The Rockettes are one of the most famous dance groups in the world, known for their sparkling

costumes, perfect kicks, and incredible precision. When people think of the winter holidays

in New York City, many picture the Rockettes performing on stage at Radio City Music Hall. But the story

of how they began, and how they became a beloved part of American entertainment goes back almost

100 years. The Rockettes were created in 1925 by a dancer and choreographer named Russell Markert.

He wanted to form a group of dancers who moved together so perfectly that they looked like one person.

Markert imagined tall, talented dancers performing high kicks and quick steps with exact timing.

He found his inspiration in a group of British dancers he had seen when he was young.

He believed that if American dancers trained hard enough, they could be even better.

The first version of the Rockets was called the Missouri Rockets, and they began in St. Louis.

But soon they were invited to perform in New York City, where they became part of something even bigger.

In the early 1930s, a huge new theater was being planned in Manhattan, Radio City Music Hall.

It was meant to be the most exciting and glamorous entertainment space in the country. When the theater opened in 1932,

the Rockets, now called the Radio City Rockets, became one of its star attractions. Radio City Music

Hall itself has a special place in history. It was built during

the Great Depression, a time when many people were struggling. The famous business leader, John

D. Rockefeller Jr. wanted to create a place that would lift people's spirits. He hired

skilled architects and designers to make something grand and beautiful. The theater they

built could seat thousands of people and had bright gold walls, deep red curtains, and a stage as

wide as a city block. It quickly became known as the showplace of the nation, a shining symbol of hope during hard times.

Inside this grand theater, the Rockettes performed in shows called Stage Spectaculars,

which combine music, dancing, comedy, and the short films. They became known for their

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