A century of high kicks and holiday cheer! The Radio City Rockettes recently marked their 100th anniversary with a special street renaming ceremony in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Imagine, a whole century of dazzling performances, iconic costumes, and the unwavering spirit of Christmas – it's truly a remarkable legacy!
On a festive Friday, Sixth Avenue was transformed as it was temporarily closed for a momentous occasion. A double-decker bus, packed with current and former Rockettes, played a key role in unveiling the newly christened street sign: "Rockettes Way."
"Stopping traffic in New York City is amazing," exclaimed Jessica Tuttle, Senior Vice President of MSG Entertainment, highlighting the significance of the event. She added, "We were able to rename Avenue of the Americas, Sixth Avenue, to Rockettes Way to celebrate [their] 100th anniversary."
A Glimpse into the Rockettes' History
The Rockettes' story began in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri, before they made their way to New York City in 1932. For a hundred years, these talented dancers have graced the stage, undeterred by wars, economic downturns, and countless holiday seasons, always keeping the Christmas spirit alive.
Former Rockette Naomi Kakuk shared a fascinating perspective, stating, "[It was] revolutionary that women, well, A, could show their ankles, and B, like, kick together. It was just a brand new idea." This highlights the groundbreaking nature of the Rockettes, who challenged societal norms with their synchronized precision and bold style. The dancers are celebrated for their precision, discipline, and dazzling performances.
But here's where it gets controversial... Over the decades, the costumes have also evolved dramatically, moving from full-length skirts to more modern, sparkling designs. Kakuk further emphasized their cultural impact, saying, "It is iconic to this country, especially to the city and to Christmas, really."
What's New for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular?
To commemorate this milestone, the 2025 show is packed with exciting surprises, including a cutting-edge sound system modeled after the one used inside the Las Vegas Sphere. Current Rockette Laura Jakowenko shared, "We have live mics in our tap shoes. You're going to hear crystal clear tap steps, notes, every single instrument, no matter where you're sitting in the house. There are 7,000 speakers." Jakowenko, who has been dancing with the group for 12 years and has performed in thousands of shows, added, "We do up to four shows a day, so we are kicking a lot, but you know, this is what we train all year for."
Rockettes Way now stands as a permanent tribute to this iconic company, perfectly timed with the kickoff of the 2025 Christmas Spectacular – a celebration of a century of high kicks and holiday magic. The show opened on Thursday and will run through January 5th.
What do you think? Are you a fan of the Rockettes? What's your favorite memory of their performances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
