THE ROCKETTES

formerly the Missouri Rockets or the Roxyettes world-famous American precision dance team. The origins of the Rockettes, the world's most famous precision dance team, can be traced to 1925, when impresario Russell Markert of St. Louis, Missouri, billed a group of women dancers as the Missouri Rockets. Following a positive reception locally, the dance team began a nationwide tour. Among their admiring audiences in New York City was Roxy Rothafel, owner of the new Roxy Theater. He acquired the troupe, doubled its size, and dubbed the dancers the Roxyettes. After opening the Radio City Music Hallt he world's largest indoor theatrehe enlarged the troupe again in order to fill the hall's Great Stage. The dance team became known as the Rockettes in 1934. Over the years the Rockettes have attained international renown for their intricate dance routines and, in particular, for their extremely high kicks. In the 1990s more than 150 precision dancers performed as Rockettes, some at the Radio City Music Hall and others on tour or at special events. To become a Rockette, a dancer must be at least 18 years old, between 5 feet 5.5 inches (1.67 metres) and 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 metres) tall, and proficient in both tap and jazz dancing.