Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Rockettes Raise Curtain (and Legs) for 75th Year
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 29, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 29, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The tree is lit, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is another tradition back for a 75th season. The well-seasoned Rockettes steal the show from Santa every year, and have quite a history -- they were originally called The Roxyettes and originated in...Missouri:
The group was started by Russell Markert in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri as the "Missouri Rockets". In 1927, Samuel Roxy Rothafel discovered them and brought them to New York City. They in many ways took over what the Ziegfeld Follies had been before Flo Ziegfeld's death. Their NYC debut was in Rothafel's own Roxy Theater on 50th and 7th, and under the name "Roxyettes". Rothafel moved them to their current stead, opening of the Radio City Music Hall on December 27, 1932.
Not all their history is good, however -- did you know that the troupe didn't allow African-Americans into the dance line until 1987, saying it would only distract from their symmetrical and consistent look? 1987! The Times reports on other changes that have taken place over the years, with this year's show getting "modernized choreography and high-tech backdrops." One of those backdrops is a detailed "tour of NYC" that the Rockettes go on while on a double-decker Grayline bus. But the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" routine is still around and kicking...or falling.
For the first time, NBC is broadcasting a one-special of the Christmas Spectacular this Friday at 8PM. Don Hewitt, the retired 60 Minutes creator, is producing.
Photos via cdsevents's flickr and Tien Mao.
Tagged
4/20
60 minutes
Arts and Events
bus
christmas
christmas spectacular
city
dance
death
event
history
holidays
Music
Music Hall
nbc
new york
new york city
nyc
parade
photos
radio
radio city
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
radio city music hall
radiocitychristmasspectacular
rockets
santa
st. louis
the times
theater
Tien Mao
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
An excellent and diverse month of concerts are in store for October.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Oct 2, 2026
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
October is spooky season at the movies in New York City
By
Emma Stefansky
At the Museum at FIT, an argument for dolls as the ultimate fashion influencers
By
Quinn Moreland
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .