VUENJ.COM 71
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 !ll 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 #y 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 !rst 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. A"er 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
I've been very lucky to be able
to be employed doing what
I love for most of my career.