The Captivating Legacy of the Rockettes

For anyone who has experienced New York City during the winter season—or watched a holiday movie set in Manhattan—certain iconic scenes come to mind: the Rockefeller Center ice rink, Central Park blanketed in snow, and the mesmerizing precision of the Rockettes' perfectly synchronized routines.

Since 1932, this legendary dance group has been a cornerstone of New York City's Christmas celebrations. However, the origins of this iconic troupe stretch back to a time and place far removed from the bustling streets of the city that never sleeps. Dive into the fascinating history of Radio City Music Hall's most celebrated performers.

A Start in St. Louis

While it’s difficult to picture the Rockettes beginning anywhere but New York City, their roots trace back to St. Louis, Missouri. In 1925, Russell Markert, a visionary choreographer who led the group until 1971, aimed to create a dance line that embodied the era’s American values: sophistication, elegance, and grand theatricality.

Markert found his muse in The Tiller Girls, a British dance ensemble founded by John Tiller in 1894. His vision was to form a team of petite, highly skilled female dancers (originally standing between 5’2” and 5’6.5”, though today’s dancers range from 5’6” to 5’10.5”) proficient in tap, modern, jazz, and ballet. Markert dreamed of a synchronized group of performers who could captivate audiences with flawless precision. Initially comprising 16 members (later expanding to 36), the "Missouri Rockets" made their debut in St. Louis before heading to New York City to perform in the Broadway production "Rain or Shine." It was there that they captured the attention of the renowned showman S.L. "Roxy" Rothafel.

Rothafel was so captivated by the troupe’s talent that he collaborated with Markert to establish a New York City-based division of the Rockets. By the early 1930s, three troupes had taken the city by storm, with two performing at Radio City Music Hall’s grand opening on December 27, 1932. The demand to see the dancers was overwhelming; reports indicate that 100,000 people sought tickets, but only 6,200 could be accommodated.

The Birth of the Rockettes

Initially called the Roxyettes, a nod to Rothafel's famous nickname, the group officially adopted the name Radio City Music Hall Rockettes in 1934. As the venue grew in prominence throughout the decade, the Rockettes achieved widespread recognition, headlining extravagant stage shows at premieres for iconic films such as "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "King Kong," and "To Kill a Mockingbird."

During the 1940s, as the U.S. entered World War II, the Rockettes expanded their role beyond entertainment. According to their website, they were "among the first entertainers to volunteer for the United Service Organizations (USO)." The troupe traveled abroad, performing at military bases and large venues, bringing their unique stage performances to troops stationed overseas.

The 1950s brought an era of intense schedules for the Rockettes. Radio City Music Hall required the dancers to perform alongside every new movie premiere, sometimes staging up to five shows daily. To support their grueling routines, the venue included a 26-bed dormitory, cafeteria, recreation area, tailor shop, and a fully equipped hospital with medical staff.

With television emerging as a central cultural force in American homes, the Rockettes made their television debut on NBC's "Wide, Wide World" and performed in the inaugural Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1957, marking the start of a cherished annual tradition.

Amid sweeping cultural and social shifts, the Rockettes adapted their look and performances to mirror the changing times. They took on roles as Geisha girls, hula dancers, bullfighters, chimney sweeps, and even can-can dancers, while also celebrating feminism and the Space Age with astronaut-themed routines.

The Move to the Big Time

During the 1970s, the Rockettes found themselves with unexpected downtime as Radio City management began closing the theater for extended periods. This led the troupe to advocate for the opportunity to tour during these breaks. Their efforts paid off, and in 1977, they made their first journey west, performing at Harrah's in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and later achieving sold-out shows in Las Vegas.

While the Rockettes were touring the west, Radio City faced severe financial challenges, nearly leading to its permanent closure. However, the Rockettes returned to help rescue the venue, which was designated a New York City landmark in 1979. Although Radio City ceased movie screenings in the 1980s, its 90-minute stage productions prominently featured the Rockettes, with performances four times daily, seven days a week, for four-week runs.

Beyond their rigorous Radio City commitments, the Rockettes also toured extensively, performing in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and at major televised events like the 1988 Super Bowl halftime show. The 1990s saw Radio City undergo a significant renovation, and the Rockettes cemented their status as seasonal icons with annual appearances in the Christmas Spectacular and Easter Extravaganza.

In 2001, the Rockettes achieved another historic milestone by performing at the presidential inauguration of George W. Bush, repeating the honor in 2005. In 2006, Linda Haberman became the group's first female solo director and choreographer, elevating the athleticism and intensity of their performances. Haberman also pioneered the touring version of the Christmas Spectacular, bringing the Rockettes to over 80 U.S. cities through 2014. The group expanded their repertoire in 2015 with The New York Spring Spectacular, followed by The New York Spectacular in 2016.

The Business of Being a Rockette

As reported by Business Insider, Rockettes are unionized employees earning an average of $1,400 to $1,500 weekly. Since their work is seasonal, their annual income typically ranges from $36,400 to $39,000, prompting many dancers to take on additional roles in dance or fitness-related fields.

Becoming and staying a Rockette requires immense dedication. Aspiring dancers are encouraged to participate in the Rockettes Summer Intensive Dance Program, which offers a glimpse into the rigorous training regimen. Over a week, participants spend six hours daily mastering choreography and attend seminars on topics like professional makeup and injury prevention. Auditions are held each spring, and even seasoned Rockettes must re-audition to retain their positions. Once selected, dancers undergo intensive rehearsals to build the stamina needed for up to 1,200 kicks daily and master costume changes in under 78 seconds.

Although only 36 Rockettes perform onstage at any given time, there are 80 certified Rockettes in total. This includes a morning cast, an afternoon cast, and eight "swings" who are trained to step in for full-time dancers as needed.