The Rockettes are celebrating 100 years of precision, athleticism and sisterhood in 2025. In addition to starring in the Christmas Spectacular, the world-renowned dance troupe perform annually in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas in Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. They have also taken the stage at some of the biggest events in entertainment. See below to learn more about the dance company’s history.
1925
The “Missouri Rockets” are formed in St. Louis by choreographer Russell Markert. Theater owner S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel and Markert eventually bring the troupe to New York City where they are renamed the Roxyettes.
1932-1933
The dance company relocates to New York City. They settle at their home of Radio City Music Hall in 1932 and become known as the Rockettes. In 1933, the Christmas Spectacular debuted, bringing magic and joy to audiences for nearly a century.
1940
During World War II, the Rockettes were among the first performers to volunteer with the United Service Organizations (USO), uplifting and entertaining troops.
1957
The Rockettes made their debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and have been a beloved annual tradition ever since.
1978-1979
The Rockettes lead the charge to save Radio City Music Hall after the venue was slated for closure; the building receives landmark status, saving it from demolition.
1999
Radio City Music Hall undergoes a major renovation to restore the iconic venue to its former glory, and reopens later that year with a star-studded gala featuring the Rockettes.
2000-2019
The Christmas Spectacular is reimagined for its 75th anniversary in 2008. Every element of the show is updated in some way, including ten new costumes! Two brand-new numbers are introduced, including now fan-favorite “New York at Christmas,” which features a real double-decker bus! The Rockettes appear in some of the biggest events in entertainment, including the Tony Awards, the MTV VMAs, World Pride, “The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show,” and “Saturday Night Live.”
2020 & Beyond
The Rockettes have been featured in the Hallmark movie “A Holiday Spectacular,” performed with Mariah Carey in her holiday special “Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To All!” and with Jimmy Fallon in his holiday special, “A Holiday Seasoning Spectacular”. Beyond the stage, they have also rocked social media with their dance videos and fun takes on viral trends, amassing a social media fan base of more than 5.5 million followers. They’ve danced alongside the likes of the Backstreet Boys, Stephen Colbert, Jennifer Garner, Kevin Hart, and more. The Dancer Development program also launched, with the goal of creating an inclusive talent pipeline to ensure the dance company continues to attract the best dancers from all backgrounds.
2025
Celebrating 100 years of the Rockettes! Since 1925, this world-famous dance company has captivated audiences with their iconic high kicks and unmatched precision. As they mark this historic milestone, the Rockettes continue to inspire and evolve, honoring their legacy while looking ahead to the next century.
