Key Takeaways
- The Rockettes originated in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1925, as a precision dance troupe.
- They became an iconic American cultural institution at Radio City Music Hall, performing for diverse audiences and events.
- The troupe has successfully navigated challenges like demolition threats and financial struggles, securing unionized rights.
- Being a Rockette demands rigorous physical training, a selective audition process, and a demanding performance schedule.
- The organization has modernized its image, embracing diversity and updating performances for contemporary audiences.
Deep Dive
- Linda Haberman, lead choreographer since around 2008, aimed to update the Rockettes' image to be more pro-feminist and relatable.
- This involved showcasing dancers in rehearsal gear and presenting them as individuals, addressing past criticisms of objectification.
- Haberman modernized the show itself, incorporating visual effects, 3D elements, and contemporary themes like a 'girl wants a video game' narrative.
- The troupe's policy against differing skin tones for visual unity evolved, with the first woman of color joining in 1985 and the first African-American woman in 1988.
- Diversity was subsequently integrated without disrupting the performance's signature precision.
- The Rockettes, a renowned dance troupe, originated in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1925.
- Choreographer Russell Markert founded the group, drawing inspiration from British precision dance troupe The Tiller Girls, established in 1894.
- This fact often surprises audiences, who commonly associate the troupe with New York City.
- The troupe, initially called the Missouri Rockets in 1925, moved to New York City in 1932 to perform as the Roxyettes at Radio City Music Hall.
- Radio City Music Hall opened with 6,200 seats, attracting 100,000 people to its 17-act opening show.
- From the 1950s, the Rockettes performed before movies, leading to frequent new routine learning.
- Their demanding schedule in the 1950s included up to five shows daily, supplementing performances for USO troops in the 1940s.
- The Rockettes became a cultural icon, notably participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade starting in 1957.
- Radio City Music Hall faced demolition threats in the 1970s due to declining attendance.
- John Belushi and the Rockettes successfully advocated for the Hall's preservation, securing its landmark designation.
- The Rockettes, gaining unionized rights, broadened their reach with road performances in places like Tahoe and Las Vegas.
- Sammy Davis Jr. became a notable fan, even joining the Rockettes on stage for a dance number in Las Vegas.
- Despite landmark status, Radio City Music Hall faced financial struggles into the 1980s, while maintaining performances like the Christmas Spectacular.
- All Rockettes receive the same pay and work hours regardless of tenure, embodying a unified group identity.
- They are unionized and can earn approximately $40,000 in a few months during the holiday season.
- Becoming a Rockette is highly selective, with only 60 out of 1,000 applicants typically making the cut due to rigorous physical demands.
- Dancers must perform up to 1,200 high kicks daily, including 300 kicks per show, and manage costume changes in as little as 78 seconds.
- The organization maintains an 80-dancer roster, with 36 performing on stage at a time and four 'swing' dancers available per show to cover injuries.
- Rockettes must re-audition annually, with rehearsals starting in September for six weeks, six days a week, leading into the November-December performance season.
- Although the $40,000 seasonal contract averages $135 per show, overtime for multiple performances and union benefits can lead to higher overall earnings than many Broadway performers.
- Dancers often pursue other work, such as Pilates instruction or nutrition, during the off-season.