The Rockettes’ annual show at Radio City Music Hall is full of breathtaking choreography and performances that leave visitors of all ages in awe. New York City is a special place during the holidays, and there’s no better way to get in the spirit. The Rockettes are a theatrical group that has been putting on performances for nearly a century. This classic Christmas production offers tap dancing, singing, a flying Santa Claus, and, of course, the famous synchronized dancing of the Rockettes. The 2023 production of The Christmas Spectacular debuted Nov. 17 and played through Jan. 4, 2024. The Rockettes performed 4 to 5 shows a day, each lasting about 90 minutes. Ticket prices started at $49 but varied depending on the time, date, and location of the seats.
Each year, the Rockettes perform classic pieces that audience members adore, such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “Living Nativity,” which have barely changed since 1933. New performances like the “Dance of the Frost Fairies” keep the show surprising and lively while turning the Great Stage into a winter wonderland. This number features the Rockettes dressed as colorful winged fairies alongside fairy drones that dance above the audience. Some other numbers included in the show are “The 12 Days of Christmas”, “Rag Dolls,” and “New York at Christmas.” Microphones, props, and projectors using advanced digital mapping technology allow shows to be truly engaging and surreal. Not only are kids welcome to attend, the show is designed for them to enjoy. Mrs. Pulsfort, a Pennridge teacher interested in theatre, described the show as “magical.” She said, “Watching my kids’ reaction during Santa’s appearance was the best part.”
The iconic dance group, now known as the Rockettes, was founded in 1925 by Russel Market. These performers have been dazzling and dancing for over 70 million people since their first show in 1933. Since then, nearly 3,000 women have performed as Rockettes. There are over 80 unique and talented women who currently call themselves Rockettes. There are 40 in each cast, while only 36 perform on stage at a time. This allows there to be four dancers in each cast who can fill in if needed. To put on the perfect show, these women rehearse six hours a day, six days a week, for six weeks. Aside from this commitment, many Rockettes are college students, mothers, nurses, teachers, trainers, and more.
The dedication from all 150 cast members, including the Rockettes, ice skaters, Santa Claus, aerialists, and additional singers and dancers, makes for an immersive show. Shelley Rhodes, an admirer of the Rockettes, attended the Christmas Spectacular in 2019. She said, “I don’t know how they do it. All the special effects are mesmerizing and perfect for the holidays.” Radio City Music Hall is only 5 minutes away from Rockefeller Center and three minutes from Time Square. With the precision and grace of the world-famous Rockettes, the Christmas Spectacular is a deeply cherished tradition of the holiday season.
