Jennifer Jones (Rockette) facts for kids
Jennifer Jones (born August 1, 1967) is an American dancer and actress. In 1987, she made history by becoming the first African American Rockette at Radio City Music Hall.
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Early Life and Education
Jennifer Jones was born on August 1, 1967, in Newark, New Jersey. She grew up in Randolph. She went to Randolph High School and later to County College of Morris.
Becoming a Rockette
In 1987, when Jennifer was 20 years old, she tried out to become a Rockette. She went to an "Open Call" audition. She was one of 221 women who auditioned for only 26 open spots. Jennifer was chosen! She became the first African American Rockette in the dance company's 62-year history.
Rockettes need to be between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10.5 inches tall. They also need to be skilled in ballet, tap, and jazz dance. Other requirements included a slender figure, long legs, and the ability to do 20 eye-level kicks while keeping good posture.
Jennifer danced with the Rockettes for fifteen years. Her career included national tours and performances on television. One famous show was Comic Relief IV in 1990. It was filmed at Radio City Music Hall and featured stars like Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams with the Rockettes.
In 2002, Jennifer retired from dancing with the Rockettes. She then joined the Rockette Alumnae Association.
Breaking Barriers
Jennifer Jones joining the Rockettes in 1987 was a very important moment. It ended a long-standing rule at Radio City Music Hall. For many years, the Rockettes did not hire African American dancers. This rule was set in 1925 by Russell E. Markert, who founded the Rockettes. He wanted all the dancers to look exactly alike. He even said dancers should not get a tan because it would make them "look like a colored girl."
This rule continued for many decades. In 1982, the Rockettes' director, Violet Holmes, said that having one or two black dancers would "distract" from the group's perfect, mirror-like look.
However, civil rights groups like the NAACP and city leaders spoke out. They felt the Rockettes did not show the diversity of New York City. Radio City Music Hall responded by saying they were trying to encourage more minority dancers to audition. Jennifer Jones's success proved that change was possible.
Super Bowl Debut
Jennifer Jones made her national debut with the Rockettes on Sunday, January 31, 1988. This was during the Super Bowl XXII halftime show. The game was between the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos. It took place at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego.
The show was called "Something Grand." It was different from past halftime shows. It featured 1,200 performers! This included 44 Rockettes, 400 swing band members, 300 Jazzercisers, and 88 pianists playing on 88 grand pianos. Two college marching bands also performed. R&B singer Chubby Checker sang his hit song, The Twist.
Awards and Recognition
Tony Award
In 2001, Jennifer Jones performed in the Broadway show 42nd Street. This was during her last years with the Rockettes. The show won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical that year. Jennifer was one of three African American women cast in the show.
The Harlem City Music Hall Dance Spectacular
In 2016, The Harlem School of the Arts honored Jennifer Jones. They created a special tribute show called "The Harlem City Music Hall Dance Spectacular." The show was inspired by Jennifer's amazing journey as a Rockette and how she broke barriers. It featured young dancers from the school. The story showed how dreams can come true with hard work and courage. At the event, Jennifer said that by breaking the color barrier, she helped open doors for future dancers.
O Mag Insider
In August 2018, Jennifer Jones was named an "O Mag Insider" by O, The Oprah Magazine.
Author and Doll Maker
Jennifer Jones has also become a recognized author. She wrote a children's book called On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette. This book shares her dance journey. She is also preparing to release her memoir, Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience, in spring 2025. Both books are published by HarperCollins.
Jennifer also created the "Dancing Jenn Doll" collection for children. These dolls celebrate talent, diversity, and self-love. Through her books and dolls, Jennifer continues to inspire people around the world.
Personal Life
Jennifer Jones has lived in West Orange, New Jersey.
