Rockettes Unleashed: Secrets to Their Legs, Kicks

For the 85th anniversary of the Rockettes in New York City, WSJ Off Duty takes you backstage at Radio City Music Hall to meet the world famous dancers and learn some of the workouts and kicks that keep their legs in top condition. Plus, what will it take to pull off their Radio City Christmas Spectacular this year? One million 3-D glasses and 14,096 AA batteries are just the start. With host, Wendy Bounds.

More from the Wall Street Journal:

[lunaoakley]

My great grandma was one of the original Rockettes. Technically she was a part of the St Louis rockets before they relocated to times square and radio City. :)

[Jen-joqu]

These girls are absolute athletes. Four shows a day for 90 minutes each? Wow. A lifetime of formal dance training? Amazing.

[haute]

The beginning of this interview was super awkward. Did she really just ask if they shave their legs everyday? Anyway, the two rockettes were really lovely.

[asens]

I’m so glad they all openly talk about the importance of eating right. Eating disorders are unfortunately very common in dance.

[charlieabbot]

I dated a former Rockette! All I can say, is, you better eat your Wheaties. Those Ladies have an incredible amount of energy.

[elainebmack]

They all look so very healthy too. These dancers are far better physical types for young women to emulate than emaciated fashion models.

[therosesareblack]

They look uncomfortable when the interviewer asks them 'how do you maintain those legs?'

[debbie]

I was born in Queens, NY and lived there for 23 years, then moved to CA. The second I saw Rockefeller Center, the ice skating rink & that iconic tree, I started to cry and miss home so bad. I'm so proud to be from the same place like these ladies are from- the beautiful state of NY. NEW YORK STRONG ALL THE WAY!

[michimumu]

This girls are not just dancers, they are athlets, entertainers, dancers, actors and so much more.

[michellepost]

I'd be on my back, passed out if I had to do 1/3 of what they do. I was not that agile at age 16. Those women dancers are truly amazing. I live in Kansas, and never saw their shows.

[stevenseguro]

Its amazing how much more talented and disciplined they are then most of their mainstream superstar counterparts.

[evelynpasqua]

It is wonderful for these ladies who participate in Rockettes. They follow their own eating habits, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. Mainly, they love what they do.. We the people love to watch their performances. Bravo!!!

[stevenspaziani]

WOW, I never imagined, I knew a lot would go in to becoming a Rockettes but these girls are super athletes and the staffing behind it all is simply amazing.

[melanieparker]

My mom became a Rockette after watching Annie. She said it really inspired her and after two years of dancing she met the love of her life and my father one night back stage.

[kyoko]

The end was kind of annoying, we didn't click this video to see tourists, we came for the Rockettes and THAT is who we want to see.

[donelsonsheean]

Once a Marine, always a Marine.  Once a Rockette, always a Rockette..  You could say they share a kinship.

[christophergillespie]

Was at there show last week. Unreal you have to see it in person to appreciate it. Great show

[itsjadiel]

I mean most of the girls on here saying they'll never be a rockette cause they aren't 5"6 but most of you aren't even all the way grown up so you have hope.

[nancyharper]

All the info you'd ever want to know is here in this video. Except for the leg maintenance question (odd), good job by the WSJ interviewer, and of course, an always excellent job by the famous Rockettes themselves. I was extremely fortunate to see them once in person - November 2nd, 1972, and it was quite a thrill. Seeing them in person should be on everyone's bucket list. Bravo, Ladies!!! And Happy New Year!!!! 👏🥂🥳🎆👏

[marianapirez]

I understand their struggle with changing and having to know a lot of styles because I’m a competitive dancer myself (jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical and point)