“In New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There’s nothin’ you can’t do. Now you’re in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you. Let’s hear it for New York. New York, New York.” “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z, feature Alicia Keys.

I do not know anyone who does not like New York City. The busy streets and sidewalks. The tall buildings. The luminous lights. Canal Street where you can buy knockoffs. Shopping on Fifth Avenue where knockoffs are a sin. Little Italy. Broadway. Excitement. Starbucks on every corner. Night life for socializing. The Empire State Building. Central Park. I could make this list a lot longer.

One more I will add, though, is the famous Radio City Rockettes. They are a true and talented treasure, who are “seen by more than 1 million people annually,” the website rockettes.com states. The show “has played in more than 60 cities across North America.”

I loved going to NYC with my cousin years ago. When we both did not have children, we visited the Big Apple and had the time of our lives - no matter what we did. We must have gone to NYC at least 10 times in just a few years. Some were day trips, some were weekend trips, but all were fun.

I also fondly remember seeing the Rockettes on stage with my dad’s side of the family when I was a preteen. As my son gets older, I will be looking forward to seeing the “Christmas Spectacular” with him.

For some, like my aunt who has enjoyed taking her daughter and granddaughter to see the show for a couple years now, the holiday season would not feel the same without seeing the Rockettes. This will be the case for my aunt and others - the 2020 season of the “Christmas Spectacular” has been canceled, thanks to COVID-19.

On its website, Madison Square Garden Entertainment shared the popular show, which takes place at Radio City Music Hall, will not be happening.

“We regret that the 2020 production of the ‘Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes’® has been canceled due to continued uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” the website states. “We are disappointed for everyone involved with the show, as well as for the many fans who make the ‘Christmas Spectacular’ a cherished part of their holiday tradition.

“We look forward to welcoming audiences back for the 2021 production, which is on sale now. All tickets for the 2020 production will be automatically refunded at the point of purchase.”

This is a historic decision - rightly so - for an iconic dance company. For the first time in 87 years, there will be no production for 2020. For the first time since 1933, the Rockettes will not dance on stage for millions to see in person.

According to the website, “The Rockettes are the world’s most famous precision dance company. Widely known as one of New York City’s most illustrious and beloved icons, they are legendary for their precision dance and eye-high kicks.

“From performances on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and the Tony Awards to Super Bowl halftime shows and presidential inaugurations, the Rockettes are above anything else - stars.

“For almost a century, the Rockettes have been American icons. They have appeared at Radio City Music Hall in hundreds of stage spectaculars and have participated in many historic and memorable events, like joining the USO and traveling abroad to entertain the troops and support wartime effort and performing at the inauguration of the 43rd president of the United States - George W. Bush in 2001,” the website states.

During a performance, there are 36 Rockettes on stage, with “four ‘swings’ who can fill in the spots for nine of the women on the line,” the website also states.

Thankfully - or should I say hopefully - this cancellation is for 2020 only. Bethlehem may be known as the Christmas City, but when in New York City to celebrate the holiday season, everything seems a little bit merrier, with some added help and flare from those dancing ladies.

I’m praying the pandemic doesn’t ruin too much more joy for the season.

Stacey Koch

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press