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Rockettes Celebrate 100 Years of Precision Dance and Americana
14 Nov
Summary
- Rockettes founded in 1925, originally called Rockets and Roxy-ettes
- Rockettes have been part of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1957
- Rockettes known for "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" in Christmas Spectacular
As of November 14th, 2025, the Rockettes, a renowned dance troupe, are celebrating their 100th anniversary. The Rockettes were first founded in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri, by Russell Markert, who developed the precision dance choreography that the group is known for. Originally called the Rockets, the troupe later became the Rockettes and made their way to New York City in 1932, joining the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall the following year.
The Rockettes' iconic "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" routine has been a part of the Christmas Spectacular since its inception in 1933 and continues to be a beloved tradition. Over the years, the Rockettes have also become intertwined with American culture, participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1957 and partnering with the USO during World War II and the 2000s.
As the Rockettes celebrate their centennial, the dance company remains a symbol of precision, strength, and unity, with women coming together on stage to perform as one. The annual Christmas Spectacular continues to be a magical tradition, drawing families back year after year to create shared memories across generations.
