Over 3,000 women have danced as Rockettes since its inception.
Since they first started out in St. Louis in 1925 (hundreds of miles from their current Radio City Music Hall home in New York), the Rockettes have remained a one-of-a-kind dancing entertainment force. In addition to performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Rockettes have made appearances on the Tony Awards, Dancing With the Stars, presidential inaugurations, commercials and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Many dancers dream of becoming a Rockette, and thousands of women audition every year to be part of the famous kick-line. If you believe you have what it takes, you need to know the requirements and expectations for a Rockette audition.
Age and Legal Requirements
All performers must be at least 18 years old to be considered as a potential Rockette. Girls age 17 or younger may audition for the experience (with parental consent), but will not be considered for casting. You must be a US citizen or have a legal work permit allowing you to work in the US in order to become a Rockette. Contract dates range from early October/early November to late December/early January, so performers must commit to these periods of time.
Physical Requirements
Rockettes must be between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 10 1/2 inches tall. Measurements will be taken in stocking feet. Since the Rockettes make up one of the world's most well-known precision dance lines, all performers must be proficient in jazz and tap.
What To Bring and Wear
Arrive to the audition with your headshot and resume in hand. Bring proper footwear to present yourself as a Rockette: both high-heeled character shoes and tap shoes. Many women wear a flattering leotard, nude fishnet tights and classic hair and makeup to the audition.
The Audition Process
Performers learn jazz routines in larger groups, and then perform the routines in smaller groups. Cuts take place along the way as dance routines progress in difficulty. Precision and performance are very important to the choreographer and show director, so pay close attention to the exact placement and angles of arms, legs, hands and bodies.
