Midtown Manhattan marked the 100th anniversary of the Radio City Rockettes yesterday. A section of Sixth Avenue was renamed "Rockettes Way" during a ceremony outside Radio City Music Hall, attended by dancers and fans from multiple generations. The event included a double-decker bus carrying the Rockettes, who unveiled the new street sign as a permanent recognition of the milestone, according to The Post.
With the New York Department of Transportation quickly approving the request, MSG Entertainment’s plan for the name change was implemented without delay. As per The Post, the department created a custom sign and produced 25 limited-edition "Rockettes Way" signs, now available for purchase.
At the street renaming ceremony, Jessica Tuttle, senior vice president of MSG Entertainment, told CBS News, “Stopping traffic in New York City is amazing." She added, "We were able to rename Avenue of the Americas, Sixth Avenue, to Rockettes Way to celebrate 100th anniversary.”
The Rockettes have been a key part of New York City’s Christmas tradition, performing precise routines since 1925. Originally from St. Louis, they moved to New York in 1932, where the Christmas Spectacular became a holiday tradition. For this year’s centennial edition, the show features a state-of-the-art Sphere sound system. “You're going to hear crystal clear tap steps, notes, every single instrument, no matter where you're sitting in the house. There are 7,000 speakers,” current Rockette Laura Jakowenko said to CBS News.
Manhattan landmarks, including Serendipity Three and Magnolia Bakery, are offering Rockettes-themed treats, while the Museum of Broadway features a display of archival photos and costumes honoring their legacy. Dancers from different eras of the Rockettes highlighted a historic moment through costumes designed by Bob Mackie and Emilio Sosa, maintaining continuity with classic outfits such as those worn in the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.
