routines… while trying to avoid the splashes sent up by our trainers and shaking the running water off our hair. It was at this point I grabbed a polythene bag. I had tied my cardigan around my head to protect my hair but as the rain got heavier I secured the bag on top. It was kinda like a 'rain mate' – very ingenious of me I thought! Still the rain came down hard and fast and by the time we had finished our 30 minute rehearsal we were all totally washed out… ha ha… honestly it was hilarious! Everyone looked as though we had been sprayed with a water hose – mascara was running down our eyes, hair clamped onto our heads and fake tan running off our bodies.
As we splodged our way off the pitch the Sparta Prague guys clapped their hands! My trainers were so heavy with water I could barely run.
Back in the changing room and we were all fighting over Lisa's hairdryer. Wet trainers, trousers and socks where lying everywhere. I couldn't quite believe we were going back out to do that all again, only this time with crop tops and hot pants on!! argghhh!! We stood in the foyer area waiting on our introduction. The stadium was lit up so brightly I could see right up to the highest level, every seat was full! The persistent rain was illuminated in the light as it fell fast to the pitch… it actually looked amazing!! The noise was defeating and we had to shout at each other to be heard. As our introduction was boomed out around the stadium, we squealed before running out into the downpour and the stadium erupted even louder!!
The first and second routines were to the north-facing stand. I have never smiled so much ever! The audience was fantastic… clapping and cheering continually. First two dances over and we were about to brave the swamp field (otherwise known as the pitch!). As we all ran onto the grass I could hear gasps and squeals of laughter as the water splashed up our tights and into our boots. Once in our position, the music was played and we were off. The grass felt slightly slippery under my boots and all I could think about was 'please don't let me fall'.
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It sounds crazy but even though I was soaked it felt amazing, the crowd were still going mad and as I glanced round to check the positions the other girls looked amazing! Half way through the routine and we had to run to do a stunt… Carole Anne was going up. Well, we hoped she was anyway! As we dropped our poms to take hold I saw Michelle's soaking wet face, her fringe looked ironed onto her forehead, and I almost collapsed in a fit of laughing. BUT being the professionals that we are… the stunt went up full height! Hey we got a little bit of shelter for 5 seconds as Carole Anne took the rain and then it was down and we ran into our final position. As the music cut we hit our last pose and it was all over.
The football supporters cheered and whistled, and a great big bunch of guys had their tops off and were circling them around their heads… nice! We all agreed that we've never heard a louder audience!
A tunnel for the players was next. We provided 'roll-offs' as the players ran out onto the pitch. On the pitch were explosions of pyrotechnics and flame throwers… it looked fantastic. The heat from the flames was intense – we'd have been bone-dry if we'd stood any closer.
It was all over, we were completely be-draggled… It was the funniest sight I've ever seen in the Rockettes! Back in the changing room all the girls were full of big smiles. Everyone really enjoyed their day. It was Lynne, Deone and Carol's first experience of a football match and they just loved it.
Our last stop before heading back to Glasgow was the Talk 107 radio station. Our wee pal Gordon was least expecting us… Lynn his producer was clapping her hands with glee as we all charged into the studio to chat about the game. After a 20 minute chat we said our farewells and promised we'd be back soon. What a great station that is.!!
We had a ball at the Hearts game even with the bad weather. Hopefully we will be back there soon and bring the team some better luck this time. Big thanks to the entire team at Hearts FC who made us feel so welcome. Hope the next time we see you it will be better weather.
Kat x
     
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