The Rockettes at 100: A century of kicks and New York magic

For a hundred years, they’ve been the heartbeat of New York’s holiday season—dazzling generations with perfect lines, radiant smiles, and high kicks that seem to defy physics. The Radio City Rockettes, America’s most iconic dance troupe, are celebrating their centennial, marking a legacy that began in the roaring 1920s and continues to shine brighter than ever.

A Century of Precision and Glamour

What began as the “Missouri Rockets” in St. Louis in 1925 has evolved into a global symbol of performance perfection. Brought to New York City by visionary theater producer S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel, the group made its grand debut at Radio City Music Hall in 1932. Since then, their name—the Rockettes—has become synonymous with synchronized beauty, discipline, and the golden era of live entertainment.

Through wars, cultural shifts, and countless curtain calls, the Rockettes have remained constant—a living time capsule of artistry and endurance. From performing for U.S. troops during World War II to headlining the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and appearing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the troupe has cemented its place in American history.

From Tradition to Technology

The Rockettes’ world-famous Christmas Spectacular remains the centerpiece of their legacy. Since 1933, the show has enchanted millions with its blend of nostalgia and innovation—featuring beloved classics like The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and dazzling new numbers enhanced by holograms, drones, and digital projections.

Director Julie Branam, herself a former Rockette, describes it as “a perfect marriage of the timeless and the modern.” Each season, more than a million visitors experience the 90-minute spectacle, where 80 dancers perform over 200 kicks with breathtaking precision.

“Our dancers are not just performers—they’re athletes,” said assistant dance captain Taylor Shimko. “We call ourselves ‘athletes dripping in diamonds.’ Every move demands strength and focus, but our goal is to make it look effortless.”

Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams

The Rockettes’ evolution has mirrored that of the nation itself. In 1987, Jennifer Jones became the first Black Rockette, breaking decades of racial barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive generation of dancers.

Lauren Gaul, a former Rockette and now head of Pace University’s commercial dance program, believes the group’s lasting appeal lies in its balance of tradition and reinvention. “As dancers, we’re usually in the background,” she said. “The Rockettes flipped that narrative—they are the main event. That’s why they’re iconic.”

For 20-year-old newcomer Isabelle Harris from Utah, joining the troupe during its centennial feels like a dream come true. “In my mind, the Rockettes were these glamorous, powerful women,” she said. “To be part of that legacy—this specific year—feels magical.”

A Legacy That Never Misses a Beat

The Rockettes’ journey hasn’t been without challenges. In the 1960s, they faced declining popularity amid the rise of counterculture and even went on strike in 1967 for better pay. Later, when Radio City Music Hall was threatened with demolition, the troupe became the symbol of the successful campaign to save the landmark. Their resilience offstage has matched their perfection onstage—a testament to their enduring spirit.

Dance captain Danelle Morgan, now in her 20th season, perhaps put it best: “Being a Rockette becomes part of your identity. It’s not just a job—it’s a calling. When you step into that line, you carry a century of dreams with you.”

Still Kicking into the Future

As the Rockettes look toward their next century, one thing remains clear—the world may change, but the magic of 36 dancers kicking in flawless harmony will always belong to New York.

From their humble beginnings in the Midwest to the neon brilliance of Radio City, the Rockettes continue to prove that precision, passion, and a little bit of sparkle never go out of style.

Happy 100th, Rockettes—keep on kicking.