The Rockettes were founded in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri by Russell Markert as a precision dance troupe inspired by other dance groups of the time. They perform in Radio City Music Hall in elaborate choreographed routines. To be a Rockette, dancers must be between 5'6" and 5'10 1/2" tall and proficient in jazz and tap. The Rockettes have become famous for their Christmas shows at Radio City, performing up to 5 shows a day for over 75 years, as well as other high-profile events on television and at inaugurations.

1. The Rockettes

2. The goal of this presentation is to inform you about the amazing Rockettes.

3. How It Began Founded by Russell Markert in St. Louis, MI Starting in 1925, they were the “Missouri Rockettes” Inspired by the John Tiller Girls of 1922

5. Markert wanted the look of “one continuous dancer”, which is why all the costumes are identical and the performers move in precise formation. There are always 36 dancers. The illusion of height is maintained by placing the tallest dancers in the middle of the kick line and the shortest dancers on the ends.

6. “ If I ever got a chance to get a group of American girls who would be taller and have longer legs and could do really complicated tap routines and eye-high kicks... they'd knock your socks off!" -Russell Markert

7. THE RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL With America struggling to climb out of the Great Depression, Rockefeller, and a couple friends, wanted to give the American people a place to escape into the wonders of fantastic live NYC shows– In 1999 restoration to the old building brought new life into the stunning architecture and prompted a renewed commitment to hosting quality performances

9. To be a Rockette, you must be between 5'6" and 5'10 1/2" tall and at least 18 years of age. Rockette candidates must be proficient in jazz and tap. THE ROCKETTES They must also display a radiant energy that will shine across the footlights to their audience.

10. Each Spring 400 lucky finalist compete to win a spot to be a world renowned ROCKETTE.

11. Since 1932, only around 3,000 dancers have worn the tap shoes of a Rockette.

13. During the Christmas season, the Rockettes have performed 5 shows a day, 7 days a week, for the past 75 years. Over 157,500 shows during the Christmas season so far!

15. These performers have become known as ambassadors to Radio City Music Hall , but have also participated in Super Bowl Halftime appearances and the 2001 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony , performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to numerous appearances on The Today Show , Good Morning America, The Late Show With David Letterman , Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno , the Rockettes have done it all.

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