Dance group " Rockets » - The rockettes

Did you know that December in New York City has long been associated with a dance troupe called the Rockettes? The Rockettes were the first precision dance troupe in America. They were founded in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to New York City in 1932. Since then they have been the stars of New York's Radio City Music Hall, the legendary performance stage in Manhattan. The 36-member troupe is known for the absolute precision of their dancing. The founder of the Rockettes said that his goal was for the Rockettes to move as one person. To accomplish this, there are strict height requirements for the dancers and their costumes are always identical. When dancing in lines, the tallest dancers are placed in the center with the shortest girls on either end to maintain the illusion that all the dancers are exactly the same height. The Rockettes are most famous for their kick line, which traditionally ends every performance. The kick line involves the entire dance troupe standing in a line with their arms linked, kicking their legs in rapid succession and perfect unison. They always receive a standing ovation for this feat! Their most famous performance happens in December of each year during the holiday season during a show called the "Radio City Spectacular." This show is seen by more than 2.1 million people every year, and travels to other cities in the U.S. The show is as much a part of the Christmas season in the U.S. as the ballet "The Nutcracker." The Rockettes' most famous dance during this holiday spectacle is called the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. It was choreographed in 1933 yet remains a crowd favorite 80 years later. In this dance, the Rockettes are dressed up like wooden toy soldiers. During the holiday season, the Rockettes perform five shows a day, seven days a week. They change costumes up to eight times during a single show. To be a Rockette, you must not only meet a height requirement but also be proficient in multiple styles of dance, since their precision dancing is a mix of classic ballet, modern dance, tap, and jazz. During the year, the Rockettes perform various original shows in New York and as a traveling dance troupe. They also are involved in charity work and offer dance classes to young students.