‘On the Line: How I Created My Place to Belong’ with Jennifer Jones

The Department of Theatre and Dance recently hosted a talk with Jennifer Jones, the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Jennifer is a sensational dancer and performer who has made a profound impact on the world of dance. With her incredible talent and boundless passion for the art form, Jennifer has become an influential figure in breaking down barriers and paving the way for diversity in the industry.

Jennifer fell in love with dance at a young age, and was lucky to always be enrolled in activities such as dance classes, baton twirling, and horseback riding. In the 4th grade, her teacher chose her to be the lead in the school play, which had a 1940s theme. She got to perform the roll of “Jitterbugger,” and was nervous before the performance. Referring to how she felt on stage, she stated: “I got lost in it and it felt like home. I knew I wanted to be up there.”

Originally, the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes had a policy against hiring non-diverse dancers as to not distract the viewer from their rigid color uniformity. On December 26, 1987, the New York Times published the article, “Rockettes and Race: Barrier Slips.”Violet Holmes, credited with choreographing some of the most famous dances performed by the Rockettes, was mentioned: “As recently as five years ago, the director of the Rockettes, Violet Holmes, defended the all-white line on artistic grounds. She said that the dancers were supposed to be ‘mirror images’ of each other, and added: ‘One or two black girls in the line would definitely distract. You would lose the whole look of precision, which is the hallmark of the Rockettes.’” This article announced Jennifer’s acceptance to the Rockettes, but did not mention her by name.

Jennifer had attended an audition for the Rockettes earlier in 1987, and she made her national debut on January 31, 1988, during the National Football League Super Bowl XXII halftime show at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California.

“What they did on stage was pure magic. And I know I wanted to do that one day.”

• Jennifer Jones, reacting to the 1974 Broadway production of The Wiz

Jennifer continued to pave the way for artistic performers of color by being crowned the first African American 1989 Miss Morris County pageant queen, and being a member of the 2001 Broadway revival of 42nd Street the musical, which went on to win a Tony Award for the Best Revival of a Musical. She is also a cancer survivor of over 6 years and advocates for women’s health.

Recently, Jennifer wrote a children’s book, On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette, published by Harper Collins. It is an inspiring story that blends love for dance with the hope for change and commitment to a world where each of us finds our place to belong. There is also a Limited Edition Dancing Jenn doll modeled after her, which is the embodiment of inspiration, representation, and possibility.

The students of the Theatre and Dance department enjoyed hearing Jennifer’s story, and asked many questions and sought advice. Jennifer’s visit was truly inspirational!