Each holiday season, more than 2 million people see the Radio City Rockettes perform in their Christmas Spectacular, which is a sight to behold. Here are 10 interesting things about the leggy dance company that has come to represent the joy of the holiday season.
- They’re tall, but not too tall.
The height requirement for rocketeers is 5′ 6″ to 5′ 10 1/2″ (not counting those ultra-high heels). They form kick lines with the tallest ladies in the center and the shortest at the ends, giving the impression that they are moving as one.
- It’s not just about the kicks.
Although they are known as “eye-high kicks,” a Rockette is required to perform a variety of other tasks as well. Their so-called precision dance is essentially a synthesis of modern, jazz, tap, and ballet.
- There’s a lot of bling.
Throughout the performance, the Rockettes change into eight different costumes—some for as little as 90 seconds. Which of the Rockettes’ costumes is their favorite? the dresses covered in more than 3,000 crystals for the show’s finale, “Let Christmas Shine.”
- They’re not as young as you think.
Rockettes must re-audition every year and must be at least 18 years old. Del Re has been with the Rockettes for 14 years while Hauk has been alive for 13. And seasoned dancers show newcomers the ropes in the Rockette routine.
- They’re beauty gurus.
You would imagine that there is a horde of stylists waiting to give the girls their unique look backstage. But the Rockettes actually have to do their own makeup, including the vivid red lipstick that is visible from the cheap seats, as well as their hair, which is all done in a French twist.
- They don’t actually touch.
From the audience’s perspective, it appears that the Rockettes join arms or at the very least grasp hands during those well-known kick lines. Although they are forbidden from touching, they manage to keep upright by “feeling the fabric” of their neighbors’ costumes.
- They don’t take the rest of the year off.
They do an average of two gigs per day throughout the holiday season, but they are unable to unwind afterward. Since many of the Rockettes are professional dancers or performers, they are kept busy all year long. Additionally, they participate in charitable activities including visiting children’s hospitals, assisting the military, and hosting benefit concerts.
- What’s old is new again.
Two of the original songs from the 1933 production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular remain grace the stage today. The Living Nativity (which has live animals!) and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which have been annual favorites, continue to be audience highlights.
- It’s not the same old, same old.
Three new songs have been added to the show this year, including the family-friendly “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Magic is There” as well as “New York at Christmas,” which takes the audience to the Big Apple using a life-size double-decker bus and a 50-foot LED screen.
- Chicagoans will feel right at home.
Although The Christmas Spectacular is a classic New York production, it will also be performed this year in Nashville, St. Louis, Dallas, and Chicago. However, it hasn’t stopped in the Windy City since 2008, so this year is a fantastic opportunity to establish a brand-new Christmas custom.
So, these were the 10 things you didn’t know about the Rockettes. What to take dance lessons from Lillian Colón, the First Latina Radio City Music Hall Rockette? Then visit https://www.lilliancolon.com/ now!
