100 Years of the Rockettes: A Century of Precision, Power, and Sisterhood

For a century, the Radio City Rockettes have done far more than perfect a high kick. They have redefined what discipline, athleticism, unity and excellence look like when women take center stage, together.

Founded in 1925, the Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America, and in 2025, they celebrated a milestone that honors not just longevity, but legacy. A legacy built by thousands of women whose strength, artistry and precision have captivated generations and shaped American culture.

This year, iWoman had the honor of witnessing that legacy firsthand. As part of The Trigg House’s annual holiday initiative. Each year, The Trigg House brings 100 foster children and their caretakers from the Children’s Village to experience the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. For many, it was their first time inside Radio City Music Hall — and a reminder of how transformative representation, joy, and possibility can be when young people see women shining at the highest level.

More Than a Dance Line: A Living Legacy

As the Rockettes mark their centennial, they are also looking boldly toward the future. The company announced the expansion of its dancer development programming, launching Rockettes Preparatory alongside the existing Rockettes Conservatory®. Together, these no-fee programs create an inclusive pipeline designed to ensure that dancers from all backgrounds have access to the elite training required to master the Rockettes Precision Dance Technique™.

This commitment matters. Over the past five years, more than 500 dancers have participated in Rockettes development programs, with 59 going on to join the line, proving that when access meets opportunity, doors open.

Once a Rockette, Always a Rockette

To honor the thousands of women who have worn the uniform over the past century, the Rockettes also launched Rockettes Legacy™, a living archive and community preserving the stories, memories, and impact of former Rockettes across generations. Whether a dancer spent one season or twenty on the line, Rockettes Legacy reinforces a powerful truth: sisterhood doesn’t end when the curtain closes.

That intergenerational bond was on full display when former and current Rockettes reunited on the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall to celebrate the 100th anniversary, a reminder that women’s history is strongest when it is shared, remembered and passed forward.

Why This Moment Matters

From entertaining troops with the USO during World War II, to performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1957, to starring in films, presidential events, and the Super Bowl halftime show, the Rockettes are woven into the fabric of American history. They have stood the test of time because they continue to evolve while staying rooted in excellence.

As Jessica Tuttle, Executive Vice President of Productions for Madison Square Garden Entertainment, shared: “We celebrate the enduring legacy of the Rockettes and honor the rich history of these trailblazing women who are part of a unique sisterhood."

At iWoman, we believe visibility creates possibility. Watching the Rockettes celebrate 100 years, while opening doors wider for future generations, is a powerful reminder of what happens when women are supported and celebrated.

And for the foster children who joined iWoman and The Trigg House at Radio City this season, that night was about more than a holiday show. It was about seeing what’s possible when women move in unison, when excellence is intentional, and when legacy is built with care.

Here’s to 100 years of the Rockettes and to the next century of women rising together!