Top 10 Less Known Points About the Rockettes

Every year, about two million people come to see the world renowned dance format of Rockettes. During the event Radio City Christmas Spectacular, about 6000 audience sits in the Manhattan theater to witness this spectacular dance form.

In the show, there are about 80 women who perform as the Rockette dancers. They are the centre of attraction during the entire show. Actually Radio City Christmas Spectacular is famous for the Rockettes.

However, you may know well about Rockettes but still there are lots of things that you probably don’t know about them. Let’s have a look at top 10 less known points about Rockettes.

They Do Their Own Make-Up and Hair

Most of the people don’t know that Rockettes do their own make-up and set hair. They don’t take help from a make-up artist or professional to prepare for the show. What all they do is to use eye shadow, red lip and fake lash.

Holy Rehearsal Space

Rockettes start their rehearsal in September. They practice dance five days in a week, from 10 am till 6 pm. Now, the question arises here that where do they rehearse? So, the answer to this question is quite surprising, as they rehearse in a Church. It means the place wherein they hone their dance-skills is a holy place.

They Aren’t Full-time Rockettes

Women those perform in the event are not supposed to be Rockettes throughout the year. In other words, women who participate in the event are usually dancer of various other dance forms. They perform or work as the Rockettes because it is their alternative career or part-time job.

What’s the Role of soldiers’ Tall Hats?

Another attraction of the event is the parade of wooden soldiers. Since 1933, it has been an important part of the whole show. The tall black soldier’s hats create an illusion of sameness. It means that performers, who put on these hats on top, look of the same size due to illusion, created by hats.

Their Rosy Cheeks are Fake

You might know that Rockettes don’t have natural rosy cheeks. They simply fake rosy cheeks using double-sided tape. It is a fact that Rockettes use 15,000 of double-sided tape per season.

They Change Dresses Faster than Normal People

A Rockette is also known for his ability to change outfits within seconds. Remember, changing dresses swiftly is an important part of whole event. Hence, every Rockette is able to change dress faster than a normal person.

They Use Heavier Costumes

The heaviest costume, used by Rockettes, is Santa Suit. It weighs about 40 pounds. Hence, most of the people don’t know that Rockettes wear extra-ordinary heavy costumes. This extra-ordinary costume is designed to gain the attraction of audience towards it. The Santa Suit along with a belt and big zipper is really a heavy dress.

They don’t have same height

The biggest misconception about the Rockettes is that they all are of same height. However, it is not the case. They could be between 5 feet 6 inch to 5 feet 10 inch. So, it’s not possible to find girls or dancers of the same height. Now, the question arises here, why audience feel that Rockettes are of the same height? Answer to this question is, because of illusion. For creating illusion, they simply stand the tallest dancer in the centre, and then arrange the line with less tall dancers.

Microphones Hidden in Their Shoes

They have microphones in their shoes that help in enhancing the taps during the event. The Rockettes use shoes that are integrated with a microphone and battery. The battery-charged microphones are really a hidden fact that most of the people don’t know.

They kick without hanging on Each other

It’s another big misconception when it comes to Rockettes. Most of the individuals assume that Rockettes simply hang on each other while performing high kicks. But, it’s not true.