NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Not everyone can say they have lived their dream, but Louise Neistat can.

The former Radio City Music Hall Rockette has been dancing for decades. She will turn 88 in July.

"(I've been dancing) since I was about 8 years old, which is quite a long time," she said.

Neistat is originally from Yonkers, N.Y., and her close proximity to Manhattan gave her and her mother a chance to take lessons in the city.

"I did ballet, tap, I was an acrobat. I used to do a lot of acrobatic stuff, splits, all kind of flips and everything," Neistat said.

That training landed her a spot on one of the most famous lines in the world.

"I became a Rockette when I was about 20," Neistat said.

A Rockette who ended up on the road with the United Service Organizations because our country was at war.

"The war had just started, World War II. This was 1941-42 and they wanted a lot of units to go out on the road," Neistat said.

After The War, New Mom Hangs Up Her Tap Shoes

Neistat later married and moved to New London with her husband to raise their family.

"I gave up my tap shoes, I gave up everything," she said. "I just wanted to be a wife and a mother."

Eighteen years later, she started tapping again -- only this time, she was giving the lessons.

"The first year I taught, I had two pupils. Then, I had eight pupils. Then, I had 10. Now, I have about 80 or 90 and it just built itself," Neistat said.

"My daughter, Kate, has been dancing since she was 3. So, she is here now for a decade, as many of these girls are, and Louise is absolutely an inspiration," said Jean Tuneski, a mother of one of Neistat's students.

Neistat's world of tap has literally shaped the lives of her students.

"I've been with her since I was 2 and I'll be 30 this year. So, that kind of gives you an idea how long I've been with her," said Allison Nocerino, a student. "I can't imagine my life without it."

"I was a shy little girl and she brought me out of my shell," said Alaura Smiakey, a student. "That was back in 1975 when I started with her. So, I was one of her original students, a long, long time ago."

Beyond Teaching: Tapping For Cancer

Neistat raises money for the American Cancer Society

"In '79, someone approached me from the American Cancer Society, and (asked), ... would I do a show for them, and I did, and they were so grateful," Neistat recalled. "So, for the last 30 years, I've been giving all the proceeds to cancer, which has amounted to maybe $90,000."

Neistat is a hero to her students as well. Three woman -- all named Barbara and all breast cancer survivors -- approached Neistat years ago for some help.

The women organize an annual breast cancer charity show and wanted to add a little pizzazz to their performance.

The ladies said Neistat taught them how to dance, at first, at no charge. But the women wanted to continue on as her students.

"She taught us a little soft shoe, a little moving your feet," said Barbara Paul, a student. "She has now taken us under her wing and taught us tap dancing."

"We all decided we wanted to stay on as students," said Barbara Defronzo, a student.

"What an inspiration, she's so giving of herself, she's so loving," said Barbara Chiangi, a student. "She hollers at us a little bit, but we love it. When we're up here, we get going."

When asked for her secret to success, Neistat said, "Being happy in what you're doing."

More Information

Neistat will be performing in her Annual Dance Extravaganza this June at the Garde Arts Center in New London.

325 State St.
New London, CT 06320

For Tickets, call: 860-444-7373

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