In my mind, there is just something about the start of the holiday season that is directly connected with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Last week ushered it in for me and my family as it always has for over 20 years. There is something about walking into Radio City and hearing the lovely organ music, and seeing the look of joy on all the faces of the children and their families as they prepare to experience the magic, enchantment and beauty of this musical celebrating Christmas and the reason for the season.
I have so many memories of being at this show with my family. I am a great observer of traditions, and this show is a definite tradition that is close to my heart. My daughters already know that there are scenes that fill my eyes with tears due to the connections to our past and the beauty of what I am seeing on the stage. One of the first scenes that brings tears to my eyes and a warm smile is The Nutcracker. Of course, the scene that touches my heart the most, and not only brings tears to my eyes but has me reach out and hold the hands of my daughters, is the Nativity scene. The singing is glorious, the spirit in the room is overwhelming and you feel blessed!
Now, of course, there is so much to love at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! The Rockettes are absolutely extraordinary as they perform their gorgeous synchronized dance moves to numbers like 12 Days of Christmas, the Ragdoll scene, Christmas in New York. This year they added in a new number, “Dance of the Frost Fairies,” to show these lovely ladies in beautiful costumes with delicate wings on their backs. Frost Fairies are associated with the first snow of the season and they make sure that every snowflake, like every person, is different. There is such a thrill, grace and delight in watching these ladies, who also have a couple of us—Black—dancers not only in the show, but in the front of the lines. I loved it! As times have changed, the Rockettes have changed as well in a way that is substantial for the dreams of young Black girls who want to be Rockettes on the stage of Radio City Music Hall. To make sure that Black dancers have a place at the table, the dance company created Rockettes Conservatory, which is an invite-only, no-cost training that offers intensive study in the Rockettes precision style; by establishing strong partnerships with diverse dance organizations, including Dance Theatre of Harlem, Harlem School of the Arts, the Ailey School and the International Association of Blacks in Dance; and expanding the height range of the Rockettes.
There is something so important about not just seeing this New York tradition, which people have been enjoying since 1933, but also seeing how it has been able to maintain its popularity, its message about the importance of family, love, giving and the story of Christ’s birth. For 90 straight minutes you are able to watch the Rockettes, put on your 3D glasses and experience coming to New York’s Radio City Music Hall along with Santa Claus. There are so many amazing dancers and singers connected with this musical. The performers on that stage come and bring a great deal of joy, talent and positive energy. You walk into the Radio City Christmas Spectacular ready to be dazzled, and you walk out completely satisfied! Go and take your family to see the fantastic, colorful costumes, the perfectly timed dance moves, the taping, the ballet, the ice-skating, the magic of Christmas and experience a New York tradition you will want to make your family’s tradition as it is mine. Radio City is located on 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets. You only have through Jan. 2 to see it and be moved. For tickets go to www.Rockettes.com.