Rockettes Unleashed: Secrets to Their Legs, Kicks

[@lunaoakley5641]

My great grandma was one of the original Rockettes. Technically she was a part of the St Louis rockets before they relocated to times square and radio City. :)

[@jennacardone2322]

Luna Oakley really cool!! Do you dance?

[@helenamcgowan]

That's awesome!

[@isaacmullenbach1764]

Mad props she her

[@liz2256]

Cool!

[@MirasheaArt]

Luna Oakley That’s so cool!

[@Jen-jo5qu]

These girls are absolute athletes. Four shows a day for 90 minutes each? Wow. A lifetime of formal dance training? Amazing.

[@silky0439]

Jen Hughes of course we're athletes. Thank you for acknowledging that. It drives me crazy to hear people say, "oh she's just a dancer." No, I'm not a Rockette. I just danced on and off Broadway. Regardless of where you get to dance, it keeps you young the rest of your life.

[@YouzTube99]

@Jen Hughes: Glad to see this observation already posted. Whenever the opportunity arises, I make the same point. Our granddaughter has taken dance classes since she was a toddler. When she was in high school, everyone in her grade took a standardized PE test. She made the highest score, besting even the supposedly stronger boys who played on teams. Yesssss!!

[@Yes-qd8tl]

Jen Hughes my great grandma was one it really hard to get be one

[@haute03]

They have two casts and split the shows if I'm remembering correctly. It's still really physically demanding though.

[@emilemilian7404]

@@YouzTube99 So?

[@asens6241]

I’m so glad they all openly talk about the importance of eating right. Eating disorders are unfortunately very common in dance.

[@elainebmack]

They all look so very healthy too. These dancers are far better physical types for young women to emulate than emaciated fashion models.

[@user-qo2wv7zj5o]

And they smile as well !!!!!

[@Tonetwisters]

@@user-qo2wv7zj5o GORGEOUSLY!!

[@francesgrigsby7400]

Totally agree! Strong, healthy, and lean.

[@Gorgalathan]

You have to be otherwise you keel over.

[@charlieabbot3649]

I dated a former Rockette! All I can say, is, you better eat your Wheaties. Those Ladies have an incredible amount of energy.

[@russellewis3331]

I'm pretty sure I absolutely hate you, in the good way of course. I did 15 years in photography so yeah models, actors, pornstars, but Broadway girls, and specifically The Rockettes. We can all agree women are much better than men! These women, then, are the epitome of the human species.

[@no1chopperstan]

@@russellewis3331 what? Women aren't better than men lol. Idk if you're joking or something but no

[@dcu7675]

Nicola Dickinson would you like to rephrase that yourself to say men and women are equal? Because it does come across that you think women are *below* men, which is complete and utter BS to think that way, if that’s what you meant. Men and women hold equal importance, and it is at least my belief we should be treated and valued as equals.

[@vivaciousmyosotis]

@@dcu7675 I agree

[@haute03]

The beginning of this interview was super awkward. Did she really just ask if they shave their legs everyday? Anyway, the two rockettes were really lovely.

[@mitchellwhite9920]

Truly..stupid interviews such as this bring an unnecessary element of tackiness.

[@maryblaufuss7533]

I hated the interviewer too. However, the two Rockettes remained professional.

[@debbie3218]

I was born in Queens, NY and lived there for 23 years, then moved to CA. The second I saw Rockefeller Center, the ice skating rink & that iconic tree, I started to cry and miss home so bad. I'm so proud to be from the same place like these ladies are from- the beautiful state of NY. NEW YORK STRONG ALL THE WAY!

[@therosesareblack]

They look sooooo uncomfortable when the interviewer asks them 'how do you maintain those legs?'

[@Luv4Turbo]

That’s because they know the real answer that they cannot give: “we starve”.

[@conniemcloed41]

Luv4Turbo I GUARANTEE to you that they don’t starve, do you see their muscles ? A good dancer simply can’t give a good high energy performance on no food, it just doesn’t happen

[@coolglasses9917]

@@Luv4Turbo I guess you are not a really physically active type, hmm?

[@user-pu2xu2iq9o]

Luv4Turbo well you’re stupid

[@viceb7]

They looked really uncomfortable about the shaving question too...so unnecessary

[@michimumu]

This girls are not just dancers, they are athlets, entertainers, dancers, actors and so much more.

[@toastcoast]

I can't even do a pushup

[@miacarter756]

Luckily for me my teacher is dumb and doesnt even look at me So I make up a number to write down

[@StephJ0seph]

Your profile pic is ironic 😂

[@minxstole93]

Yep, me neither and don't even think of ever seeing me attempt a pull up! It is just not gonna happen!

[@ainewhelan9370]

Same I can’t either

[@outrun1453]

_ToasterCoaster_ embarrassing

[@stevenseguro]

Its amazing how much more talented and disciplined they are then most of their mainstream superstar counterparts.

[@michellepost3098]

I'd be on my back, passed out if I had to do 1/3 of what they do. I was not that agile at age 16. Those women dancers are truly amazing. I live in Kansas, and never saw their shows.

[@stevenspaziani9159]

WOW, I never imagined, I knew a lot would go in to becoming a Rockettes but these girls are super athletes and the staffing behind it all is simply amazing.

[@donelsonsheean8142]

Once a Marine, always a Marine. Once a Rockette, always a Rockette.. You could say they share a kinship.

[@themermaidstale5008]

How wonderful to be a part of that legacy.

[@jasonl8326]

If I was a Rockette I'd fart after each kick.

[@bufordjones4269]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@carmita3031]

Jason L lol

[@karenkimberlineverland1080]

😂😂

[@kyoko2752]

The end was kind of annoying, we didn't click this video to see tourists, we came for the Rockettes and THAT is who we want to see.

[@christophergillespie1250]

Was at there show last week. Unreal you have to see it in person to appreciate it. Great show

[@nancyharper1360]

All the info you'd ever want to know is here in this video. Except for the leg maintenance question (odd), good job by the WSJ interviewer, and of course, an always excellent job by the famous Rockettes themselves. I was extremely fortunate to see them once in person - November 2nd, 1972, and it was quite a thrill. Seeing them in person should be on everyone's bucket list. Bravo, Ladies!!! And Happy New Year!!!! 👏🥂🥳🎆👏

[@Diane0529]

The Rockettes always have and always will be just outstanding!!

[@elisethierbach2784]

I mean I'm 5'7 and I can do high kicks and I do tap ballet and jazz, and I'm on my school dance team I could be a rockette if I worked really hard

[@tani6661]

Elise Yeah... okay... good luck. "I'm on my school dance team" lmao

[@jerryalicea8897]

Elise my dear....I encourage you to continue following your dream. I am a former Broadway dancer in such shows as Pippin and A Chorus Line. One of my close friends is Verna Pharo who is a former Rockette. She taught dance at her own studio in New Jersey for many years after leaving the Rockettes and I use to travel to New Jersey twice a month to teach Broasdway style jazz. I use to watch the rigerous work she would put her resident "Rockette Style" dance company and I can tell you, it takes A LOT MORE work to master the high-kicking dance style that is uniquly theirs. I would offer this as advice...get out of the high school "I am a dancer" mentality and get your butt into New York and take every class you can and go to every audition you can squeeze into a day for the experience. Don't allow yourself to feel rejection blues whe you are not chosen, but use that energy to keep working at it. This is a highly competetive field and not an easy one by any means. In the meantime, enjoy dancing.

[@RhondaSmiga]

Well go check out the Kilgore College Rangerettes (all over KZbin) and let your eyes pop out of your head.

[@kwatay3896]

Get out of the I'm a dancer high school mind. If you don't go to a studio full time, rehearsing at least 8 hours weekly you will never do it

[@latalullah6655]

Yes you could. It's something to definitely be proud of if you become one. They audition around the country every year. I believe you have to be 18 and be able to dance en pointe as well

[@MaryBarry-ks6hn]

My dream was to go NYC , ice skate😳,watch the tree get lit and see the Rockettes dance! They are so in sync, costumes fun and it marks the Holiday for some! ❤

[@itsjadiel]

I mean most of the girls on here saying they'll never be a rockette cause they aren't 5"6 but most of you aren't even all the way grown up so you have hope.

[@jolienvsndijk]

YÁDI and if we're honest for most of us the problem isn't just going to be height (but height is a nicer excuse than a lack of talent)

[@Therealkema]

I’m 5’4 and can do a high kick but I also cheer

[@catamaran9908]

i’m 13, and at my final height. i’m 5"1

[@luclawson2261]

My final hight is most likely to be 6 foot

[@hayleykitty401]

I mean i’m 18 and have been 5’2 since i was 12

[@backtobaking4054]

Since 1933, Wow These people are so talented. Lovely ❤

[@marianapirez1878]

I understand their struggle with changing and having to know a lot of styles because I’m a competitive dancer myself (jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical and point)

[@beckylewis3482]

I have had the pleasure of seeing them twice. I appreciated the living nativity scene.

[@sallietaylor8503]

My daughter tried out for the Rockettes in the early 90's.she was too small .17 years of dance , accolades and years of dancing five days a week.She was a professional dancer from being a teenager .At 15 years of age she bought her own car.She opted for a university degree graduating in nursing.

[@janataylor8351]

Did she quit dancing? That would be kinda sad

[@rhondafannin4953]

No city in the world does Christmas like NYC! ❤😍🎄🎄🗽☃️

[@o.aldenproductions.9858]

Rhonda Fannin thank God ....lol.

[@happyorange2394]

I’m guessing whoever typed out “bails” of hay for this video has not spent much time around hay BALES 😅🤦🏽‍♀️

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

I guess u are absolutely perfect and never have a typo?

[@zyzy9256]

The whole Christmas vibes in this video...... *I LOVE IT*

[@1025susie]

I love rockettes, always have since a kid and what a bunch of friends being funny.

[@georgenguyen525]

I got to see the Rockettes very soon. Merry Christmas to all of you.

[@traceybole3045]

When I was younger I wanted to be a rockette then when I turned 16 and considered auditions but was broken hearted when I found out that I was to short. 😔

[@lindarosegullion9251]

Rockets always impress us! Thank you.

[@kyleturner6829]

You didn't even mention the top professional musicians who deliver high quality music for every show! Shame!

[@JohnDoe-ld8nr]

Nobody goes to or watches Rockettes videos on KZbin for the music.

[@MrAquinas1]

Everyone in the show does a great job. I've attended Grand Opera at Lincoln Center and many classical concerts and Broadway plays. The Christmas show is my all time favorite.

[@angelaphsiao]

I know everyone’s obsessed with the legs, but those arms are ripped af

[@BadWebDiver]

Those girls are fit!!!!

[@The_Primary_Axiom]

doesn't get any more sophisticated than this.

[@NurseDols]

Beautifully done.

[@jennacablair]

I see everyone complains that they’re too short to be a rockette meanwhile I’m pissed because I’m too tall!

[@heather_857]

jennaca same 😂

[@malloryblackstar5388]

jennaca SAMEEEE! I’m 6 feet tall!😢

[@aiyannatiffith-jones8504]

So what I’m understanding is that, y’all can be models instead

[@talktosummerofficial]

Ditto

[@LadyJaggerX3]

I'm just half an inch too tall. Lol

[@graceofspades48]

SUPER RANDOM 2:44 I thought the rockette on the right had pointy ears for a second😂

[@sivayamsiva9343]

Wonderful Rockettes performance, really great appreciated to all participants and useful detailed information congratulations 🙏

[@5hargreevesapologist]

0:24 you can’t imaging me how happy we Norwegians get when someone mentions Norway🇳🇴

[@shanthishanthi4371]

Amazing dancers, congratulations to all excellent dancers and very useful comments and interview, thanks for sharing 🙏

[@Scandilady]

On my visit to the NYC I have seen the Christmas show, fabulous !

[@amilcareposti2437]

From Italia, bellissime, bravissime, spettacolari👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@margaretpriest3461]

OMG IM 5'6 YESSS!!! STILL GROWING TOO!

[@linessjustliness6032]

maggie 13088 I'm 5'0 ...

[@margaretpriest3461]

Lioness Gamez awww... :( all the tall people out here are sending you love

[@person3506]

maggie in 5"7 and still growing let's just hope we don't grow over 5"10.5

[@luclawson2261]

I am 5'9 1/2 and I am still growing

[@Bighag100]

Just so impressive. Amazing.

[@michellemeek8338]

One of my dance teachers daughter is in the rockettes but I don’t know when she started and when I grow up I want to be a rockette it’s like one of my biggest dreams

[@ktwashere5637]

its such a contrast with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders documentary I watched about their audition process (which is pretty close to abusive frankly). The Rockettes seem to be treated well and are allowed (ALLOWED) to eat properly.

[@kaystar3434]

Wait! If the one on the right is 5'6 and that's the cutoff, how did the girl on the left make it through?

[@baileymadison9019]

No the minimum height is 5’6

[@mariakilgore6954]

I think she said she’s just over so maybe the girl on the left was exactly 5’6 or not over by as much?

[@mbrenneman0411]

it kind of looked like the one on the left was slouching a little bit. there were a few shots where they looked like the same height, maybe she was standing more straight in those shots

[@aleishaburrows4902]

It’s said because I was wanting to do this when I’m older but I only do tap and Jazz!

[@rachanakanathur3429]

Well it's never too late to start practicing a new style of dance!

[@jessicamoskun4221]

Reminds me off at my high school prom I did the gangnam style dance in dress shoes and my feet were numb for days just imagine these ladies do dancing with their feet most of the year.

[@jessicamoskun4221]

I'm 5ft 7in so when I did the dance it hurt.

[@rock_talk4004]

Someone needs to start a short rockette group cuz I know I'm not the only 5'3 dancer that wants to be a rockette

[@shyamal169]

Awesome

[@chicfrancisco6845]

They pratice to perfection!

[@GrammyTapDancing]

My dream shoes just like these silver OMG was always my dream for past 65 yrs. adorable girls tnk u

[@ROyler-rs6nh]

What an awkward interview full of stupid questions.

[@MIWHALKI]

I remember when they all were the same height and they really looked like one person in a mirror. Great skills then

[@irishdancer8762]

I saw them 2018 when I was on a trip in America

[@khloe4295]

Their routines are cleaner than my room

[@19EHF]

Awww boo Im only 5"2

[@donelsonsheean8142]

+19EHF You can be on the support crew..

[@isabellajohnson4608]

That rhymed ^^

[@kb-ly6dx]

Same!

[@jetoyeandrews9820]

I’m 5’2 too, what can ya do?

[@user-mu2hu6gc7m]

19EHF I’m exactly 5”0

[@zxKAOS1]

A cruise ship sort of "advertised" the Rockettes. Their training includes archery and horse back riding. That and more makes it intense, and rivals those of pro athletes!

[@myah7406]

I dance at a studio and once i had 30 seconds to change from one costume to another that had different tights and shoes. Ain't nobody got time to go back to the dressing room

[@MrCrowebobby]

I once went onstage with no pants on, just a costume overcoat. Fortunately, someone in the wings noticed just before the curtain went up. There was a line of other dancers onstage as well.

[@saracalhoun2564]

Yes SCOTTY singing at the end💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@hiichild2653]

I always wanted to be a rocket until I watched this vidoe and they said “If your under 5’6 then you can’t be a rocket Me:OOP....NEVER MIND!

[@denisdasilvalobato5809]

Wonderful Rockettes.

[@Tonetwisters]

Oh gracious ... the elegance, the beauty, the grace, the athleticism, the INCREDIBLE precision. And then you add in, the determination and perserverance ... And oh yeh ... that wonderful femininity on top of all of that ... or perhaps at the basis. Probably the greatest entertainment "system" in the world. Perhaps one day I will get to see them at Christmas time before our time runs out ...

[@JohnSmith-pe3bg]

Amazing beautiful dancers! Liked and posted at Manhattan.st

[@mariedewitt5506]

Grand aunt was a costumer

[@kendaldrye8952]

"Are you born with these legs?"

[@ehnat0502]

Absolutely fascinating...thank you xoxox

[@annemariebyers2608]

My dream since I was a little girl was to be a rockette but I'm 17, not quite 5'5 and done growing ):

[@McCallProbert]

Annemarie Byers you're not done growing til 21. I graduated highschool at just barely 5 feet & four years later graduated college just shy of 5 feet 6 inches tall. So, there is still hope... :)

[@Kaibigan39]

Annemarie Byers Remeasure, there may be hope. I grew an inch the year between 17 & 18. I was shocked, but there is hope!

[@jerryalicea8897]

There are other things besides being a Rockette...try Broadway.

[@bessinadress]

I wouldn’t be so certain that you’ve finished growing - you may well continue to grow for a good few years yet - even up to 24 if you’re lucky!! Growth depends on a lot of factors; dietary/nutritional, hormonal, stress levels etc.... Also be as well hydrated as possible, work on your posture and strengthening your core muscles...... oh and measure yourself when you first wake up after a good nights sleep 😉 my height varies excessively - from 5’3-5’6 (I have scoliosis and lordosis because of ehlers danlos syndrome, several of my vertebrae sublux due to EDS too so getting an accurate measurement is really tricky... though I average at 166 cms... and although my situation is a more extreme example, height can and does fluctuate more than many people are aware of, even for healthy people w/o my condition. I’m almost 30 now, and I started puberty pretty young at age 8, my feet were fully grown by age 10 and I had growth spurts at a younger age than my peers so was ‘tall’ for a while until I stopped growing (or thought I had!) age 12 at 152 cms and just about everyone overtook me 😉 so at your age I was certain I had finished growing having remained the same height since age 12, however I completely unexpectedly started growing again age 19 or so for a couple of years and grew 14 more cms (5.5inches!) - So you never know what’s in store 😊 x

[@miahua9111]

aww that sux

[@karis484]

I get the kicks are what they are known for but the interviewer made it out as if it was the hardest thing and to point making it about how often they shave their legs?!

[@skypeters3034]

My school requires kicks to the tip or you hat

[@MotionPictureMuse]

Good! In order to consistently kick at eye-level, you actually need to be able to kick higher. Plus, they do higher kicks in some parts of their routines.

[@annaquattlebaum3415]

Same

[@briskinner1405]

On my high school drill team, it's not required to have really high kicks, just that you have good technique

[@Kit8631]

The high school drill team I was a member of also required us to be able to "kick our hats". We were patterned after the Kilgore Rangerettes.

[@jgirgis81]

Insane and fantastic

[@cathyjohnson7217]

my daughters Esther and Rachel danced with Miss Dorris Russell one of the Rocketts.

[@tresordelamer]

the legs are 90% genetics. but it's nice that they're into proper nutrition.

[@kev14609]

So cool!

[@tishsmiddy71]

Thank you 😊

[@tishsmiddy71]

I’m putting the Show on my bucket list,too see the Rockettes

[@noahcount7132]

Bails of hay? Give me a break! They're BALES!

[@candysmith8724]

I saw them in Radio City Hall in 2015....the Christmas Spectacular is sooo fun to see! 5'6 with heels on or flat footed? hehehe

[@anonymous26819]

i love the rockettes

[@MrPAPAGAYO46]

Taylor Shemko y Karen Ritchie comparten con una periodista sus experiencias y su trabajo como Rockettes, dentro del escenario y entre bastidores; la entrevistadora, ni corta ni perezosa, se mide a realizar una breve rutina con ellas, y se lo toma de buen humor lo mismo que las dos jóvenes, finalmente se despide de ellas y el video retoma diversos aspectos de los camerinos, los uniformes, la descripción del cambio de uniformes, naturalmente no se muestra pero se describe, al fin y al cabo el grupo protege los secretos más relevantes que lo hacen, si no el mejor, uno de los más aplicados y perfeccionistas en el arte del baile sincronizado.

[@jeffrywisnia2281]

It's bales of hay, not Bails. Another salute to our educational system....

[@MotionPictureMuse]

Well it is the _Wall Street_ Journal we're talking about here, haha.

[@Alice-wn7rc]

I went straight to the comments section to look for a comment like this.

[@windbreaker57]

Alice, so did i, hahaha.

[@debbieking5171]

Actress Vera Ellen was a Radio City Rockett. I would love to know when and for how long. Does anyone know?

[@cognitogrrl]

OK you wrote that 3 years ago, but Vera Ellen was only 5'4" so I do NOT think she was a Rockette.

[@j.a.2120]

I pulled my siatic nerve stretching and ended up in the ER!! Excruciating pain for over five weeks!! 😭😰

[@AnnetteMarieHairPrincess]

My dance heros.

[@annaorlovtsev3167]

I want to be a rockette but that's not going to happen because the tallest I am going to be is about 5'4

[@annegonzalez6683]

So beautiful! 😍

[@euphoricwitch9972]

When I was in dance I dreamed of one day being a rocket I did everything I could till when I was 11 I suffer a blown out knee and I wasn't able to dance again

[@aliyamiasharizman804]

I really want to be Rockette. I do tap, jazz and ballet and I'm grade 5

[@lucygirl4926]

++Aliya Mia Sharizman Okay, so whatever you do, DON'T STOP TRAINING! Then when you're old enough, go to the tryouts.

[@cecileunatin6607]

Aliya Mia Sharizman .

[@karenmarie229]

WOW!

[@worldfamousfa]

I feel like the Rangerettes and the Rockettes should collab.

[@rsmith8953]

Rangerettes are not in the same class as the Rockettes....not even close!

[@rigbyricenoodle]

Ive wanted to be a rockette for years but I'm 18 and 5'2

[@agentstrickland]

They are athletes!

[@cassidyevans3044]

Its weird to me, because on my drill team we kick hat, (because our "formal" uniforms have hats), so eye level seems very low to me lol

[@lyds6382]

They don't because they don't always wear hats. Saying to do eye high is the only way to have consistency. Of course they can all kick higher than that.

[@jeanienguyen1543]

haha I'm sure they're able to do that since they are professionals with perfect technique and form!

[@abialston8476]

It is the middle of august. How did I get here?

[@mirellasanseviero472]

The best!

[@anu83]

I would love to go to one of those shows.... But I live in Europe

[@daniellelintner6036]

Hi. Loved this video, but you guys spelt “bales” of hay wrong. ;)