in Places & People

A Photographic Look at the Dedication and Artistry of the Radio City Rockettes Throughout the Decades, 1930s-2000s

269 Views

The Radio City Rockettes are a famous dance company known for their precision, style, and high kicks. Founded in 1925 by Russell Markert in St. Louis, Missouri, the group originally called the Missouri Rockets later moved to New York City, where they found their permanent home at Radio City Music Hall in 1932.

Origins and Formation

Russell Markert was inspired to create the Rockettes after seeing the Ziegfeld Follies in 1922. He was impressed by their precision but thought he could improve upon it with a group of taller dancers. Markert envisioned a line of 16 American girls who could kick higher and perform a variety of dance styles, including tap dancing. This idea led to the creation of the Missouri Rockets.

Before they became the Rockettes, the group went through a few name changes. They started as the Missouri Rockets and then became the American Rockets. Finally, they were known as the Rosettes. In 1932, they moved to the new Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and two years later, they settled on the name the Rockettes.

Requirements and Training

Becoming a Rockette was no easy feat. Dancers had to be between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, with attractive faces and well-shaped figures. They needed to be skilled in ballet, tap, and soft shoe dancing. One of the most impressive requirements was their ability to kick at least 6 inches above their heads. This high standard ensured that the Rockettes were not only talented but also uniform in appearance and ability.

Read more

Performing at Radio City Music Hall

Since 1932, the Rockettes have performed at Radio City Music Hall, a grand theater located in Rockefeller Center, Manhattan. The Music Hall can seat 6,200 people, making it a perfect venue for the large-scale productions the Rockettes are known for. Their performances have become a staple of New York City’s entertainment scene, drawing audiences from all over the world.

The Rockettes’ Signature Style

The Rockettes are famous for their precise, synchronized dance routines. Their high-kick line, where the dancers kick in perfect unison, is particularly well-known. This level of precision requires intense practice and discipline. Each dancer must be perfectly in sync with the others, creating a seamless visual effect that has become the Rockettes’ trademark.

Key Performances and Events

Over the years, the Rockettes have been part of many significant events and performances. They have entertained millions of people with their annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a show that has become a holiday tradition since its inception in 1933. This production features elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and a variety of dance numbers, all showcasing the Rockettes’ incredible talent.

The Rockettes During World War II

During World War II, the Rockettes played a role in supporting the war effort. They performed in shows that boosted morale and entertained troops. Their performances provided a sense of normalcy and joy during a challenging time, highlighting the importance of entertainment and the arts even in difficult periods.

Throughout their history, the Rockettes have embraced new technologies and innovations in dance. They have incorporated elements like 3D effects and advanced lighting into their performances, constantly evolving to keep their shows fresh and exciting. This willingness to innovate has helped them remain relevant and popular for nearly a century.

Training and Preparation

Becoming a Rockette requires rigorous training and preparation. Dancers must go through a competitive audition process where their skills and abilities are thoroughly tested. Those who make it through the auditions then undergo intensive rehearsals to perfect their routines. This dedication to training ensures that every performance is flawless and that the Rockettes continue to uphold their reputation for excellence.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

One of the highlights of the Rockettes’ calendar is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This annual show has become synonymous with the holiday season in New York City. Featuring iconic numbers like the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and the “Living Nativity,” the Christmas Spectacular is a must-see event that draws large crowds each year.

In addition to their performances, the Rockettes are involved in various off-stage activities. They participate in community events, charitable causes, and public appearances. These activities help to strengthen their connection with the community and allow fans to interact with them outside of the theater.

#56 Even in the beginning, there were strict standards for height, physique, and flexibility—here, a rehearsal in cheerleader-esque sweaters and skirts

Even in the beginning, there were strict standards for height, physique, and flexibility—here, a rehearsal in cheerleader-esque sweaters and skirts

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#57 Onstage in 1937, the Rockettes cut a sharp, diagonally receding line—in white and top hats—against the dark backdrop. Originally just one line of dancers, the Rockettes today encompass two 40-girl casts.

Onstage in 1937, the Rockettes cut a sharp, diagonally receding line—in white and top hats—against the dark backdrop. Originally just one line of dancers, the Rockettes today encompass two 40-girl casts.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#58 The troupe’s famous “Parade of the Wooden Soldier” routine originated in the 1930s and remains an integral part of the show in 2012.

The troupe’s famous “Parade of the Wooden Soldier” routine originated in the 1930s and remains an integral part of the show in 2012.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#59 Today, the wooden soldiers—still in Minnelli-esque costumes—collapse like a wall of dominoes at the firing of a cartoonish cannon.

Today, the wooden soldiers—still in Minnelli-esque costumes—collapse like a wall of dominoes at the firing of a cartoonish cannon.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#60 Rehearsal in 1942, at which the Rockettes stretch out their famous stems. Compared with modern-day rehearsals, where Rockettes wear identical black-spandex uniforms, all the girls here are in their own kicky skirts and character heels.

Rehearsal in 1942, at which the Rockettes stretch out their famous stems. Compared with modern-day rehearsals, where Rockettes wear identical black-spandex uniforms, all the girls here are in their own kicky skirts and character heels.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#62 In white satin and jaunty hats, the group forms a perfect circle at Radio City in December of 1944.

In white satin and jaunty hats, the group forms a perfect circle at Radio City in December of 1944.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#63 Ready to board a ship that will freight them to various U.S.O. performances during World War II, the Rockettes look the part in their military-inspired suits and miniature garrison hats, perched on their waves.

Ready to board a ship that will freight them to various U.S.O. performances during World War II, the Rockettes look the part in their military-inspired suits and miniature garrison hats, perched on their waves.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#64 In rufflier takes on the soldier costumes, Rockettes apply final lipstick, zip each other into their suits, and affix ruffly details to their patent shoes before a performance.

In rufflier takes on the soldier costumes, Rockettes apply final lipstick, zip each other into their suits, and affix ruffly details to their patent shoes before a performance.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#65 Two of the zebras flaunt their stripes—including flirty and anthropologically accurate tasseled tails.

Two of the zebras flaunt their stripes—including flirty and anthropologically accurate tasseled tails.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#66 Backstage at the vanity area in 1952, the Rockettes set their makeup with powder, adjust their stockings, and stick in their final bobby pins before going onstage.

Backstage at the vanity area in 1952, the Rockettes set their makeup with powder, adjust their stockings, and stick in their final bobby pins before going onstage.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#67 The trademark girly Santa suits that would become a hallmark of Rockettes shows, shown here in 1950—they are trimmed in fuzzy white marabou.

The trademark girly Santa suits that would become a hallmark of Rockettes shows, shown here in 1950—they are trimmed in fuzzy white marabou.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#68 A beaming, space-suited Rockette gets her astronaut gear tweaked by nasa engineers—slash, the costume shop—backstage in the 60s.

A beaming, space-suited Rockette gets her astronaut gear tweaked by nasa engineers—slash, the costume shop—backstage in the 60s.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#69 The famous high kick! At the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 1964, the Rockettes (in teensy onesies) perform in front of thousands of bundled-up onlookers.

The famous high kick! At the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 1964, the Rockettes (in teensy onesies) perform in front of thousands of bundled-up onlookers.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#70 Pink and green and beehives—and some tap-inspired choreography—for the parade in 1966, at which the Rockettes appear to have been the opener for Smoky the Bear (back right).

Pink and green and beehives—and some tap-inspired choreography—for the parade in 1966, at which the Rockettes appear to have been the opener for Smoky the Bear (back right).

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#71 In 1967, the girls took traditional Christmassy red and green and put them on cancan costumes, complete with Spanish-inspired hats and sexy seamed stockings.

In 1967, the girls took traditional Christmassy red and green and put them on cancan costumes, complete with Spanish-inspired hats and sexy seamed stockings.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#72 The parade-dancing routine embraced the 1970s with sparkling chokers, feather-sprouting showgirl hats, and thicker tights. The caption that ran with this photo in a 1973 edition of the New York Daily News? “Just to make sure Dad doesn’t get bored . . . ”

The parade-dancing routine embraced the 1970s with sparkling chokers, feather-sprouting showgirl hats, and thicker tights. The caption that ran with this photo in a 1973 edition of the New York Daily News? “Just to make sure Dad doesn’t get bored . . . ”

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#73 Top hats, tails, and gold-lamé underwear for—what else?—a Liberace concert at Radio City in 1985. The Rockettes would perform with Liberace for several engagements in New York in the 1980s.

Top hats, tails, and gold-lamé underwear for—what else?—a Liberace concert at Radio City in 1985. The Rockettes would perform with Liberace for several engagements in New York in the 1980s.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#75 The 1998 Thanksgiving Day–parade troupe looks ahead to Christmas in green velvet, white fur, and an “I’m freezing!” pose.

The 1998 Thanksgiving Day–parade troupe looks ahead to Christmas in green velvet, white fur, and an “I’m freezing!” pose.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#76 A handful of Rockettes strike a balletic pose at rehearsal, at which they all wear standard-issue black outfits and footless tights. The floor’s tape marks complex blocking for the Christmas Spectacular routines.

A handful of Rockettes strike a balletic pose at rehearsal, at which they all wear standard-issue black outfits and footless tights. The floor’s tape marks complex blocking for the Christmas Spectacular routines.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#77 At 85, the troupe still reprises bits of earlier shows (a candy-cane motif on these costumes) and its trademark choreography.

At 85, the troupe still reprises bits of earlier shows (a candy-cane motif on these costumes) and its trademark choreography.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#78 Earlier this year, the Rockettes—in silver-fringed leotards—strike a pose in front of a packed house.

Earlier this year, the Rockettes—in silver-fringed leotards—strike a pose in front of a packed house.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

Written by Kimberly Adams

Kimberly Adams is passionate about classic movies, actors, and actresses. She offers a fresh perspective on timeless films and the stars who made them unforgettable. Her work is an ode to the glamour and artistry of a bygone era, and a tribute to the enduring appeal of classic cinema.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *