Kicking it into Tradition

First founded in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1925 by choreographer Russell Markert, the troupe drew inspiration from the traveling precision dance group, the Tiller Girls of the United Kingdom (proof that great symmetry knows no borders). Originally known as the “Missouri Rockets,” they quickly became popular enough to make their way to Broadway thanks to theater entrepreneur Samuel Lionel “Roxy” Rothafel. The impresario promptly renamed them the “Roxyettes” (talk about loving your own nickname) and installed them among the opening acts of the newly built Radio City Music Hall in 1932. Almost as quickly as they gained the name “Roxyettes,” they dropped it, rebranding as the “Rockettes” – a nod both to their original name and their new home within Rockefeller Center. The name stuck, as did the expectation of absolute precision. From that point on, perfection wasn’t just encouraged – it was choreographed.

From the beginning, the dance company has been known for their high kicks in a straight line, with a pleasingly precise performance from dancers kicking at the same time and at the same height. (Contrary to popular belief, those kicks that look like they’re exceeding shoulder height only rise to about 90 degrees – the illusion of height comes from flawless timing, posture, and spacing.) To achieve that effect, besides talent and training, of course, those hoping to join the Rockettes have to meet specific height requirements (currently between 5’6″ and 5’10.5″), and be proficient in jazz, ballet, and tap dance. Rehearsals famously take place without mirrors, forcing dancers to feel alignment rather than see it. 84 performers currently make up the precision dance troupe, each one hoping they’ve ended their growth spurts.

In 1933, the Rockettes debuted their Christmas Spectacular, marking the first time their now-famous holiday “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” was performed for an amazed New York audience. During that routine, the dancers intentionally fall one by one — a moment that remains one of the most physically demanding in the show. If their legacy was not already cemented during the holiday season around the city, the company began performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1957, and has appeared in the event ever since. Their seasonal notoriety leads to quite the workout, with up to four shows daily at the Music Hall from Thanksgiving to Christmas, adding up to hundreds of performances per dancer each season.

Whether one watches from the orchestra or the highest seat in the house, however, the Rockettes’ performances amid the grandeur of Radio City Music Hall can make a person high-kick themselves out of the theater in excitement. Just be careful not to kick down the doors.