The Rockettes are celebrated for their annual performance in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, but the Rockettes remain busy the rest of the year supporting a variety of experiences. The Rockettes make appearances throughout the United States and around the world, most notably on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show, The View, The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
They also do various industrial and trade show performances, charitable events and sporting events. Additionally, many of the Rockettes are active in charity work, granting wishes for the Make A Wish Foundation and working with Gilda’s Club, among others.
In the summertime, the Rockettes join the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center for their Annual Spring Gala. During the rest of the year, many of the Rockettes continue to hone their skills and maintain their agility and flexibility by taking dance classes and rehearsing.
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Do the Rockettes do anything other than Christmas?
Yes, the Rockettes do many things other than Christmas. The iconic dance group performs at a variety of events and venues throughout the year, including live performances on specific stages, tours, and special appearances.
In addition to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for the holiday season, the Rockettes perform in iconic live shows such as the New York Spring Spectacular and the New York Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.
The Rockettes also appear in a variety of TV productions and music videos, as well as commercials and other film/video projects. In fact, the 2019 Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show featured the Rockettes as part of Maroon 5’s performance.
Additionally, the Rockettes perform for charity galas and exclusive events for select organizations.
Do the Rockettes have to re-audition every year?
Yes, the Rockettes are required to re-audition every year. The audition process begins in the spring and lasts several weeks as they search for up to 72 dancers to join the Rockettes each year. All dancers must have at least three years of professional dance experience and strong ballet technique.
After a series of rigorous auditions and cuts, the selected dancers attend an intensive rehearsal period before beginning the show. This ensures that each Rockette is able to maintain the high quality of dancing that the audience AND the competition expects.
Over the course of the season, the Rockettes practice regularly to ensure their performance remains fresh each night. The annual auditions also make sure that the dancers stay as sharp and up to date as possible by learning new choreography each year.
What months do the Rockettes perform?
The Rockettes are one of New York City’s most beloved dance troupes and perform annually at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. The exact months they perform depends upon the year, though generally they can be seen from November-January of each year.
The troupe typically performs from Thanksgiving Day until the end of the year, with a limited number of appearances beginning in November and leading up to the first week of January. During this time, the Rockettes dazzle audiences with their intricate routines, heartwarming holiday shows, and of course the iconic high-kicking that they are so well known for.
Special performances are also held year-round for special events, ranging from birthday parties to corporate events and private engagements. No matter the time of year, seeing a performance by the legendary Rockettes is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
How long is a Rockette season?
Broadway’s world famous Radio City Rockettes perform year-round at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City. However, the Rockettes’ official performance season usually starts in late summer or early fall and ends mid-July, followed by a three-week summer hiatus.
Rockettes can also be seen in regional productions throughout the U. S. , with performances at places like the Grand Ole Opry and The Palace in Nashville, Tennessee and The Fabulous Fox in St. Louis, Missouri.
Other touring engagements include the Rockettes in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, several performances over the Christmas holiday season and the annual Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes season usually covers a nine-month period from September (sometimes August) through the end of May.
This schedule ensures that the Rockettes are able to perform with the most energy and enthusiasm possible. During the summer months of June through August, the Rockettes take a break to recharge and prepare for the upcoming season.
How many years can you be a Rockette?
The Rockettes are a group of high-kicking dancers who have been performing at Radio City Music Hall since 1932. While there is no definitive answer to this question, most Rockettes will dance with the company for at least two consecutive years.
The troupe typically consists of a cast of 36 performers, so availability is the key factor in determining how long a Rockette will stay with the company.
In terms of performing, the Rockettes usually do six shows a week and rehearse up to 18 hours a week. This intense schedule can be a challenge to juggle with other commitments, making it difficult for dancers to stay on longer than three years.
That being said, it is not uncommon for some Rockettes to stay with the famed dance company for upwards of 10 years, despite the demanding schedule. It all depends on what the dancer is willing to put in and the level of commitment to the company.
Being a Rockette is a dream for many professional and aspiring dancers, so the fact that some dancers stay with the company for more than 10 years is a testament to their dedication and talent.
Can a boy be a Rockette?
No, a boy cannot be a Rockette. The Rockettes are a group of female dancers who have been performing in the Radio City Music Hall in New York City since 1933. The group is known for their high-energy precision, synchronized dance numbers and intricate choreography.
They have toured all around the world and continue to perform every year at Radio City Music Hall. Being a Rockette is an incredible honor, and requires the highest level of talent, skill, and determination so the group is only comprised of women.
How old is the oldest Rockette still performing?
The oldest Rockette still performing is veteran dancer, Sarah Schaffer, who is currently 83 years old. She first joined the Rockettes in 1954 when she was 24, making 2020 her 66th year as a performer.
Sarah is an iconic figure and a beloved member of the Rockettes community. She is one of the few remaining original Rockettes and has performed in hundreds of classic shows. Sarah is known for her enthusiasm, technical abilities and a level of energy that is remarkable for someone of her age.
She participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for 59 years, before making a special appearance in 2020. Sarah is widely considered to be a living legend and her dancers look to her for inspiration and guidance.
Do the Rockettes have a spring show?
Yes, the Rockettes have a spring show! Every year, the iconic Rockettes put on a dazzling show featuring their signature high-kicks and precision choreography. Titled “New York Spring Spectacular”, the stunning production will usually tell a story revolving around New York City history.
The show usually features a celebrity guest star and Broadway-caliber sets, costumes and music. The show is currently running at Radio City Music Hall and is open to the public until early June.
Is a Rockette a year-round job?
No, being a Rockette is not a year-round job. The Rockettes are a professional show group who, up until 2020, performed their iconic shows at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Rockettes usually perform from November through early January, with an additional summer season included during the months of June and July.
Because the shows are only carried out over a specific period of time, Rockettes are not full-time employees and have to look for other opportunities to seek employment during the rest of the year. However, during their performances, the dedication and hard work of the Rockettes are unmatched, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the lucky audience that catches the show.
What is the shortest Rockette?
The average height for a Rockette is 5’6″, but the shortest Rockette is actually 4’11”. This professional dancer is a secret weapon for the iconic show and manages to get into the tiniest of spaces to recreate the classic streetcorner chorus line look.
This dynamic individual is an important part of the show and has managed to prove that height really isn’t a barrier in performance.
The trick for the shortest Rockette is to stand in the center of the line and wear heels for performances, allowing her to be at the same level as the other dancers. With over 120 years of performance history, the Rockettes have been an integral part of the holiday season in New York City, and the smallest Rockette supports the rest of the group with dedication, enthusiasm and skill.
How many Rockettes are there each year?
The number of Rockettes in the company changes each year. There are 36 dancers and 12 alternates in the full-time company of Rockettes. These 48 women then fill 12 principal positions and 144 corps positions.
Additionally, the Rockettes employ up to 18 understudies to serve as replacements in the event of injury or illness. All members of the Rockettes, including soloists, principals, and understudies, are counted among the ranks of the Rockettes and change each year.
What is the average salary of a Radio City Rockette?
The average salary for a Radio City Rockette varies depending on experience and the current production. According to the 2020 Radio City Rockettes salary guide, an experienced Rockette can earn an average of between $1,400 and $1,600 per week (based on a 40-hour work week).
This means that an experienced Rockette can make an average of $72,800 to $83,200 per year. It is important to note that a Radio City Rockettes’ salary also varies based on their level of seniority. Most newcomers or beginners can expect to make between $1200 and $1500 per week while more senior Rockettes can command up to $1600.
Part-time Rockettes can expect to make between $700 and $1000 per week, while summer Rockettes usually make between $850 and $1050. You can also expect to make more if you are a soloist or in a group.
In addition to their base salary, Rockettes may receive additional pay for overtime, rehearsals, and certain holidays. Finally, Rockettes may also potentially receive travel reimbursement for their shows.
How long is the average career of a Rockette?
The average career for a Rockette is typically 4 to 5 years. Many of the Rockette dancers begin their tenure with the Radio City Rockettes at 18 year of age and may stay active until their late twenties or early thirties.
However, the Rockettes are a highly competitive company to be a part of, with over 300 applicants auditioning each year for just 80 places! Therefore, some Rockettes may choose to stay on longer in order to stay competitive.
