They're as identifiably New York as the Yankees, hot dog vendors and Woody Allen movies -- and they can kick a whole lot higher. They're the legendary Rockettes, and if you're a qualified dancer, you could become one of them.

In recent years, the Rockettes have entertained not only at midtown Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall, but regional companies can be seen in five other cities: Los Angeles (CA), Chicago (IL), Detroit (MI), Myrtle Beach (FL) and Branson (MO), as well as at a year-`round Radio City Spectacular at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hilton. All these companies mean more openings for potential Rockettes.

Female dancers (age 18+; 5'5 1/2" - 5'9" only) who can learn tap, ballet and jazz combinations can attend an open casting call Sept. 17, 10 AM, at Radio City Music Hall's Stage Door Entrance, 44 West 51st St. Callbacks will be held the next day.

This year's New York production, to be directed by Robert Longbottom, will run from early November through December. For more information about the auditions call (212) 632-3630.

The Rockettes were founded in 1925, and have served as the reigning attraction of Radio City Music Hall since its opening day, Dec. 27, 1932. Despite the recent sale of Radio City Entertainment to Madison Square Garden (which was then bought by Cablevision), the Rockettes are expected to tap for many years to come. In fact, Radio City's press office notes that last season, more than 1.7 million patrons in five cities saw a Rockettes performance. -- By David Lefkowitz