The Rockettes have long been celebrated for their Precision Dance Technique ^TM, but their costumes have played an equally important role in bringing each performance to life. During the 1930s and 1940s, elaborate costume designs helped transform the dancers into sailors, historical figures, and glamorous city performers, creating unforgettable stage spectacles at Radio City Music Hall.

One of the earliest featured costumes is the 1933 “Big City Blues” strut costume, designed by Vincent Minnelli for segment “Big City Blues”. The costume reflected the sophistication and energy of urban life, helping establish the theatrical style that would become synonymous with the Rockettes.

Maritime themes became especially popular throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1937, designers Marco Montedoro and Willa Van created a sailor costume for the production number “Springtime”. The costume was also worn during performances accompanying the film Seventh Heaven, showcasing how live stage productions complemented feature films shown at Radio City Music Hall.

Montedoro and Van collaborated again in 1939 on a George Washington-inspired costume for the Rockettes during the “Eastern Greetings”. Drawing inspiration from George Washington and American history, the design reflected the grand, patriotic themes that often appeared in Music Hall productions.

Their partnership continued with the 1940 sailor costume worn in the “Rockette Regatta” segment of the production “Country Club.” The costume also appeared during performances accompanying the film All This, and Heaven Too. Today, this sailor costume is considered Willa Van’s most celebrated design, admired for its classic nautical styling and enduring connection to the Rockettes‘ history.

In 1941, Willa Van designed another memorable sailor costume for the “All Hands on Deck” segment of “Follow the Fleet.” The costume was also featured during performances accompanying the film The Little Foxes, further demonstrating the popularity of nautical themes during this era.