The Rockettes 100th Anniversary

(1925-2025)

The Radio City  Rockettes are an American precision dance company.  Founded in 1925 in St. Louis as the "Missouri Rockets".  The group moved to New York and was renamed the "Roxyettes" by S. L. "Roxy" Rothafel who was directing them in the Roxy Theatre. When the group became the resident dance company at the newly opened Radio City Music Hall, they adopted the name "Rockettes". The troupe is known for its precise, synchronized choreography.  Russell Markert served as the chief choreographer from 1932 until his retirement in 1971. 

The Rockettes are best known for starring in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, an annual Christmas show and for performing since 1957 at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  

The Rockettes roster is not static.  Each year, performers must re-audition in April, so the definitive 2025 roster wasn't confirmed until at the audtions are complete.  

Many traditional numbers such as "Parade of the Wooden Solders have been performed since the show's debut in 1933 and remain part of their show today.

The Rockettes are also known for their kickline.  They perform more than 200 kicks during each 90-minute show and up to four shows per day (that's 1,200 kicks in a single day).  There are a total of 84 Rockettes for the 2025 season, though only 36 perform on stage at any one time in the Christmas Spectacular.  The 84 dancers are divided into two cast which each cast performing on a rotating schedule.  Each cast includes six "swing" dancers who can fill in for other performers when needed. 

The youngest person to ever be a Rockette was Jeanne Remy Evers, who joined the troupe at age 16.