The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1541034
BY KRISTIN ACCORSI ere's no time like Christmastime in New York City, the smell of roasted chestnuts filling the air and the sights and sounds of the season evident on every sidewalk. One of the mainstay seasonal sights are the Radio City Rockettes®, standing center stage at Radio City Music Hall and kicking their way across television screens during the Macy's anksgiving Day Parade. As synonymous with America as apple pie, the Rockettes have cemented their place in the psyche of citizens as that incredible dance troupe with the in-sync high kicks. But little is known–or seen–of all the hard work that goes in behind the scenes. is year marks the 100th anniversary of the longest-running precision dance company in America, and to celebrate, we were able to speak with two former Rockettes–each from differing decades– to commemorate and learn more about what it means to be a part of this talented and iconic group of women. Founded in St. Louis, MO in 1925 by choreographer Russell Markert, the dance company was originally known as the "Missouri Rockets" before relocating to NYC in 1927 and changing their name to the Rockettes. Their renowned performances at Radio City Music Hall opened in 1933 and they became a staple of the Macy's anksgiving Day Parade starting in 1957, one year before Patty Grantham joined the celebrated dance troupe. Being a Rockette was "the most fun I had in my life," Patty shared of the 12 years she spent on stage. "We were really a sister community, and still are." Patty began dancing at 10 years old, taking lessons in her hometown of Uniontown, PA. Aer a few years of dedicated hard work, Patty, then a senior in high school, traveled to NYC to audition for the Rockettes. ankfully, she had already accrued all of the credits K I C K I N G O F F A C E N T E N N I A L C E L E B R A T I O N Rockees O F T H E 100 Y E A R S