The Rockettes

by candy47

The Rockettes have graced the stage of Radio City Music Hall in New York City since 1932.

I've seen the Rockettes many times over the years, the Christmas Spectacular was a yearly event for me as was the Easter Spring Extravaganza. I always liked going with someone who had never seen the show, I had just as much fun seeing the expression on that person's face as I did watching the Rockettes. 36 Rockettes perform their precision dancing on The Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall The stage measures 144 feet long by 66 feet deep and resembles a setting sun. During the Christmas season, the Rockettes perform 5 shows a day 7 days a week.

Above photo credit Wikimedia

The Eye-High Kick

Don't try this at home!

It's what made them famous, the eye-high kick. They do it as a grand finale after every show with military precision. Here is a compilation video of the Rockettes performing the eye-high kick.

Parade of the Wooden Soldiers

Don't try this at home either!

Choreographed by Rockettes founder Russell Markert, the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers has remained unchanged since it's inception in 1924. The Rockettes perform a march of toy soldiers then end with the Rockettes falling like dominoes. Here's a video of the world famous Rockettes performing the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Watch it to the end to see the grand finale.

Books make great gifts

With technology changing at warp speed, books will always be relevant.  Set these photographic histories of the Rockettes on your coffee table for a great conversation starter.

How to become a Rockette

Anyone can be a Rockette, they just have a few requirements. There is a height requirement and candidates will be measured in stocking feet. You must be proficient in tap, jazz and ballet, pointe work is a plus but not required. Candidates will be expected to sing at an audition but voice quality is not as important as the ability to sing and dance at the same time.

Other requirements such as age and you must be legally authorized to work in the United States in accordance with immigration laws.

All the information you'll need to get an audition can be found on the Rockettes website. The video below will give you some insight into the audition process.

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Updated: 09/02/2017, candy47
 
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DerdriuMarriner on 04/21/2017

candy47, Thank you for the information on such a part of the USA's "woodwork"! It's quite a talent to dance and sing at the same time -- since both compete for and tax breath control -- and to make those eye-high kicks. I hope they have great insurance because the training, rehearsals and performances have got to wear and tear on the body, no matter how fit or young.
Do you have any idea of the vocal range of the Rockettes? It has been a while since I've seen them, and I'm feeling that it might be more alto than soprano.

candy47 on 01/09/2016

They're practically a drill team.

AngelaJohnson on 01/09/2016

Imagine the hours of practice to synchronize that many dancers!

candy47 on 12/26/2015

Thanks MBC. Seeing them in person is a real treat.

MBC on 12/26/2015

They are spectacular! What a fun article.

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