Final Expert Article

Can You Join the Ranks? 

The Inside Scoop of Becoming a Radio City Rockette

Ah, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! It's like the ultimate symbol of holiday traditions in the Big Apple, bringing in crowds as vast as the glittering lights on the Rockefeller tree. With over 69 million visitors since its debut in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers (Jason). 80+ incredibly talented dancers train and rehearse rigorously to put on a Christmas show of a lifetime. As a dancer myself, I have always dreamed of becoming a Rockette since the age of four, but with how challenging and competitive it is to make it to Radio City Music Hall I should have started training the day I exited the womb! So, how exactly hard is it to become one of these notorious Rockettes?

Hop aboard Santa’s sleigh and grab your jingle bells because you are about to learn everything about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Rockettes!

Phase 1: The Prerequisites 

Triple Threat

So you think you got what it takes to be up there on the big stage? Let’s break it down for ya. To even be a force to be reckoned with, you’ve gotta be a triple threat, skilled in jazz, tap, and ballet (Giannotta). We're talking about tap routines so polished they shine like the Rockettes' dresses, pirouettes so flawless they'd make a ballerina envious, and kicks so high they could wack you in the head. Hold onto your sleigh reins, because here is the most important part: the Rockettes expect nothing less than excellence. It's as if they've raised the bar to something that it is almost unattainable. There is absolutely no room for mistakes – that’s what makes the Christmas Spectacular Rockettes really that spectacular. 

Too Short? Too Tall? Hit The Road Buddy!

Ok, so let’s say you are a triple threat… Are you between the heights of 5’5” and 5’10” ½? If not, I'm sorry to inform you that you will not be able to become a Radio City Hall Rockette (Spectrum New). Uniformity is imperative in creating a visually stunning illusion of their signature high-kick routines. Maintaining a consistent height enhances the synchronized movements of the dancers. There is no leeway for this height requirement because it is crucial to the caliber and effectiveness of their performances. 

Age, Diversity, and Everything Else

In order to be eligible to audition you must be a female who is 18 years of age or older, and if your birthday falls after September 15th you can only audition if your guardian signs a consent form (The Rockettes). While there are male dancers who perform in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Rockettes are exclusively female (I wonder if this will ever change down the line?). What has changed over the years is the efforts to make the Rockette kickline more diverse. In 1988, Jennifer Jones, also referred to as the “Rockettes’ Jackie Robinson”, shattered the 63-year color barrier and changed the course of representation and diversity in Rockette history. While her arrival was met with immediate pushback, the Rockettes knew they needed to move away from the realm of only white dancers and include more diverse performers. Though the Rockettes still face backlash for their lack of diversity they are actively trying to flip the script, especially during their summer intensive dance training camp that aims to help prospective Rockettes before audition day comes around. The Rockettes have actively been recruiting at historical black Colleges and dance conservatories and have also removed any financial hurdles – like transportation, meals, and housing – while attending this summer intensive program (Kramer).

Phase 2: Navigating the Audition Frenzy

More Than One Day of Auditions?

Yes, that’s right, there is more than one day of auditions, there are three days of the long auditioning process. On the first day, all auditionees learn a short combination from the actual Christmas Spectacular showcase. Dancers are all placed in one room while current Rockettes and Choreographers walk around and give feedback. Being receptive to feedback is a big indicator of a dancer's ability to refine their skills and pay attention to the specifics. The first day is just a learning day so there is not too much pressure, but just know they are still watching and keeping notes… On the second day of auditions, dancers are split into five groups as they learn many different combinations in many different styles (Giannotta). Former Rockette Heather Langham stated, “They’ll teach you a basic kick and turn combo, then they do a cut in the first round. From there, those who made it will learn jazz, then another cut. Then they’ll teach more of the jazz combo, then a tap combo and then if you made it that far, you’ll come back for the callback round on day three.”                                                                                            

What They Really Want to See

Ok, maybe what the directors and choreographers really look for during these auditions isn’t disclosed on the internet, but according to Dance Magazine this is what they want to see:

1. Listen to details 

Being a Rockette means you are sharp and precise with your movements. While a lot of dance is about adding your own pizzazz and flavor, it is especially crucial to the Rockette brand to mimic the choreography exactly. This might mean that your arm must be a certain height above your head or your head must be tilted at a certain angle or you won’t look in uniform with the other dancers around you. If you aren’t attentive to these small details, you WILL be cut. 

2. Confidence 

When you walk into the audition room, you must be confident in yourself and your dancing abilities because let's face it, shyness will only hinder your performance and prevent you from attaining your dream of becoming a Rockette. To feel more confident in yourself, be sure to warm up your body, especially those hamstrings because you know you will be doing a lot of high kicks. Also, make sure to feel comfortable in what you are wearing. The safest option is to wear a leotard, tan or black tights and character shoes–with classic red lipstick. Confidence is key!

3. Stamina 

During the auditions, the directors and choreographers look to see if you can keep up. Former Rockette Keeler said, “You need to be conditioned as an athlete.” Maintaining stamina is essential to being a Rockette because they need to be able to perform intricate dance routines for 90 minutes without intermission. The Rockettes kick up to 650 times per day, 160 kicks per show, performing up to four shows a day (The Rockettes). For rockettes to maintain their energy levels and caliber of performance throughout the day, they require extraordinary stamina.

4. Focus 

With over 600 girls auditioning, things can get intimidating and therefore distract you from the main prize. You must remind yourself that you are talented and that you can do this. It can be tempting to compare yourself to the other dancers around you and become discouraged. Stay focused on the details of the movements and what is being asked of you. And most importantly remember to breathe.  

5. Personality 

Overlooked and forgotten, but your personality is what is going to make you stand out from the average dancer. But remember not to fake it, because they can tell the difference between a forced plastered smile and a sincere one; find the perfect happy medium. Because at the end of the day they want to hire someone who is not only a hardworking dancer but someone who absolutely loves dancing and is hungry for this opportunity. 

So You’ve Been Cut, Now What? 

Listen pal, don’t get your hopes down because you got cut. In 2022, more than 800 people auditioned with only 18 making the cut (Cooper). That means around 2% of dancers made it through to the finale. DON’T GIVE UP! According to Dance Magazine, “It’s not uncommon for Rockettes to audition multiple times before getting an offer.” You have to tell yourself that there may not have been room for someone your height this time around, or maybe you need to clean up on your tapping abilities. If you want this badly, you aren’t going to give up the first time around. 

But, let’s say you were somehow a part of that 2%...

Phase 3: You’re a Rockette!

Congratulations! As a Radio City Rockette you will rehearse for six hours a day, six days a week for six weeks before the show opens during the holiday season. You will have about a month to learn all 8 dance numbers in the show, and then two weeks of practice in the theater before it’s showtime baby! Thankfully, there is a morning and afternoon cast in the Christmas Spectacular so you won’t be dancing all day. You were chosen to be a part of the 80 total Rockettes, and you will be dancing alongside 35 incredible dancers (36 Rockettes on stage at a time, with four “swings”) (Parade). This is an astonishing accomplishment!

But don’t get too comfortable. Even if you become a Rockette, you will have to try out again each year (unless your contract states otherwise) (Giannotta). You are thrown back into the vast pool of talented auditionees and expected to perform exceptionally before being asked to return the following season.

So, do you have what it takes to become a Rockette?

Works Cited 

“10 Things You Don’t Know about the Rockettes.” The Rockettes, 2 Aug. 2022, www.rockettes.com/blog/10-things-you-dont-know-about-the-rockettes/. 

“2023 Rockette Auditions Presented by Rothman Orthopaedics.” The Rockettes, 25 Apr. 2023, www.rockettes.com/blog/2023-rockette-auditions/. 

Cooper, Diana. “The Radio City Rockettes: An Inside Look at Past + Present Dancers.” Hoboken Girl, 7 Dec. 2022, www.hobokengirl.com/radio-city-rockettes/#:~:text=Read%20More%3A%20The%20History%20of%20NYC%27s%20Holland%20Tunnel&text=The%20Hoboken%20Girl%20exclusively%20learned,a%20spot%20isn%27t%20guaranteed. 

“Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Rockette?” Spectrum News NY1, ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/04/19/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-a-rockette-#:~:text=Previously%2C%20dancers%20had%20to%20be,said%20dance%20captain%20Danelle%20Morgan.  Accessed 10 Feb. 2024.

Giannotta, Meghan. “How to Chase Your Dream of Becoming a Rockette: Nycurious.” amNewYork, 6 Nov. 2018, www.amny.com/entertainment/rockette-requirements-1-15649014/. 

Jason. “Celebrate the Season with the Radio City Rockettes®.” Leisure Group Travel, 14 Nov. 2023, leisuregrouptravel.com/radio-city-rockettes-in-new-york/#:~:text=Since%20its%20debut%20in%201933,to%20audiences%20of%20all%20ages.   

Kramer, Peter D. “Meet the Black Dancer Who Broke the Rockettes’ Color Barrier.” Jennifer Jones, First Black Rockette, Has Stories to Tell, New York State Team, 17 Nov. 2022, www.lohud.com/in-depth/news/2022/11/17/jennifer-jones-rockette-radio-city-music-hall/69616543007/. 

Kramer, Peter D. “Radio City Music Hall Rockettes Take Steps to Make Kickline Reflect Diversity.” The Journal News, New York State Team, 28 Mar. 2022, www.lohud.com/story/news/2022/03/25/rockettes-taking-steps-more-inclusive-kickline/7121746001/. 

Radio City Rockettes: Everything You Want to Know - Parade: ..., parade.com/entertainment/rockettes. Accessed 10 Feb. 2024.