100 Years of Kick Lines & Sequins

The glamorous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes celebrate 100 years of flawless routines, strong technique and elaborate costumes. The sisterhood was founded in 1925 and brought their talent to the Big Apple in 1932 – never looking back. 

Whether you have seen the Rockettes perform in person or from home, one thing for certain is that their wardrobe captures the joys of the Christmas season. The longevity of their fashion department is admirable. 

There is never a pearl out of place or a wrinkled skirt on stage. Their costumes really set the scene and take the audience to an alternate world of Christmas magic. 

What is the secret behind this team that has been dazzling millions of people for so many years? Let’s dive into the history within the fashion that brings it all to life. 

Santa’s Favorite Toys

It wouldn’t be a Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular in NYC without the dance of the wooden soldiers. When the crowd hears Santa introduce his favorite toy, they know what to prepare for. 

The costume was inspired by a porcelain doll and the labor that went into the creation was not for the weak-minded. It consisted of lined duvetine jackets and cotton duct pants that were stiffened in cold starch at the local laundry for authenticity. The team had to mimic the feeling of being a doll trapped in a box. 

Although the material used to make the costume has changed to cotton twill fabric, it still takes 12 hours to make a single costume. Each costume is molded to perfectly fit the body of each Rockette. There are 36 Rockettes involved in the stunt – you do the math. 

It takes a lot to be America’s favorite; the tradition of the wooden soldiers is expected to last another 100 years, as long as fans keep coming to the show. 

Leglines Throughout the Years

The stylists keep the Rockettes looking beautiful, while also following the changing fashion trends. The biggest difference from costumes made in the 1940s is the length of the leglines. The dancers used to wear trunks instead of bikini line cuts that conforms to the sex appeal. 

Thank god for the invention of spandex in the industry, so that those girls can keep kicking up their legs in perfect unison. 

Lights, Camera, Perfection

The dazzling red and green bodysuits for the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ routine have come a long way since the initial curtain opening in 1933 at Radio City. 

Vincente Minnelli designed the first costumes to hit the stage. They were made out of red cable netting and sheer cotton ruffled sleeves with a sequined trim. While the cuts of these costumes have altered over the years, the designers stay true to the bones. 

It’s that time of year again to enjoy the sparkling Rockettes at the theatre or on Channel 4. Being that this is the 100 year anniversary, new routines and costumes might just make an appearance.

Let @VALLEYmag know on X which costume is your favorite when the Rockettes hit the stage. 

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