Rock of Ages, the 80s Jukebox musical, is transferring form Off-Broadway to Broadway. A self-description:

ROCK OF AGES takes you on a musical trip with a story set to blazing hits from such iconic rockers as REO Speedwagon, STYX, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Whitesnake, Night Ranger, Quarterflash, Poison, Asia, Damn Yankees and MORE!

I don't know where dancers got the outfits they wore: pleather leopard-print bras with fuchsia lace ruffled skirts. And some amazing knee high fringed boots, which might have been tricky to dance in, and it was some serious dancing. Multiple lay-outs, turns, head-rolls, kicks - and not once, but twice we went down to our knees for on-the-floor gyrations. The combination went perfectly with the rocking music, 'Pour Some Sugar On Me.' We were basically video vixens, thrashing our hair and sexing it up (strangely it reminded me of dance competitions from my youth).

When be broke down into groups of four some dancers were asked to go twice. One woman, as she crashed down onto her knees, heard a pop. Her knee had popped out of the joint and was painful and swollen. Someone ran for ice, and she rested in the corner as the audition continued. No one was asked to stay and sing; we were told we'd be contacted if necessary.

The auditioners were friendly and took the time to really teach us the combo, but the multiple knee drops seemed excessive. The next day, my neck and back were very sore from the head-thrashing, but no permanent damage was done. As for the poor dancer with the injured knee, there is no workman's comp for auditions, nor will medical expenses be covered by Equity (the union running the audition). Dancers are constantly being asked to risk their bodies, and hence their livelihood, with no remuneration. Any competent dancer will be able to fall on their knees once asked. Perhaps choreographers could wait until we are being paid and protected before demanding excessive risk.