The Rockettes

The Rockettes are a world-famous dance troupe known for their high-kicking precision and stunning stage performances. Based in New York City, the Rockettes have been a holiday tradition at Radio City Music Hall since the 1930s, performing their iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular show each year.

Buy your Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets here

Contents

The NYC Rockettes

The New York Rockettes got their start in St. Louis, Missouri, where a local dance teacher named Russell Markert was asked to create a chorus line for the St. Louis Municipal Opera. Markert recruited a group of tall, talented dancers, and the Missouri Rockets were born. In 1925, the group was invited to perform at the New York World’s Fair, and Markert changed their name to the “Rockettes” to reflect their new home city.

Made up of talented dancers from all over the country, the Radio City Rockettes are known for their signature style and rigorous training. Each Rockette must be able to kick her leg to a height of 135 degrees while maintaining perfect synchronization with the rest of the troupe. This impressive feat is just one of the many reasons the Rockettes are considered the gold standard in precision dance. Their signature move, the “eye-high kick,” involves kicking a leg up to the level of their eyes in perfect unison with their fellow dancers. This move requires years of training and dedication and has become one of the most iconic images associated with the Rockettes.

Rockettes Training

Becoming a Rockette is no easy feat. The dance company holds rigorous auditions each year to select new members, and only a small number of dancers are chosen to join the ranks. Those who are selected must undergo intensive training to learn the precise choreography and timing required to be a Rockette. The result of all this hard work is a group of highly skilled dancers who are able to put on breathtaking performances that leave audiences in awe.

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

In addition to their precision dance skills, the Rockettes are also known for their elaborate costumes and stage sets. The Christmas Spectacular features a variety of scenes, from the bustling streets of New York City to a beautiful winter wonderland complete with a visit from Santa Claus. The Rockettes themselves are decked out in a variety of costumes, from sparkling dresses and feathered headpieces to marching band uniforms and toy soldier outfits.

The Rockettes have performed at numerous fundraising events over the years, and they have also partnered with organizations such as the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

But the Rockettes are more than just a dance troupe – they’re also a cultural institution. For many families, seeing the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall is a beloved holiday tradition, one that has been passed down through generations. The Christmas Spectacular is an experience that truly captures the spirit of the season, and it continues to be a highlight of the holiday season in New York City.

If you’re planning to visit New York during the holiday season, be sure to see the Rockettes in Christmas Spectacular!

Buy your Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets here