First Black Rockette Jennifer Jones’ Audition Story

For a century, the Radio City Rockettes have been synonymous with dazzling precision, iconic costumes, and unforgettable high kicks. But behind the glitz and glamour, history was being made. Jennifer Jones, now 58, didn’t just master the choreography; she shattered a 62-year barrier, becoming the first Black Rockette in the troupe’s storied history.

An Audition Almost Missed

Interestingly, Jones never initially set out to be a history-maker. When she moved to New York City in the mid-1980s, her sights were set on Broadway, inspired by childhood trips to see shows like ‘The Wiz.’ She recalled wanting to be like Stephanie Mills. So, when she first saw an advertisement for a Rockette audition, she almost passed it by.

It was a friend who convinced her to even consider it. Jones admitted she wasn’t entirely sure who the Rockettes were or what they did. Her friend insisted she’d be a great fit, and Jones saw it as a valuable opportunity to gain audition experience for her ultimate Broadway goal, even though she felt she was still ‘green.’

From Callback to History Maker

Jones auditioned, got a callback, and then waited for months with no news. The call finally came unexpectedly from Violet Holmes, a longtime Rockette choreographer, inviting her to perform in the Super Bowl XXII halftime show. Unsure if this meant she was officially hired, Jones initially hesitated but quickly called back and accepted.

Just days later, while watching the news, Jones learned she was the first Black dancer hired by the Rockettes since their founding in 1925. She humorously recalled thinking, ‘Huh, I wonder who that is,’ before her mother called to confirm. At just 20 years old in 1987, Jennifer Jones officially became a Rockette and was promptly prepared for media training to introduce this groundbreaking moment to the world.

Navigating Change and Resistance

Despite joining decades after the Civil Rights Movement, Jones’s arrival wasn’t universally celebrated. She explained that ‘anytime there’s change, there’s resistance.’ While some were welcoming, others, including some fellow dancers and management, were not thrilled. Jones felt scrutinized, constantly corrected, and sometimes laughed at, which made her question if she truly belonged.

She held onto her childhood dream of dancing on a great stage and walking out the backstage door. This core desire fueled her resilience. Jones eventually danced for 15 seasons, leaving an indelible mark and paving the way for greater diversity within the troupe.

A Lasting Legacy

Jones’s presence opened doors for more Black dancers, including pioneers like Danielle Jolie Dale-Hancock and Danelle Morgan. Today, the annual Christmas Spectacular features a growing number of Black dancers, a visible shift from the once uniformly white line Jones entered. Jones has since chronicled her journey in her memoir, ‘Becoming Spectacular,’ and continues to celebrate the Rockettes’ legacy and the importance of diversity in dance.