As the situation stands now, according to this updated report from the New York Times, each individual Rockettes dancer will be allowed to decide whether or not to sign up to participate in the inaugural. This came after public outcry across social media networks including Facebook and Twitter, along with numerous petitions posted on Change.org.
It’s important to remember that this reflects a change in language, but not necessarily a change in circumstance. Many Rockettes will be coerced into “volunteering” for this show because they risk losing their job and being blacklisted if they don’t agree.
Ms. Lang, 35, said that for full-time and seasonal dancers, there is a fear of jeopardizing their future employment and of compromising their standing in the eyes of James L. Dolan, the executive chairman of the Madison Square Garden Company, and his executives, if they complain or try to bow out.
“One of the most annoying situations about that job is it’s corporate,” Ms. Lang said. “It’s not like a Broadway show where you feel like you have an artistic voice. You’re sort of owned by this corporation.”
So even if an appearance is considered voluntary, individual Rockettes may feel forced to perform if they are told that executives want them onstage in Washington.
[…]
Many of the women have feared standing up for themselves in the current controversy, she said. “Everybody’s in fear of losing their job.”
Emphasis mine.
As far as I can tell at this moment, their union has not released any additional updates suggesting they will fight to protect the employment of dancers who refuse. This is a complete failure on the part of their union, especially in light of the fact that the union itself previously said that dancers would have to perform.
This means that for many of these women whose livelihood is at stake, there is not actually a choice.
But there is an illusion of choice that keeps the company itself from looking responsible in the public eye.
It’s a PR move.
After public backlash, Rockettes will not be forced to perform at Donald Trump inauguration
Mooncustafer 