The Radio City Rockettes are celebrating their centennial in 2025, and the iconic precision dance company is gearing up for some unforgettable performances to mark a century of razzle-dazzle at Radio City Music Hall and beyond.
Established in St. Louis in 1925, the Rockettes have become a household name across America, known especially for their distinct precision dance technique.
According to Jessica Tuttle, executive vice president of productions for Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., which oversees the Rockettes, the team decided to launch the festivities during women’s history month in honor of the hardworking women who’s legacies continue to awe crowds.
“Over the last century, the Rockettes have entertained hundreds of millions of people with their unparalleled athleticism, grace, and unity,” Tuttle said. “This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Rockettes and honor the rich history of these trailblazing women who are part of a unique sisterhood. As we look to the future, we commit to the continued evolution of the line and to inspiring generations of women to follow their dreams.”
To mark this milestone, the organization has announced plans for extensive dancer development programming, including open call auditions set for April 2025 at Radio City Music Hall. This initiative provides aspiring dancers with an opportunity to secure coveted positions either with the famed Rockettes line for the Christmas Spectacular or to participate in the company’s no-fee dancer development program.
In a bid to enhance inclusivity within their ranks and foster the growth of future dancers, the team will introduce “Rockettes Preparatory” this summer, a new program complementing the pre-existing Rockettes Conservatory which offers tailored curricula.
“The goal of the Rockettes dancer development program is to provide opportunities for more dancers to receive the unique training needed to learn the Rockettes Precision Dance Technique,” Tuttle said. “We want the dance company to continue to evolve by attracting the best dancers from all backgrounds.”
The new program establishes a multi-tier pipeline which will help young dancers make their performative dream comes true. Importantly, the program is designed to break down barriers—there is no fee for participants, and transport, lodging, and meals are provided during the sessions.
Over the past five years, more than 500 dancers have benefited from the development programming, with an impressive 59 alumni progressing to join the ranks of the Rockettes.
Alongside the newly introduced programs, the dance company also unveils “Rockettes Legacy”, an initiative created to celebrate the contributions and stories of all women who have danced on the line, whether it be for one year or two decades.
“Rockettes Legacy serves as a centralized, inclusive community for all former Rockettes to enjoy their shared experiences,” Tuttle said. “We recently witnessed a heartwarming reunion of former Rockettes as they united with current members on the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall to celebrate our 100th anniversary.”
This year also marks the centenary of the dancers’ relocation to New York City, where they debuted at their iconic residence, Radio City Music Hall, in 1932. Since then, the performers have become a hallmark of the American performing arts landscape, bringing timeless renditions like the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” to audiences year after year during the Christmas Spectacular.
From Broadway-style extravaganzas to social media content, the Rockettes express versatility in their performances. Today, they boast a social media fandom of over 5.5 million followers, connecting with fans across platforms and often collaborating with big names like Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez.
For more information about upcoming audition details, Rockettes Legacy, and anniversary celebrations, visit the official website, rockettes.com/rockettes-100. Dancers aiming for the Rockettes line must be 18 years or older and register for auditions online.
