by Bella Cannizzo
New York City is magical around Christmas time. Displays and decorations on every street corner create a magical, festive feeling. From the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to 5th avenue’s beautiful window displays, no city does it better than New York.
My aunt has always been obsessed with Christmas in the city. And especially, the Radio City Rockettes. About 10 years ago, my whole family on my father’s side went to see the Rockettes in early December to celebrate her 50th birthday. Let’s just say, that was not her first show. This year, my aunt is coming to see the show this weekend. And let’s just say, it will not be her last show. So what is so special about the Rockettes? What makes them iconic? Why are millions of people, including my aunt, fascinated by them for decades?
The Rockettes have been performing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular every holiday season since 1933. It is a popular tradition combining singing, dancing, and style. The first group of Rockettes was around 15 dancers, yet today there are about 30 dancers. Russell Markert, the Rockettes original choreographer, wanted to achieve precision and uniformity in the movement of the dancers. Today, a Rockette is between 5’6″and 5’10 ½” and has to be an expert in tap, modern, jazz and ballet. In a 90-minute stage show, the Christmas Spectacular will instantly get you in the holiday spirit.
So, whether it is because the show is located in the largest indoor theater, Radio City Music Hall, or the decades of tradition, maybe seeing the Rockettes around Christmas time should become my thing.