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VUENJ.COM 75 Hailing from Iowa with a background in ballet, Julie could have never imagined just what her future career in dance would hold. Initially, Julie joined the company as a "swing" dancer, meaning she had to learn the parts of all 36 Rockettes in order to fill in as needed. "It was a little daunting," she says of the time, but that initial intense training le her well-equipped to assist other directors and choreographers before eventually stepping into the role herself for the Christmas Spectacular in 2014. While she revels in her role as director and choreographer, Julie admits to missing "the thrill of dancing. It was such a joy to dance and be able to fly across that stage and kick and bring the house down," she gleefully recalls. A limit on longevity is the nature of the job, but Julie remains incredibly grateful that she made her way to Radio City Music Hall in the first place. "Coming from Iowa, dance wasn't considered a viable occupation," says Julie. "I've been very lucky to be able to be employed doing what I love for most of my career." For more than a decade, Julie has been keeping the iconic choreography of the Rockettes fresh and exciting for the Christmas Spectacular. Aer last year's record-breaking attendance numbers– the production's highest in 25 years with more than 1.2 million visitors from all 50 states and 125 countries–this season's schedule will run from November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027. with the most shows to ever grace the stage. Since the show's debut in 1933, 73 million people from around the globe have experienced the holiday magic of the Rockettes. While last year introduced the Sphere Immersive Sound technology to Radio City, additional new immersive technology "will allow audiences to see the Rockettes precision closer than ever before via a variety of different perspectives." ough technological advancements and new routines elevate the overall experience, Julie knows that it is the Rockettes' precision that draws the standing ovations. "eir hard work is what makes the Spectacular spectacular; it is the Rockettes that make it so," she declares. Despite her own familiarity with the production, Julie still "gets chills at several different places" throughout the show, including a very special part of the finale which involves the whole cast. One of her favorite things to do is to "watch parents watch their kids" as they take in the magic of the Rockettes. No matter the year, Radio City Music Hall remains synonymous with spreading Christmas joy across generations and hopefully, for generations to come. To secure your seats for this season's Christmas Spectacular, tickets can be purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall or online at www.rockettes.com/christmas. I've been very lucky to be able to be employed doing what I love for most of my career.

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