The Rockettes Costume
Bring high-kick holiday glamour to life with this iconic dance costume.
The Radio City Rockettes are America's most famous precision dance company, celebrated for their legendary holiday performances in New York City. Dressing as a Rockette is a popular choice for anyone wanting a glamorous, high-energy look that stands out at holiday parties and Halloween events. The classic look features a sparkling red and white holiday-themed dance leotard, matching headpiece, and character shoes.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–150
Try it on
See yourself as The Rockettes
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a The Rockettes costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete The Rockettes costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red sequin leotard or bodysuit
A form-fitting red sequin bodysuit, preferably sleeveless or with long sleeves, featuring white faux-fur trim along the neckline.
DIY: Take a plain red bodysuit and fabric-glue silver sequins and white faux-fur trim along the collar and cuffs.
White faux-fur cuffs
Plush white faux-fur wristbands to match the holiday theme.
DIY: Cut strips of white craft fur and attach them to elastic bands to wear around your wrists.
Sparkly silver belt
A wide, glittering silver belt to cinch the waist and add extra stage shimmer.
DIY: Cover a thick belt with silver glitter ribbon or metallic silver fabric.
T-strap character shoes
Classic beige or white leather T-strap dance heels with a sturdy 2-inch heel.
DIY: Use any pair of comfortable beige Mary Jane heels you already own.
Fishnet tights
Professional-grade tan or nude fishnet tights to give a polished stage look.
Mini Santa hat or sequined headpiece
A small, tilted red-and-white sequined mini Santa hat secured to a headband.
DIY: Glue a small felt Santa hat and a sprig of faux holly onto a plain black headband.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made The Rockettes costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the nude fishnet tights first to establish the dancer base layer.
- 2
Step into the red sequin leotard or bodysuit and secure it comfortably.
- 3
Fasten the wide silver glitter belt around your waist to define the silhouette.
- 4
Slide on the white faux-fur wrist cuffs.
- 5
Secure the mini Santa hat headband into your styled hair, pinning it if necessary for stability.
- 6
Put on the beige T-strap character shoes and buckle them securely.
- 7
Apply the signature stage makeup, finishing with a bold red lip.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a sleek, low bun secured with hairspray. Apply classic stage makeup featuring winged black eyeliner, shimmering silver eyeshadow, rosy cheeks, and a signature bright red lipstick.
The Rockettes for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Santa Claus, a toy soldier, or a Radio City stagehand.
- group
- Gather a group of friends to dress in matching outfits and line up for the iconic synchronized high-kick photo.
- kids
- Use a red sequin dance dress, white tights, and sparkly red ballet flats for a comfortable kid-friendly version.
- Plus size
- Opt for a highly elastic sequined skater dress or a supportive red sequin bodysuit paired with a matching flared skirt.
- pet
- A red holiday dog sweater with white faux-fur trim and a tiny elastic Santa hat.
Tips
- Choose character shoes with a wide, stable heel so you can walk and dance comfortably all night.
- Use bobby pins to secure the headpiece so it doesn't slip off when you pose for photos.
- Wear a nude seamless bra or body shaper under the sequin bodysuit for a smooth, comfortable fit.
- Practice the iconic high-kick pose with your group before taking photos to get the perfect synchronized shot.
The Rockettes costume FAQ
- What shoes do the Rockettes wear?
- The Rockettes wear custom-made LaDuca character shoes, which are T-strap leather dance heels. For a costume, any beige or tan T-strap character shoes or Mary Janes work perfectly.
- How do I make a DIY Rockette costume?
- Start with a red bodysuit, fabric-glue white faux-fur trim to the collar, add a silver belt, wear tan fishnets, and top it off with a mini Santa hat headband.
- What is the signature Rockette makeup?
- The signature look is classic stage makeup: a flawless matte base, defined eyebrows, dramatic winged eyeliner, false eyelashes, and a bright, true-red lipstick.
Did you know? The Rockettes do their own hair and makeup for every performance, and they must quickly change costumes in as little as 78 seconds during the Christmas Spectacular.