The Legacy of Jennifer Jones: Breaking Barriers with the Radio City Rockettes
For over a century, the Radio City Rockettes have mesmerized audiences worldwide with their precision, dazzling costumes, and iconic high kicks. Yet among the countless performances and routines, one trajectory stands out—a path forged by Jennifer Jones, the first Black Rockette in the troupe’s illustrious history. For 15 transformative seasons, Jones didn’t just master the choreography; she reshaped the very identity of the Rockettes.
A Dream of Broadway
Jennifer Jones, a native of New Jersey, never set out to make history. Like many aspiring performers, her dream was rooted in the vibrancy of Broadway. Growing up, she was captivated by the lights and sounds of stage productions, with visions of herself as Stephanie Mills in “The Wiz.” This romanticized ambition drove her to New York City in the mid-1980s, but the path to the Rockettes was not one she imagined for herself.
When she stumbled upon an audition ad for the Rockettes, she hesitated, initially dismissing it. Encouraged by a friend, Jones took a leap of faith, seeing the audition as a means of gaining valuable experience for her true goal—making it on Broadway.
The Audition That Changed Everything
With a heart full of ambition yet no prior intention to join the Rockettes, Jones auditioned and received a callback. However, a long silence followed until an unexpected phone call from Violet Holmes, a seasoned dancer and choreographer for the Rockettes, invited her to perform in a Super Bowl XXII halftime show.
Unsure of her status—whether she had been hired full-time or just brought in for a special gig—Jones initially hesitated, asking to call back. But after a moment of reflection, she accepted, only to discover soon afterward the historic significance of her hiring. At just 20 years old, Jennfier Jones had become the first Black dancer hired by the Rockettes since its inception in 1925.
Navigating New Terrain
As she prepared to join the line, Jones experienced a whirlwind of media training, stepping into a role as a spokesperson and a symbol of progress. With her groundbreaking entry came a wave of mixed reactions, from enthusiastic support to skepticism and resistance.
“Anytime there’s change, there’s resistance,” she noted, reflecting on her dual mission of embracing her identity while navigating the expectations of the troupe. While some welcomed her with open arms, others were less accepting. This scrutiny sometimes shook her confidence, prompting her to question her place within such an iconic institution.
A Trailblazer in the Spotlight
Despite facing challenges, Jones remained anchored in her childhood dream—dancing on a great stage. “No one was allowed to take that away from me,” she emphasized, recalling how it felt to share the same stage and wear the same costumes as her colleagues. Her resolve allowed her to transcend barriers, dancing alongside the legends she had once admired.
Her 15-season tenure not only solidified her as a trailblazer but also began a slow but essential evolution within the Rockettes. With her presence, more Black dancers began to join the ranks, including pioneers like Danielle Jolie Dale-Hancock and Danelle Morgan, who contributed to a more diverse representation within the company. Jones’s commitment to her craft laid the foundation for a shift that extended beyond her years on stage.
Reflecting on a Historic Journey
Today, Jones continues to inspire, residing in New Jersey with her husband, Jeff DeBarbieri. Her memoir, “Becoming Spectacular,” chronicles her life and experiences in an industry where representation has historically been lacking. As the Rockettes celebrate their centennial, Jennifer reflects on her unique journey with pride, recognizing the significance of her legacy in paving the way for future generations of dancers.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude for being part of a tradition that has ushered in a new era for Black women in dance. By celebrating her history and acknowledging other trailblazers—like Setsuko Maruhashi and Lillian Colon—she highlights the collective journey of diversifying the art form.
Through her unwavering passion and dedication, Jennifer Jones not only carved her name into the annals of the Rockettes but also propelled forward the conversation about representation in dance, leaving a lasting impact that continues to shape the narrative of the industry.