Thirty-Six Toy Soldiers Stand Still And Stun Crowd As They Make First Move

Nov 23, 2020

Back in 2014, a full line of 36 Rockettes took the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York and showed the power of teamwork in “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” The Rocketts as a dance group are iconic and known all across America, and for good reason: their dancing skills are world-famous thanks to their unique and talented routines. This video is sure to impress you and maybe even make you break out into dance yourself!

If you spend any time at all online, you’ll know that dancing videos are some of the most popular content to be found on the internet. It shouldn’t be a surprise — who doesn’t love to watch the beauty and mastery of people who really know how to dance?

Whether they are contestants from television shows like Dancing with the Stars, seasoned professional dancers demonstrating their craft, or simply talented amateurs having a good time, these videos generate clicks because they are mesmerizing to watch.

The video we have for you today is the cream of the dancing crop. It has been viewed millions of times and is unquestionably one of the most impressive demonstrations of precision and skill that the dancing world has to offer.

The Radio City Rockettes — the iconic and internationally famous American precision dance company — are famous for their high kick lines and stunning stage-filling dance numbers.

This video, however, is a little different. It’s a Christmastime toy solider routine and is a master study in meticulous choreography and attention to detail that promises to put a smile on your face.

Their crisp and colorful costumes are striking as they move to cheerful music that has a slightly military air. Watch as they magically change formations, creating all sorts of illusions while building excitement and tension, making viewers wonder what will happen next.

And that finale? A slow-motion feat of amazing strength and athleticism that will have you hitting the rewind button again and again.

The Radio City Rocketts also spoke out about this iconic dance routine after they performed it, elaborating on the practice and effort needed to do it perfectly. The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers was one part of the 90 minute performances that come under the Christmas Spectacular show. The director of the show and choreographer, Julie Branam, said the key to the unique "fall" in the dance is perfect alignment between the dancers, as per the official Rocketts website. 

 “It starts by having someone rock up on their heels and start to go back. You raise your hands up, slide your hands through, and open your arms,” says Julie. “Their feet have to be completely lined up because you don’t want the fall to go one way or another because someone could get hurt.”

“My first year as a Rockette, when I learned the soldier fall, I remember it was so hard for me to figure out,” says Rockette Maranda L. “We learn it six girls at a time at first. Then we’ll add on a little more and do 18 girls, which is half the line.” Once everyone understands how the fall works, all 36 members practice falling together. 

Once the routine is perfected by everyone, the next element is added to it: the costumes. “It feels completely different than in the rehearsal room,” says Rockette Maranda. The costumes are grandiose and include among them a 3-foot-tall hats that don't make things easy either. 

“We have these big hats on that you have to keep straight,” says choreographer Julie. “You have to trust that your nose is going to get flattened a little bit but it’ll all be fine once it’s over. It is a complete team effort.” 

Though it takes a lot of hard work, the Rocketts say they love performing it every year for their audience on their website. This incredible dance has been performed since 1933 according to their website, and the costumes have remained virtually unchanged since then! 

“The audience loves it and it really is their favorite part of the show,” says Rockette Maranda, “which makes it one of my favorite parts of the show to perform!” It certainly is one of the most intriguing dances we have seen yet, and it is sure to make your day to watch it as well. You can watch the entire performance in the video below: 

What did you think about these amazing dance skills? Do let us know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to pass the link to everyone you know who loves amazing and skillful performances. They’ll certainly be thankful to you for it.