If you love dance, then you’ve probably heard of Bob Fosse. He was a game-changer in the world of jazz dance, creating unique choreography for famous musicals like Redhead, Sweet Charity, and Chicago. His influence on modern dance is huge, and over the years, many dance groups have honored his work. One of the most famous dance companies in the world, the Radio City Rockettes, paid tribute to Fosse in 2020 with an amazing jazz-inspired routine.
This special routine was clearly inspired by Fosse’s work on Chicago, one of the longest-running Broadway musicals of all time. The dancers performed to Liza Minnelli’s version of All That Jazz, a song straight from the show. In just a minute and a half, the Rockettes captured the sultry, exciting energy of Chicago, wowing audiences with their smooth yet powerful movements. Dressed in sleek black leotards and tights, they brought Fosse’s signature style to life, blending elegance with precise, controlled motions.
It’s no surprise that the routine was such a hit. After all, the Rockettes are considered one of the best dance companies in the world. But what made this performance even more special was that they worked with the Verdon Fosse Legacy—a group dedicated to preserving and promoting the work of Bob Fosse and fellow choreographer Gwen Verdon. One thrilled viewer summed it up perfectly, calling it “a Fosse tribute that gets it” and praising the performance as “pure skill and dance talent.”
What makes this tribute even more impressive is that it’s completely different from what the Rockettes usually do. They are best known for their dazzling Christmas Spectaculars at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where they perform their legendary high-kick routines. If you’ve ever seen clips from their Christmas shows, you know just how precise and synchronized their movements are—it takes an incredible amount of skill and practice to perfect those eye-high kicks!
But their tribute to Bob Fosse in 2020 proved one thing: the Rockettes are far from being a one-trick act. They can master a completely different style of dance with just as much grace and expertise. This performance not only highlighted how much Fosse has shaped modern dance, but also showcased the Rockettes’ incredible versatility and talent.
If you want to learn more about the Rockettes, you can follow them on Facebook or check out their official website.
