Rockettes rock Jordan Center

Rockettes rock Jordan Center

Credit: Andy Colwell Performers of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' performed Friday, Nov. 19, at the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State's University Park campus. To see additional photos, click on the image above.

University Park, Pa. -- Holiday cheer was abundant throughout the Bryce Jordan Center on Friday, Nov. 19, thanks to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes and Santa Claus.

Penn State President Graham B. Spanier kicked off the show, welcoming the performing troupe by festively shaking sleigh bells. Throughout the performance, the 18 Rockettes danced, high-kicked and sang their way through much of the 90-minute show as brilliant festive imagery played behind them on a stage-sized LED screen. Their trademark kick-lines, choreography and tap routines were in full force.

The leggy dancers were not alone in the spotlight, however. Other performers included host Santa Claus, costumed performers putting on dance numbers from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," and a pair of young boys who learn from Santa the magic of Christmas.

Hailing from New York City's Radio City Music Hall, the traveling version of the Christmas Spectacular has been touring since 2007, although the Rockettes name has long been a New York City entertainment staple at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to the tour, the Christmas Spectacular show also is put on between one and five times a day for nearly seven weeks. In addition to Friday's performance in University Park, this year's tour will make more than 30 stops throughout 18 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

For photos, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/2188 online.