A Deep Dive Into the Radio City Rockettes — and How to Audition to Become One

The Radio City Rockettes are a legendary precision dance company known for their high-kicking, perfectly synchronized routines, and timeless glamour. Established in 1925 in St. Louis, the troupe moved to New York City's Radio City Music Hall in 1932, where they've headlined the annual Christmas Spectacular since 1933. Beyond the holiday season, the Rockettes have graced high-profile events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a presidential inauguration, and the 1988 Super Bowl halftime show.

Running from November to January, the Christmas Spectacular is when the legendary dance company shines. The Rockettes' hallmark "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" routine remains one of the show's most beloved segments since they first performed it nearly a century ago. The routine features dancers moving with military precision, culminating in a dramatic domino fall that consistently has audiences gasping in awe.

Becoming a Rockette is no small feat. The Rockettes' performances are defined by unparalleled precision, and their signature eye-high kicks and perfectly synchronized routines require hours of rehearsal and teamwork. Auditions are famously rigorous — dancers must perform in perfect unison and work well with others to create a spectacular big picture. This dedication sets the Rockettes apart, making them one of the most recognizable dance troupes in the world.

"The whole audition process was a shock to me the first time because I didn't know what I was getting into," Rockette Jacie Scott told Backstage. "The Rockettes make what they do look easy, and it's not easy at all. I got a taste of that in the audition process. Learning four eight-counts that they give you in the audition process looks graceful and placed, but it takes a lot to execute it the way you're supposed to..."

"Not only are you doing the choreography, you're also having to make sure you're in the right spot," Scott continued. "You might have to travel three feet to the right and four feet forward while you're doing this movement but also stay in line with the person next to you. There's a lot more that goes into making a pretty picture than what a lot of people believe."

Dancers must be between 5'5″ and 5'10 ½ tall, with measurements taken in stocking feet, according to Broadway World. All performers must be 18 years of age to be considered for casting. If dancers are under 18 at the time of the audition, they'll need a guardian to accompany them. And, of course, strong dancing abilities are encouraged if you have any serious intentions of joining the kick line.

"[Rockette hopefuls] can expect to do jazz, tap, and kick combinations," Keeler told Backstage. "I'm very interactive; I walk through the room as they're learning combinations and give notes. If I give a note and I don't see it applied, that tells me a lot about their work ethic. A takeaway from the process is that they've learned how to work in a different way than they've worked before. I treat it more like a class than an audition, and I try to get a sense of them as individuals."

Auditions are held in the spring at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020). Once the auditionee has arrived, all exits are final, so allocate one to three hours from the call time for the audition. For updates about future open call opportunities, visit www.rockettes.com to learn more.

"Be yourself. I will pick up on a lack of sincerity," Keeler cautioned aspiring Rockettes. "Don't overdo it because you think that's what you have to do. Be who you are and show me your true self in the room because that's the person I'll end up working with. These women are never just being cheesy or overdoing it. Their performance is real, and that helps them connect to the audience."