By Blair Feller

For over 75 years, the Big Apple has been the spot for one of the greatest shows on earth: the Christmas Spectacular! And do you know who has made this show so spectacular? The New York City Rockettes! This group of precision dancers performs five shows a day, for seven days a week during the holiday season. But those grueling hours of practice, practice, practice pay off!

I went with my family a few weekends ago to go see that wonderful show. Once the lights went out, the audience had the spinning light-up toys that were for sale in the Great Hall where everyone entered. And then the curtains opened.

And then, there were the Rockettes, dressed as Santa’s reindeer at the North Pole. They performed one of their one-of-a-kind gigs, ending it with their famous, eye-high kick lines. Then Santa Claus graced us with his presence! He showed up every time the scene changed. And every single time, all of the people in the audience stared at him with the wonder and joy that can only mean it’s Christmas time. Then we put on our 3D glasses, and went with Santa on his journey to N.Y.C. to see the Rockettes!

The next scenes were the traditions. We saw Clara (from the Nutcracker) dance with her toys, the “tin” soldiers paraded around the stage, and we saw the Rockettes take a tour of N.Y.C. And then we saw something new! We watched as a mother went around the big apple trying to find the “best” present for her daughter. During their bustling, they met Santa. And as he realized they needed a different gift, he took them to his workshop in the North Pole. Santa made a video game for the two of them. And it was in 3D, too! In the game, the Humbugs have taken all of the presents for children, and they have to get them back! We watched as the mother and daughter conquered the humbugs, bad gingerbread men, and a horrid ice creature! And in the end, they got the presents back, and they found that the best Christmas present of all is one that they can share together.

The closing scenes were the nativity scene, and their traditional song, “Let It Shine”. These performances reminded everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. It is the time when Jesus Christ was born, and that we should rejoice in his birth, and be the best that we all can be during this holiday season. The Rockettes reminded all of us that there is much more to Christmas than getting and giving. It’s about sharing all of the wonderful times that we’ve had together and being thankful for the ones to come.