Rockettes Mark Centennial with Enduring Christmas Spectacular
NEW YORK (December 12, 2023) – The Radio City Rockettes are celebrating their 100th anniversary this holiday season, continuing a tradition of precision dance and festive entertainment with their iconic Christmas Spectacular. The troupe, founded in 1925 as the “Missouri Rockets,” has captivated audiences for a century, evolving while maintaining the core elements that define their signature show.
This year’s performances, expected to be seen by over one million people, showcase a blend of time-honored choreography and modern technology. The Christmas Spectacular,running through january 5,features classic numbers like “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” – largely unchanged sence the troupe’s inception – alongside contemporary additions such as digital projections,drones,holographic animations,and a double-decker sightseeing bus in the “New York at Christmas” segment.
“What’s truly amazing is that we are all remarkable dancers but we are also athletes,” says Taylor Shimko, an assistant dance captain in her 16th season. “We say that we’re athletes dripping in diamonds. Every part of this is hard work, but it’s all about making it appear as though it’s easy.”
The Rockettes’ journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, initially performing vaudeville acts. they gained prominence in New York City in 1932 with the opening of Radio City music Hall, becoming an integral part of the venue’s identity and the Christmas season. While costumes have been updated with modern materials, the demanding choreography remains a hallmark of the show. Dancers perform more than 200 kicks during each 90-minute, intermissionless performance.
“Being a Rockette is something I didn’t anticipate,” shares Danelle Morgan, a dance captain in her 20th year. “It becomes a piece of your identity, this job. it’s something that’s really special, and I didn’t necessarily see that coming.”
This year’s show also features a new, immersive sound system akin to that used at the Sphere in Las Vegas, demonstrating the Rockettes’ continued commitment to innovation while honoring their legacy. Director Julie Branam notes the increased technical abilities of today’s dancers allow for faster kicks and more challenging moves, building upon a foundation of precision and athleticism established a century ago.
