For 100 years, the Radio City Rockettes have been American and dance icons. In addition to the Christmas Spectacular, the world-renowned dance troupe also performs manually in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas in Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting and have also appeared in some of the biggest events in entertainment. See below to learn more about the organization’s rich history.
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.
The first production of the Christmas Spectacular is staged at Radio City Music Hall. The following year, the Roxyettes officially become the Rockettes.
The Rockettes become some of the first performers to volunteer for the United Service Organizations (USO) to entertain troops during World War II.
The Rockettes first appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They have appeared annually in the parade ever since.
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.
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.
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.”
The Rockettes are featured in Hallmark’s “A Holiday Spectacular” and perform with Mariah Carey in her holiday special filmed at Madison Square Garden, “Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All!”
Rockettes Conservatory launches as a no-fee, week-long training intensive, with the goal of creating an inclusive talent pipeline to ensure the dance company continues to evolve by attracting the best dancers from all backgrounds. 2025 marks the Rockette’s 100th anniversary, celebrating 100 years of precision, sisterhood & togetherness.