As the holiday festivities begin, New York City’s (NYC) annual Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes, takes the stage. This year, the dancers are celebrating their 100th anniversary as a group. Since 1925, the Rockettes have served as an iconic symbol of female empowerment, known for their signature Rockettes Precision Dance Technique that incorporates elements of jazz, tap, and ballet. Each year, they perform in front of over one million fans at the Radio City Music Hall and tour throughout more than 100 cities across the United States (US), according to rockettes.com.
Created by chief choreographer Mr. Russell Markert, the group originally went by the name the “Missouri Rockets.” In 1927, they moved to Roxy Theatre in NYC and changed their group name to the “Roxyettes.” In 1932, the group started performing at Radio City Music Hall where they adopted the “Rockettes” as their name. The Rockettes also have a history of philanthropy, as they were among the first to volunteer for United Service Organizations and perform for World War II troops, according to rockettes.com. Every year, the group appears at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and star in the Christmas Spectacular. These performances uplift and spread the Christmas spirit throughout NYC. Mrs. Meghan McMahon, Head of Upper School, has fostered a passion for dance since she was young and attends the Christmas Spectacular annually. She shared how the Rockettes set a standard of excellence in the performing arts.
“The Rockettes are influential because they represent a beautiful combination of tradition, innovation, and cultural visibility,” Mrs. McMahon said. “For nearly a century, they have been woven into the fabric of New York City, creating traditions that families pass down through generations. This December will mark my 39th time seeing the Rockettes perform in the show. When I was growing up, I dreamed of being a Rockette, despite missing the height requirement and not being much of a tap dancer. Even so, I always loved the idea of performing alongside them. Their exacting technique, signature style, and unwavering professionalism have made them a benchmark for excellence in dance. Beyond the stage, their outreach programs, training intensives, and national presence help shape the aspirations of young dancers everywhere. Their ability to evolve while maintaining their classic identity makes them a powerful and enduring force in the performing arts.”
NYC is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes in many ways. At the beginning of November, the city officially renamed a stretch of Sixth Avenue “Rockettes Way.” The Empire State Building is participating by lighting the building in red and white stripes to represent candy canes. The building also revealed displays of vintage costumes and other memorable props from past shows, according to rockettes.com. The Museum of Broadway partnered with the Rockettes and opened an exhibit named “The Rockettes 100th Anniversary: A Century of Sisterhood.” The exhibit is dedicated to the choreography, evolution, and costumes of the dancers, according to playbill.com. Waterford created a limited edition ornament numbered and sandblasted with the Rockettes symbol. Kith partnered with the Rockettes to release limited edition merchandise and apparel, according to msgentertainment.com. Additionally, NYC restaurants have joined in the celebration. Serendipity 3 is serving a limited edition Peanut Butter & Jelly Frozen Hot Chocolate to celebrate this milestone anniversary, and Magnolia Bakery is selling a Rockettes Red Velvet Cupcake only at its Rockefeller Center location, according to rockettes.com.
In celebration of their centennial, the Rockettes also expanded their dancer development program. They launched Rockettes Preparatory, which is an addition to the preexisting Rockettes Conservatory program. This preparatory provides a curriculum for dancers who are less familiar with the Rockettes dance technique, according to prnewswire.com. This program also has no fee and provides transportation, housing, and meals for all dancers. This helps the company attracts dancers from all backgrounds, according to rockettes.com.
This year, past Rockettes and current members of the group gathered for a memorable photo opportunity. Members from the 1950s to 2010s shared memories of the remarkable sisterhood created by these experiences. The photoshoot reminded these women that they are part of an important legacy that has created meaningful changes. Recently, the Rockettes organization launched Rockettes Legacy, which is the official network for former Rockettes. This network fosters connection and supports dancers from the last century, according to rockettes.com. Mrs. McMahon commented on the Rockettes’ powerful message of female empowerment.
“The Rockettes promote female empowerment through the way they embody discipline, confidence, and collaboration on one of the world’s most iconic stages,” Mrs. McMahon said. “Their brand celebrates the strength that comes from women working together toward a shared artistic vision. By highlighting rigorous training, professionalism, and inclusivity, the Rockettes show young women that excellence in the arts is built on commitment and community. Their visibility, especially in the Christmas Spectacular, creates a powerful message that women can lead cultural traditions, set strong standards of performance, and inspire the next generation through their artistry and leadership.”
Featured Image by Elizabeth Galgano ’28
