From the classic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” to the sparkling winter wonderland of the “Dance of the Frost Fairies,” the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is New York’s biggest, brightest, most iconic holiday show. And the presence of the Rockettes ensures the show’s original spark lit back in 1933—just one year after Radio City Music Hall opened its Art Deco doors to the world—will continue to illuminate this cherished tradition for generations to come.

Helming the 2024 production in the Big Apple for her 10th year as director/choreographer is Julie Branam—the first former Rockette to ever hold the position.

“I actually didn’t see the Christmas Spectacular until I was in it,” says Branam, who joined the Rockettes in 1988 as a swing (a performer who learns the choreography of every dancer in the line and covers for anyone who is out). “I watched the performances when I wasn’t on stage, so the first time I saw the Christmas Spectacular was the first dress rehearsal that year.”

And, like decades of theatregoers before her, Branam was transfixed: “I remember being awestruck by the number ‘Christmas in New York.’ It had everything on the stage—the Rockettes, ice skaters, singers, ensemble dancers, the full orchestra, and even a horse and carriage. I had never seen anything like it on such a huge scale.”

Since then, the Des Moines, Iowa native has dedicated much of her career to the legendary show, working as an assistant choreographer with the touring company before being promoted to its director in 1998. 

For Branam, preparing for the production is a yearlong process. “It’s aways on my mind,” she says. “I’ll be somewhere in the middle of the summer and see something that makes me think about the Christmas Spectacular.” 

The effort to enhance the show is shared with the entire creative team, including the techno-geniuses who add 21st-century flourishes like immersive digital projections and, most recently, a magical fleet of Frost Fairy drones that soar above the audience. 

And according to Branam, the Rockettes have evolved as well. “[They’ve] become more versatile and technically excellent than ever before,” she says, going on to explain that her approach has also changed over the years. “I think I’ve figured out how to get the very best out of performers in the kindest, most joyful way I can. I always try to live by the motto ‘Work Hard, Be Nice.’” (As one Rockette told me, “Her pep talks are amazing and her joy is contagious.”)

It’s fascinating to get an insider’s scoop on the show’s pedal-to-the-metal costume and scenery changes. “The backstage work ethic and camaraderie at Radio City Music Hall are really special,” notes Branam. “This production is truly a well-oiled machine, not only on the stage, but also behind the scenes. It takes the cast and crew of more than two hundred people to make magic happen every day.” 

As for meeting audience expectations, Branam knows that this dazzling annual gift to visitors and New Yorkers is nothing short of a holiday slam-dunk.

“When you come to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, you’re going to experience 90 minutes of pure magic, with wonderful music and incredible dancing,” she says, adding, “If you’re an adult, the show might make you feel like a kid again, and if you’re a kid, you will definitely be in awe of this incredible production!”

SPECTACULAR NUMBERS

(Some approximate; all staggering!)

17—number of new Rockettes that joined the troupe this year, all of whom came through the groundbreaking Rockettes Conservatory program

34—miles the fairy-drones in the “Dance of the Frost Fairies” fly over the course of the season

84—total number of Rockettes (two 42-member casts with 36 performing on stage at a time)

91—years Radio City Music Hall has presented the Christmas Spectacular

150—total performer count, including the Rockettes, Santa, ice skaters, and additional actors, singers, and dancers

200—Rockettes kicks per performance

1,000—costumes worn in the show

60,000—pounds of counterweight supporting the hanging scenery and lighting equipment

71M+—people from around the world who have experienced the holiday magic of the
Christmas Spectacular since its debut in 1933

Where: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Avenue
When: November 8th, 2024–January 5th, 2025
Reservations: rockettes.com or call 212-465-6225