The Radio City Rockettes are a popular dance troupe based in New York City. The troupe is world-famous for its high-kicking precise routines. An article on the National Dance Week website describes the troupe as a national treasure. Few would argue with that declaration, considering the troupe’s illustrious history and list of accomplishments.

Origin
The Radio City Rockettes formed in 1925 under the leadership of Russell Markert and with the name the Missouri Rockets. They performed in St. Louis until well-known showman S.L. Rothafel took them to New York City. Rothafel’s nickname was Roxy, and he renamed the troupe the Roxyettes. The Roxyettes found instant success after performing at Radio City Music Hall’s opening night in 1932. They were renamed the Radio City Rockettes, and became featured performers at the venue.

Features
Markert staged and choreographed Rockettes routines until he retired in 1971 and always insisted on total precision. The dancers had to dress, look and move exactly alike, and all of them had to kick at least 6 inches higher than their heads. All of the 36 dancers are supposed to appear as one unit, moving in perfect unison. Markert even thought of a way to make all the dancers look the same height. The illusion is achieved by putting the tallest dancers in the middle. Gradually, the line of dancers decreases in height with the shortest women on both ends.

The Facts
According to the Radio City Rockettes website in 2010, more than 3,000 women have performed as Rockettes since 1925. Thousands of women audition each year to earn a coveted spot within the Rockettes. Spots are limited, as there are always only 36 women in the group.

Requirements
The strict requirements set by Markert are still followed as of 2010. According to the Radio City website, Rockettes must be at least 18-years old. Dancers shorter than 5 feet, 5 1/2 inches tall or taller than 5-foot-10 1/2 need not apply. Skill in jazz, tap, ballet and modern dance is a necessity.

Significance
The Radio City Rockettes have performed all over the world. They have performed on USO Tours, Super Bowl halftime shows, and Macy’s famous Thanksgiving day parade. Their most famous performance is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular which draws more than 2 million people a year. The Christmas show was restricted to New York until it went on a nationwide tour in 1994. A regular Christmas show also ran for 10 years in Branson, Missouri.