New London's Rockette, Louise Neistat, dies at 92

November 21, 2011 11:00 pm • Last Updated: November 22, 2011 5:47 pm

By Kathleen Edgecomb

In this Sept. 9, 2008 Day file photo, Louise Neistat poses in her New London dance studio. The 89-year-old former Radio City Rockette celebrates teaching tap dance in the region for 40 years this fall.

New London — Louise Neistat, 92, a former New York City Rockette who opened her own dance studio in New London more than 60 years ago, died today at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

She was supposed to go to New York Sunday to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show and was planning a trip to Chicago for an appearance on the Rosie O'Donnell Show, according to her family.

"What a run she had,'' said her daughter, Margo Neistat, who helped her mother give dance lessons to thousands in the attic studio of the house they shared in New London.

"She went peacefully,'' she said. "She never wanted to be in a nursing home. She certainly went the way she wanted."

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Congregation Beth El in New London.

In this Sept. 29, 2008 Day file photo, Louise Neistat, 89, gets a pat on the back from her daughter Margo Neistat as the Rockettes break for lunch after Louise said a few words to them about her days as a Rockette. Neistat was invited to spend the afternoon watching the Rockettes while they rehearse for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Sonalysts Studios in Waterford.

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