Selects: Rockettes: Still Kicking After All These Years

The iconic Rockettes dance troupe, known for its precision high-kicking choreography, has origins dating back to 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rockettes Founded In 1925 In St. Louis by Choreographer Russell Markert, Inspired by British Tiller Girls

Choreographer Russell Markert took inspiration from a British dance troupe, the Tiller Girls, founded in 1894 by John Tiller. Impressed by their precision dance, characterized by high levels of training and dancers moving in unison, Markert aimed to create a similar dance troupe in America.

Markert Aimed to Create a Glamorous, High-Kicking Dance Troupe Modeled After the Tiller Girls' Precision

Markert wanted to replicate the glamorous allure and precision of the Tiller Girls. With the vision of forming a glamorous and high-kicking dance troupe, he founded the Missouri Rockets, starting with just 16 women. The troupe was designed to appeal to the audiences through synchronized, intricate dance routines that highlighted the dancers’ training and athleticism.

Original Rockettes, Missouri Rock ...

The Rockettes are recognized globally for their iconic performances, beginning with their first appearance in 1932 at Radio City Music Hall and becoming a cherished American holiday tradition.

Rockettes Famed After 1932 Radio City Music Hall Show

The Rockettes began their journey to stardom in 1932, performing at the newly opened Radio City Music Hall in New York City. They were part of a multi-act lineup that marked the opening of the venue.

Under S.L. "Roxy" Rothafel, the Rockettes Became a Radio City Staple, Often Performing Before Movies

Upon seeing them perform, S.L. "Roxy" Rothafel realized their potential and decided to bring them to New York City, giving them the name Roxyettes. They soon became a staple at Radio City, most notably performing before movie screenings. Each movie premiere would see them learning new routines quickly, particularly if a movie had not been successful and was replaced.

Rockettes' Appearances in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade From 1957 Cemented Their Iconic Status

Their inclusion in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1957 escalated their fame, allowing them to perform in the living rooms of viewers across the nation, extending their reach beyond the live shows at Radio City.

Rockettes' Precision and Synchronization Drive Their Performance Style and Appeal

Rockettes' Strict Height Requirement and Choreography Create Optical Illusion of Cohesive Dance Unit

The Rockettes' precise choreography and strict height requirements contribute to the optical illusion that the dancers are a single, cohesive unit on stage. This synchronization and uniformity are key to their performance style and widespread appeal.

Rockettes' Performances: A Holiday Season Must-See Event

The criticism of the Rockettes as "teeth and legs," suggesting an o ...

Throughout the years, the Rockettes have faced numerous challenges, from the threat of shutdowns to the grueling demands of their packed schedules.

1970s: Rockettes, Radio City Faced Shutdown Amid Nyc Economic Decline

Rockettes Save Radio City Music Hall Landmark

During the 1970s, as New York City grappled with economic difficulties, landmarks like Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes, faced potential closure. Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant highlight the venue's struggle, noting it persisted into the 1980s. The Rockettes played an integral role in rescuing Radio City Music Hall by campaigning to save their home venue, which eventually led to its preservation as a historic site. The Music Hall was placed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places, acknowledging the significance of its stunning interior.

Rockettes Tour In Vegas and Tahoe To Supplement Income

Russell Markert, who worked with the Rockettes since their inception until 1971, saw the group navigate through the city's economic decline. To supplement their income and keep the spirit of the Rockettes alive, the dancers toured in places like Vegas and Tahoe during these tough times.

Rockettes' Schedule Wore Down Dancers

Rockettes Endured Grueling Work, Leaving Dancers Exhausted

The Rockettes are known for their discipline and the physical demands of their performances. In the 1950s, they performed up to five times a day, learning new routines to coincide with the movies being shown. This constant pace left dancers exhausted. The work schedule has always been demanding, with 80 certified Rockettes performing six days a week, sometimes delivering four 90-minute performances per day, each with hundreds of high kicks. The rigorous performance schedule takes a physical toll, to the point where simple tasks like removing stockings become arduous, and lengthy commutes extend their day up to around 20 hours, including working, commuting, and performing.

Rockettes' rehearsals are intense, with six hours of practice for six days a week over approxim ...