100 Years of High Kicks: Celebrating the Radio City Rockettes' Legacy
The Radio City Rockettes, the longest-running dance company, are celebrating their 100th anniversary this holiday season. Founded in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri, the Rockettes moved to New York City's Radio City Music Hall in 1932. NewsNation's "Morning in America" went behind the scenes to meet some of the dancers who are part of this iconic legacy.
Svetha Nallapaneni, a second-season dancer from Ohio, expresses her excitement at being part of the Rockettes and fulfilling her childhood dream. Former Rockette Kristin Altfather, who danced for 17 seasons, shares her experience of returning to celebrate the show's legacy. Naomi Kakuk, a dancer for six seasons, also feels a strong connection to the Rockettes.
The audition requirements for joining the Rockettes are being 18 years or older and a proficient dancer. The audition process is rigorous, with multiple rounds of callbacks and specific choreography that needs to be learned quickly. Many dancers had to audition multiple times before making it into the company.
The Rockettes perform for a million people each holiday season, with four shows a day, six times a week. Each dancer kicks 160 times in a show, with eight costume changes that take about 78 seconds on average. The iconic routine of the parade of the wooden soldiers has been a part of the show since 1933.
The Rockettes have performed at various prestigious events, with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade being a standout moment for many dancers. After 100 years of entertaining audiences, the Rockettes have become a symbol of sisterhood and tradition, creating a bond among the dancers that uplifts each other.
Don't miss the chance to see the Rockettes perform at the Radio City Music Hall until Jan. 5. Experience the magic and tradition of this legendary dance company that has been captivating audiences for a century.