Reflecting on the Radio City Rockettes

Lurking around Facebook recently, I found a clip of the Radio City Rockettes, that chorus line famed for its precision dancing and, most importantly, its high kicks. I was interested enough to go to their website and learn a little more.

I’ve never seen them perform live and in person, but through the years I have caught many televised performances and am always impressed and amazed. The troupe was formed in St. Louis in 1925 and came to New York’s Radio City Music Hall in 1932, where they have been ever since.

A little sidebar here – a few years ago I heard of a friend of a friend who shared her experience of seeing the Rockettes perform and commented, “They must be getting pretty old by now.” Well, yes they are, as an organization, 100 years old as of last year.

The dancers themselves must be at least 18 years old and have a technical background in tap, jazz and ballet, as well as strength and stamina. Long legs appear to be a prerequisite, as the ability to kick eye-high is a necessity. Those kicks average about 650 a day. To look identical on stage, their heights must be between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 1/2 inches, with the tallest in the middle and tapering out to give the appearance of uniform height. There doesn’t seem to be an upper age limit. I suppose if you can’t get that leg up there 650 times, you know it’s time to hang it up.

There are many reasons this old girl doesn’t have “Rockettes” on her resume, though it wasn’t for lack of trying. I was probably in my mid-teens when I, in the privacy of my bedroom, tried valiantly to kick high enough to reach my outstretched hand, which, by the way, was a little more than parallel to the floor. I knew I needed a high kick. I didn’t know about the eye-high requirement. My technique needed refining, and my tendency to fall over was a bit of an issue, so eventually I gave it up. I wasn’t tall enough anyway. Plus, and probably most importantly, if I were to try out, I had zero dance experience other than the jitterbug and the stroll.

Ladies, if you have any ideas about trying your own high kick, please keep one hand on something sturdy, just in case. It’s up to you, but I would look for a private location before going public. No sense needlessly embarrassing yourself. Although the grandkids might get some giggles at your attempt, or at your expense, whichever. Your husband might want to have 911 on speed dial.

The thought occurred to me, as I considered the life of a Rockette, what happens if one loses her balance? Does the whole line go down in a pile of legs? Can one be fired for causing mayhem on “the line”? Is there a backup plan in case of chaos in the ranks? A junior division, perhaps? Maybe I should ask Google these questions. Better yet, if you are a retired Rockette living in our midst, I’d love to hear from you. Really.