For more than three quarters of a century, the Radio City Rockettes, the world's most famous precision dance troupe, have been a legendary force in entertainment, with a rich history of skill and dedication to their craft. From their memorable USO Tours during WWII, to show-stopping Super Bowl Halftime appearances, to the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performances, to the 2001 & 2005 Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies, the Rockettes are a national treasure. Their annual starring role in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, and in other cities across the United States, is seen by more people in one year than most other live shows in America - more than 2.1 million people annually. The New York Times corroborates their talent by saying, "But best of all, as always, are the miraculous Rockettes in their crisp costumes, smiling and tapping their way flawlessly everywhere..."

In 2002, the Radio City Rockettes celebrated 75 years of eye-high kicks and precision dance with the same enthusiasm and vigor that has become their trademark. The overwhelming appeal of the world's most beloved dance company continues to grow with each holiday season. The New York Times also says, "The Rockettes are as precise and talented as ever, and their bright smiles and unison dancing evoke cheers and applause in old favorites like the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." The Rockettes look forward to embracing another 75 years of producing the best live entertainment spectacular in the nation!

In The Beginning

The group first kicked to life in 1925 as the "Missouri Rockets" and made their show business debut in St. Louis, the realization of a long-time dream of their creator, Russell Markert.

"I had seen the John Tiller girls in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1922," Markert once reminisced. "If I ever got a chance to get a group of American girls who would be taller and have longer legs and could do really complicated tap routines and eye-high kicks... they'd knock your socks off!"

At Radio City's opening night, on December 27, 1932, they did just that. The Rockettes, discovered and brought to New York by consummate showman S.L. (Roxy) Rothafel who first dubbed them the "Roxyettes," shared the stage with 17 diverse acts, among them the Flying Wallendas, Ray Bolger and Martha Graham.


They were an instant sensation! Markert had created the quintessential American chorus line - an exciting precision drill team with great style. Starting with just 16 women, the numbers grew over the years to what is now a 36-member Rockette kick line.

In 1933, Radio City featured a new movie and a lavish stage production every week starring the Rockettes. Russell Markert's stringent requirements never varied, and he continued to stage and choreograph productions at the Music Hall until his retirement in 1971. This concept of the dance line was to achieve absolute precision. The audience saw 36 Rockettes perform intricate routines, but always moving as "one dancer." Everything - the height, the costumes and steps - was kept completely identical. The illusion of uniform height is maintained to this day by putting the tallest dancers in the center, and gradually decreasing the height with the shortest women at either end.


Radio City Ambassadors



Today's Rockettes

Today, the Rockettes play an integral role in many special events and television productions.



Since 1932, more than 3,000 women have danced as Rockettes. Each year, in cities across America, hundreds of young women audition to be members of the internationally known troupe. Radio City Rockettes must be between 5'6" and 5'10" and must demonstrate proficiency in tap, jazz, ballet and modern dance. They must also display a radiant energy that will shine across the footlights to their audience.

Rockettes Are A National Treasure

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes will run from November 3, 2005 through January 2, 2006. Ticket prices range from $40 to $99 (including a $4.50 facility fee) with VIP seating packages also available. Tickets are available at www.radiocity.com, through the Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden Box Offices and Ticketmaster outlets or by calling the Christmas Hotline at (212) 307-1000. Tickets purchased via Ticketmaster are subject to service charges. Please call (212) 247-4777 for more information.