The Radio City Rockettes Reveal Their Secret to Staying Warm During Freezing Performances Outside (Exclusive)

The Radio City Rockettes know how to bring the heat!

Synonymous with the holiday season that falls within some of the year’s coldest months in New York City, the decked-out dancers will stop at nothing to bring the holly-jolly spirit to every performance — even if that means stepping (ahem, kicking) out in freezing temperatures.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE ahead of the Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular’s opening night, three dancers — Britain Feeny, Alexis Payton and Jordan Betscher — shared the secret to staying warm when they aren’t performing inside the historic hall.

A total of 84 Rockettes take the stage at Radio City to perform 90-minute shows between November and January; however, there are several performances that take place in the city’s open air. Among them include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting.

Memorably, the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade marked one of the coldest parades in the event’s history, with the temperature reaching a low of 19°F that morning. While thousands of bundled spectators lined the streets, a cast of Rockettes assembled in their iconic dresses and tights.

“A few years ago, actually, we had the coldest Thanksgiving,” Betscher recalls of the holiday morning that felt like 10°F in hindsight. “We were performing outside, so it was definitely cold, but there was so much adrenaline as we’re performing.”

Betcher, who’s now in her eighth season as a Rockette, says she “didn’t even realize how cold it was outside” until she took a breath (and saw it) when the performance was over. “I was like, ‘Oh. Okay, it’s 10 degrees outside,'” she says with a laugh.

Feeny, who’s now in her third season in the cast, aligns with Betcher’s mentality when combatting the cold. “I think it’s the adrenaline. It rushes in your body,” she says of what gets her through, noting that she and the other Rockettes were held in a “holding space” inside until showtime.

“Then when we went out, I remember feeling cold for about five seconds and then it just went away,” Feeny recalls of her Thanksgiving Parade experience. “When I did it, it was not terribly cold.”

Still, the seasoned dancer knows how to prepare when the temperatures are freezing. “Sometimes we can double up on tights depending on how cold it is that season,” she reveals.

Betcher seconded that tip, though explained how the physical movement of their choreographed routines keeps them warm, too. “We might wear double tights, but we’re also keeping our body moving. We’re dancing, so that does help with the weather.”

Payton, meanwhile, will be making her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut this season after three years as a Radio City Rockette. She notes that performing at special shows outside of Radio City simply depends on the cast they’re assigned each year and their corresponding schedules.

Regardless of it being her first parade, she’s aware of what to expect. “I’ve heard from a lot of other women that it is going to be cold,” she says with a laugh, though she adds she’s “so excited” despite the potential cold temps.

She’s also experienced with the unpredictable elements of Mother Nature, having previously performed on the Today Show outside during the winter season. “When we do have those street rehearsals, we’re always bundled up,” she says.

Payton also mentioned the double-tights tactic, but reemphasized that they “aren’t standing outside too long before performances.” She adds, “So it’s not too bad by the time we hit the stage.”

Earmuffs, gloves, long sleeves and long pants are a few of the layers Payton lists of what keeps them comfortable before hitting the stage, in addition to the “adrenaline” that kicks in “when the cameras are on,” she says. “Once it’s time to go, we’re absolutely ready!”