Julie George trains, mentors and guides youth
MADISON – Julie George appreciates Madison’s charm and appeal as a Southern town, but likewise respects the town “cheerfully welcoming people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, which truly makes Madison a one-of-a-kind place.”
Her parents met, married and lived in New Orleans until lay-offs from The Boeing Company when the Saturn V rocket project ended. They moved to North Alabama for the fondness they felt during visits and plentiful employment opportunities.
Julie was born in Huntsville. However, when she was two years old, her family moved to Madison, which then “was little more than a blinking light and cotton fields.”
A Madison Academy graduate, Julie attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville on a Junior Miss Scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources management in 1995.
Julie is married to Mark George. Their son Jordan is a sophomore at Auburn University and is studying biomedical sciences.
Since they married, Julie and Mark have worked with youth – for a few years at Asbury United Methodist Church and the last eight years at First United Methodist Church in Athens. Julie has taught various Sunday school classes and traveled on mission/youth trips.
Julie is co-owner of The Dance Company Inc., founded 27 years ago. She “wears many hats” including corporation management; human resource management of 25 employees; choreography, costuming and rehearsing for competition team; and completely formulating start-to-finish recital plans.
“Even janitorial duties,” she said. “I also teach approximately 15 hours weekly including pre-school classes and jazz and tap from children to adults.”
The Dance Company selects a mission of the month, and she “loves to see students help others in our ‘#tdc gives back’ program.” For their annual Nutcracker show, instead of selling tickets, they collect canned goods for Manna House.
“Manna House holds a special place in our hearts. A former dance mom, Fran Fluhler, manages Manna House. Fran’s daughter Rebecca teaches for us and works in our office,” Julie said.
The Georges own lovable and mischievous Labrador retrievers named Maddie, Colbie and Britt.
Julie’s entire lifestyle involves music. At home, she may vacuum to classical or Christian music but enjoys pop/rock while driving. “I love to use 1970s through 1990s music in the classroom because the beat is outstanding/steady and usually has cleaner lyrics, honestly,” she said.
Julie’s favorite restaurants are Main Street Cafe, 306 Barbecue and Greenbrier Restaurant.