The Rockettes

The Rockettes are a world-famous precision dance company based in New York City, celebrated for their synchronized high-kicks and the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Founded in 1925 by Russell Markert as the 'Missouri Rockets,' the troupe was renamed the Rockettes and became a fixture at Radio City Music Hall when it opened in 1932. The Rockettes are a brand of live entertainment, representing a specific style of precision dance that has become a New York institution and a holiday tradition for millions of visitors. The Rockettes perform as a line of dancers, typically 36 women, executing intricate formations and eye-high kicks. Their signature performance, the Christmas Spectacular, has been staged annually since 1933 and features scenes like the 'Parade of the Wooden Soldiers' and the 'Living Nativity.' The brand is owned by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSGE), which operates Radio City Music Hall and other venues. The Rockettes also appear in other events, such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and presidential inaugurations. As a brand, the Rockettes represent precision, glamour, and holiday tradition. They have a strong presence in New York tourism and are a key asset for MSGE's entertainment portfolio. The troupe maintains a rigorous audition and training process, and its dancers are represented by the American Guild of Variety Artists. The Rockettes brand extends to merchandise, media appearances, and educational programs, reinforcing their status as a cultural icon.

The Rockettes were founded in 1925 by Russell Markert in St. Louis, Missouri, as the 'Missouri Rockets.' The group was inspired by the precision dance style of the Tiller Girls, a British dance troupe. In 1932, the troupe was brought to New York City by Samuel 'Roxy' Rothafel to perform at the newly opened Radio City Music Hall. They were renamed the 'Rockettes' and became the resident dance company. Their first performance at Radio City was on December 27, 1932. The Christmas Spectacular debuted in 1933 and has been performed annually since, becoming a holiday tradition. The Rockettes have performed in numerous films, television shows, and special events, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and presidential inaugurations. In 1997, the Rockettes were acquired by Cablevision, which later became part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment. The troupe has undergone various ownership changes but remains a key attraction at Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes are known for their rigorous precision dance style, requiring dancers to be between 5'5" and 5'10.5" tall. The line typically consists of 36 dancers. The Christmas Spectacular features signature numbers like the 'Parade of the Wooden Soldiers' and the 'Living Nativity.' The Rockettes have also toured nationally and internationally, though the New York show remains the flagship. In recent years, the Rockettes have faced challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the 2020 Christmas Spectacular. The show returned in 2021. The Rockettes continue to be a symbol of New York City and American entertainment.

• 2021

  Christmas Spectacular returned.

• 2020

  Christmas Spectacular cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

• 1997

  Acquired by Cablevision (later part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment).

• 1933

  First Christmas Spectacular performed.

• 1932

  Renamed the Rockettes and began performing at Radio City Music Hall.

• 1925

  Founded as the Missouri Rockets by Russell Markert.

Iconic American precision dance company and holiday entertainment brand.

• Christmas Spectacular

  Annual holiday show at Radio City Music Hall featuring precision dance and special effects.

• Parade of the Wooden Soldiers

  Signature number in the Christmas Spectacular.

• Living Nativity

  Signature number in the Christmas Spectacular.

• Unconfirmed

  Reported2026.09.24

  Rockettes reveal details for brand-new Christmas Spectacular number[3]火箭女郎公布全新《圣诞奇观》节目段落细节news.google.com

  The Rockettes revealed details for a brand-new number to be featured in the Christmas Spectacular production.

Read more

1. 1The Rockettes Official Websiterockettes.com
2. 2Radio City Music Hallmsg.com
3. 3火箭女郎公布全新《圣诞奇观》节目段落细节news.google.com