How the Radio City Rockettes Have Evolved Over 100 Years: Insights from the Iconic Dance Troupe

Radio City Rockettes.
Credit:

Doug Gifford/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• The Radio City Rockettes have evolved over their century-long history.
• Two members discuss the significant ways the iconic dance troupe has changed in the past 100 years.
• “But we’re constantly making upgrades and changes to our choreography, and I think it continues to show how versatile of dancers we are,” says Rockette Danielle Betscher, who is in her 13th season.

The Radio City Rockettes stand as one of the most recognizable precision dance troupes in the world. Celebrating a century of performance, these talented women have entertained audiences with their signature high kicks and cheerful smiles.

Since their founding in 1925, the Rockettes have continuously adapted, updating their productions and member demographics to better reflect the times. In an interview, several members detailed the evolution of the dance company as they approach their centennial anniversary.

Originating in St. Louis as the “Missouri Rockets,” the troupe was initially led by choreographer Russell Markert. In 1932, they relocated to their current home at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall and soon after debuted their first Christmas Spectacular, a holiday tradition still in performance today.

Radio City Rockettes.

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The original Christmas Spectacular featured the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which remains a mainstay of the performance nearly a century later. “It’s such a classic moment of the show,” notes Betscher, who is now in her 13th season. “You know that you’re doing the same choreography that every Rockette in history has done.”

Betscher added, “But we’re constantly making upgrades and changes to our choreography, and I think it continues to show how versatile of dancers we are. A hundred years is a long time, and I think it’s just a testament to how we honor the tradition of the past, but also stay relevant with the future.”

In 1957, the Rockettes made a significant splash by debuting in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, further solidifying their iconic status in American culture.

Radio City Music Hall has also seen numerous renovations since the Rockettes first graced its stage. Notably, in 1997, a major renovation cost $70 million, which included the installation of thousands of new seats and an opulent silk curtain, alongside a complete ceiling treatment.

This year, Radio City unveiled a new surround sound system featuring 7,000 speakers, enhancing the performance experience. “My first few years, we didn’t have that, so it’s really cool to see new technology and that we’re constantly working to make the show new and improved,” said Rockette Courtney Crain, now in her fifth season.

Radio City Rockettes.

Ben Hider/Getty

Since its inception, the Rockettes have also strived to diversify their ranks. In 1987, the troupe welcomed its first Black dancer. More recently, in 2022, Sydney Mesher made history as the first visibly disabled person to join the company.

“Now, more than ever, the line is such a beautiful representation of 84 strong, unique women,” Betscher remarked. “It was that way when I first joined, but it only continues to grow in that trend.”