As Radio City Music Hall fills with holiday spirit, the Rockettes take center stage to star in the 91st annual Christmas Spectacular. Since 1932, the Rockettes have been one of New York City (NYC)’s most notable holiday traditions, bringing joy to more than 70 million people worldwide, according to prnewswire.com. Known for their festive outfits, precise dance routines, and exceptionally high kicks, the Rockettes remain a cornerstone of NYC’s performing arts scene, spreading holiday cheer throughout NYC.
The Rockettes began in 1925 under chief choreographer, Mr. Russell Markert, and first performed in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Markert then brought the original troupe of 16 women to Broadway, where Mr. Samuel Roxy Rothafel discovered them. Mr. Rothafel invited the group to perform at Radio City Music Hall on its opening night, December 27, 1932. Critics described the night as “the hottest ticket in town,” as the event attracted over 100,000 admission requests. Following this success, the dance group officially became the Radio City Rockettes, according to rockettes.com.
Throughout their history, the Rockettes have not only spread holiday cheer but also inspired hope during challenging times. For instance, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Rockettes were among the first entertainers to volunteer for the United Service Organizations (USO), an organization established to provide uplifting support to members of the United States (US) Armed Forces, according to rockettes.com. This year, the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall from November 8 to January 5 in the Christmas Spectacular. Since 1957, they have also performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, according to nbc.com.
The Rockettes’ audition process begins in April, with 800 dancers competing for only 84 spots. To qualify, dancers must be at least 18 years old, stand between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 10.5 inches tall, and excel in tap, jazz, ballet, and modern dance, according to nypost.com. The two-day audition process involves performing combination routines in groups, with cuts made after each round. Directors and choreographers look for dancers in excellent physical condition who can handle the stamina required to perform up to five 90-minute shows a day. Even after earning a spot, all dancers must re-audition each year to have a place in the Christmas Spectacular, according to amny.com.
The Rockettes rehearse six hours a day, six days a week, for six weeks leading up to their first performance at Radio City. During this time, the Rockettes learn choreography, build stamina, and refine their precision. As opening night nears, the dancers move into two weeks of tech rehearsals, where they practice on stage in full costume and with the orchestra. Throughout the holiday season, the Rockettes perform up to six shows a day, amounting to up to 1,500 high kicks per dancer each day, according to voanews.com.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has become a beacon of tradition, representing the magic of NYC during the holiday season. By blending classical dance with a modern spectacle, the Rockettes continue to spread Christmas joy and remind audiences worldwide of the importance of unity and celebration. Ms. Cynthia Alanzo-Fay, Dance Teacher at Sacred Heart Greenwich, spoke about the importance of the Rockettes in both the dance world and United States( US) culture. She highlighted their unique role in embodying the holiday spirit, particularly in NYC.
“The Rockettes are a holiday staple, not only in the dance world, but throughout America, especially in New York,” Ms. Fay said. “From their performance at the Thanksgiving Day parade all throughout the holiday season, they help to spread holiday cheer with their performances. From their foundation in 1925 to current times, they coincide with Christmas in New York City. ”
Featured Image by Ellie Furman ’26
