New York City is arguably the most iconic place in the world, and it holds a different meaning for everyone. NYC if full of life all year round, but during the holidays, festivities are a glow from street to street. The Big Apple offers plenty of things to do with crisp cheer in the air, yet one of the most famous staples of the Christmas holiday in NYC remains The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

According to the American Dance/ Drill Team website, the Rockettes originated in Missouri in 1925. Created by Russell Markert, the dancers first stepped into spotlight under the stage name of The Missouri Rockettes. The British dancers, the John Tiller Girls in the Ziegfeld Follies (1922) performance implanted Markert’s idea of a modernized, American show.

Markert envisioned tall, American women performing complicated tap movements and eye high kicks. He believed that this performance would surely knock the socks off of the audience members.

On December 27, 1932, the first official performance of the Radio City Rockettes definitely knocked the socks off of the members in the audience. They were a part of a medley of seventeen acts, and they were an instant hit. From that point forward, the success that followed the Rockettes has still made it here today.

Over the years, the practically identical dancers have changed with the times, and modernized their shows to better suite the 21st century world. Yet the magic that follows each and every synchronized technique still leaves the crowd in awe.

Furthermore, the requirements to become a Rockette have also changed over the years. According to radiocity.com, all Rockettes must be between 5’6″ and 5’10 ½” tall. They must be proficient in ballet, tap, modern and jazz dance, and must be 18 years or older to audition.

Moreover, the Radio City Rockettes try to be uniform in every aspect. From the height and overall shape of their performers, to the color of their skin. For over fifty years, the Rockettes were required to be Caucasian. According to Wikipedia, in 1987 the Rockettes hired the first African American dancer. Jennifer Jones, changed the requirements of being a Rockette and established diversity in her debut show in 1988.

The show has changed over years in the respects of diversity, modernization, and new skits. Technology plays a huge part in overall aspect of the show. Such as lights, and visual effects like digital backgrounds of NYC, and Santa’s Workshop. Moreover, only two scenes have remained the same since their debut in 1933. The “Parade of Wooden Soldiers”, and the “Living Nativity” practically remain untouched. Lastly, the show originally ran for about thirty minutes. Today, the show is an hour and a half long.

Nearly every year my family and I visit NYC to see The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It’s a tradition that my family has grown to love, and its memories that are not easily forgotten. Although the show is what brings us to NYC, it’s not the only highlight of our time there. The Radio City Music Hall is in a prime location in the city, and is in close proximity to Rockefeller Center, where during the holidays a massive Christmas tree is showcased for spectators to see.

Since 1932, over 3000 girls have been a part of the world renowned Rockettes. Each year, the brilliant dancers inspire girls of all ages and races to dream of one day being a part of such a magical performance. The magic of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular draws in spectators from around the globe, and the national treasure is something that people of all ages hold near to their hearts.