Radio City Rockettes Detail ‘Rigorous’ Rehearsal Schedule for Iconic Annual Christmas Spectacular Show (Exclusive)

Dancing in the Radio City Rockettes' iconic, annual series of Christmas Spectacular shows is a wish come true — but it also comes with undeniably hard work.

The daily performances run anywhere from one to five times a day from early November to early January. In the lead-up to opening night, the precision dance troupe rehearses six hours a day, six times per week, for six weeks straight. Second-year Rockette Kayla Hsu isn't afraid to admit how much effort goes into being a member of the famed ensemble around the holidays.

"I mean, as much as it is a dream, it still is a very rigorous process," Hsu, 22, tells PEOPLE. "A lot of people say we are athletes dripping in diamonds, which could not be more true. We're putting ourselves through a physically exhausting show, but at the same time, the reward is just so incredible."

Veteran Rockette Danielle Betscher, who has spent 13 seasons with the troupe, says they learn nine different numbers during those intensive six weeks of pre-show training. Some of the dances are brand new; others were debuted by the first-ever Rockettes over 90 years ago.

"[The dance] Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, that's been in the show since its inception in 1933. But then we have numbers that include more current ... choreography, if you will," says Betscher, 30, listing a routine titled “Dance of the Frost Fairies” as a more contemporary example.

She adds, "The rehearsal process is really getting us prepared to learn all of those numbers and then be able to perform them sometimes four times a day."

Betscher notes that she's come to appreciate how the Christmas Spectacular "combines innovation, technology and tradition," but she agrees with Hsu that the rigor is not to be underestimated. Nor is the time commitment.

"We're spending holidays together. They attended my wedding. I've attended their baby showers. You become so connected to these people," Betscher notes of the intense bond that forms during those long hours of rehearsal and performances.

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"These women have become lifelong friends," she continues. "You become so connected to these people. It's a lot of shows, but I mean, every day feels like a dream."

Hsu concurs, "You're performing for 6,000 people in New York City at Radio City Music Hall. It's something you can't imagine until you're actually doing. You can dream about it all you want, but once you're on that stage, it truly is like no other."