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Do Rockettes have to be a certain weight?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 21, 2026

For starters, unlike ballerinas, Rockettes are expected to meet only one size requirement, and it has nothing to do with weight.

Are the Rockettes all the same height and weight?

It may look like all the dancers are the same height, but they're not. They stand on stage in height order to create the illusion by placing taller dancers in the center of the line with the dancers gradually decreasing height on either side.

Are there fat Rockettes?

Because there's no such thing as a fat Rockette. “As much as we say it's just another gig, it's much more than that,” she said. “There's something mysterious about being a Rockette.” The troupe of time-tested tinsel has been a New York icon since 1933, producing up to five shows a day, seven days a week.

What is height requirement for Rockettes?

Rockettes auditionees must be between 5'5″ and 5'10 ½” tall (measurements will be taken in stocking feet). Rockettes auditionees must be proficient in ballet, tap, and jazz. Dancers must be proficient in jazz and ballet.

How old is the average Rockette?

Many of the Rockettes are young mothers, Snow said. During the rest of the year, the Rockettes -- who range in age from 18 to 41, work in a variety of professions -- perhaps as teachers, yoga instructors or dancers on Broadway.

35 related questions found

Why do the Rockettes not touch?

Prepare to be astonished: “We actually don't touch each other,” says LaVergne. The dancers just lightly brush the women beside them with outstretched arms. They call it “feeling the fabric.” That ensures they're in line without pushing or leaning.

How old is the oldest Rockette?

At 90, She is thought to be the oldest Rockette. Ninety-year-old Jane Finnegan Pearson carefully unfolds a tattered, yellowed newspaper clipping dated 1937.

How tall is the tallest Rockette?

Rockettes have to be between 5′ 6″ and 5′ 10 1/2″ tall (not counting those ultra-high heels). In kick lines, they stand with the tallest women in the middle, moving down to the shortest on the ends, which creates the illusion that they're doing everything in unison.

How short is the shortest Rockette?

And although I was the smallest of the bunch (the shortest Rockette is 5 ft. 6 in.), I felt like I finally fit in — even if it was just for a few hours. Watch the video above to see how I did, and go see The Rockettes in the New York Spectacular, which runs from June 15th until August 7th!

Do the Rockettes have to sing?

Rockettes tend to get asked back year after year, which makes it one of the steadiest gigs in the business -- and one of the few gigs for jazz and tap-dancers who don't also sing.

What are the physical requirements for a Rockette?

Physical Requirements

Rockettes must be between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 10 1/2 inches tall. Measurements will be taken in stocking feet. Since the Rockettes make up one of the world's most well-known precision dance lines, all performers must be proficient in jazz and tap.

Can a Rockette have short hair?

There are also quite a few short-haired ladies, who do a side part and slick the rest back. Their biggest challenge is keeping their hair sleek and neat during the show, when they are alternating between wearing huge headpieces, to having bare heads.

What is a Rockette salary?

Typically, each Rockette receives a paycheck of between $1,400 and $1,500 each week. Because these famous dancers only perform seasonally, this only amounts to between $36,400 to $39,000 per year. The Rockettes do receive their benefits year-round, though.

How many black Rockettes are there?

Now, one of six black and bi-racial women in the 2019 Christmas Spectacular — three in each cast — Pierce hopes audiences embrace women of color as part of a cohesive whole, “It's important to see a group of strong, inspiring, confident women working together, no matter what color,” she said.

Is it hard to be a Rockette?

The Rockettes make what they do look easy, and it's not easy at all. I got a taste of that in the audition process. Learning four eight-counts that they give you in the audition process looks graceful and placed, but it takes a lot to execute it the way you're supposed to.

Are there male Rockettes?

The Rockettes team is made up of 20 girls, with Shihabi being the only boy.

Can you be a 5 3 Rockette?

The requirements for being a Rockette are to be 5'6″-5'10.5″ tall and proficient in ballet, jazz and tap. If a dancer does not meet those height requirements, it is out her control.

What do Rockettes do the rest of the year?

"Many of the Rockettes are professional dancers and/or actors, so they stay busy throughout the year," the outlet writes. "Plus, they do charity work, such as visiting children's hospitals, supporting the troops, and putting on benefit shows."

What color lipstick do the Rockettes wear?

Lipstick: This is the one makeup item that's mandated to the girls: All the Rockettes wear MAC lipstick in either MAC Red or Russian Red. Both are blue-based tones that pop under the bright lights.

How much does it cost to see the Rockettes?

Normally, tickets on sale through StubHub will usually run you anywhere from $50 midweek for mezzanine seating to nearly $200 for premium seating for most of the month of November. After Thanksgiving, a Saturday 1:30 pm show will cost between $80 - $599.

Are the Rockettes married?

A lot of Rockettes are still married to those guys!” In the '60s, Cary Grant was a regular.

What benefits do Rockettes get?

Although they are only paid seasonally, Rockettes do receive benefits year-round, which means they can always receive medical care and other essential needs without paying for it out of pocket.

How long do Rockettes practice per day?

From September to November, the Rockettes rehearse seven hours per day, six days per week to prepare for their signature show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. During the holidays, Rockettes perform five to six shows daily and their pay works out to about $135 per 90-minute show as of 2005.

What do Rockettes eat?

Throughout the day I eat protein and carbs, and treats are important," says Cichra. Her favorites: chocolate covered strawberries and pizza. Sometimes, if their Instagram photos are to be believed, the Rockettes even splurge on cupcakes. Even with their voracious appetites, the dancers still lose weight.

Is there a dress code for the Rockettes?

over a year ago. You can wear just about anything there. No dress code.