Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette

About this book

The first African American Rockette charts her journey to one of the world's most celebrated dance troupes in this gripping performing arts memoir that, for the first time, goes behind the velvet curtains at Radio City's legendary holiday show. "Smashing through glass windows and paving the way for others requires a special blend of bravery and perseverance. Being a pioneer involves breaking down stubborn barriers, challenging closed-minded people and navigating through instances of racism and prejudice. This journey often included facing ongoing resistance from individuals who were unwilling to embrace change. It’s believing in your dream—that you can be and do whatever it is that you love."—Jennifer Jones The Radio City Rockettes are as American as baseball, hot dogs, and the Fourth of July. Their legendary synchronized leg kicks, precise lines, and megawatt smiles have charmed audiences for a century. But there is a hidden side to this illustrious national institution. When the Rockettes began in 1925, Black people were not allowed to dance on stage with white people. However, during the Civil Rights Movement, dance history changed significantly when Black and white dancers were permitted to perform together, marking a moment of progress and inclusivity in the world of dance and entertainment. Even so, as late as the early 1980s, Rockette director Violet Holmes said having "one or two Black girls in the line would definitely distract." In 1987 the 63-year color barrier at Radio City was finally broken by one brave and tenacious woman. When she arrived, Jennifer Jones was met with pushback—a fierce resistance she details in this intimate and inspiring memoir about institutional racism and personal triumph. After overcoming seemingly impossible odds to join the line of The Rockettes, a PR director summoned the Black dancer to her hotel room and announced, "You’re old news, nobody cares about you, your story or anything about you. You're just lucky to be here." Those words would haunt this shy, insecure biracial woman, who had always felt like an outsider. Like Gelsey Kirkland’s iconic Dancing on My Grave, Becoming Spectacular allows us to walk in Jones’ tap shoes—beautiful and glittering, yet painful and binding. Bringing into focus the wounded life of a trailblazer, this searing memoir is also a triumphant celebration of a spirit who refused to be counted out—an essential work of Black history. This memoir pulls back the curtain on the grit behind the glamour—and the courage it took to stand in the spotlight. A Trailblazer’s Journey: Follow Jennifer Jones as she shatters a 63-year color barrier to become the first African American Rockette, facing down a history of exclusion in a beloved American institution. Behind the Velvet Curtain: Go beyond the megawatt smiles and synchronized kicks to discover the hidden resistance and painful realities of life on the legendary line. Overcoming Adversity: Read the story of a shy, insecure woman haunted by the words "You’re old news," who found the strength to prove her critics wrong and claim her place in history. Inspirational Memoir: Discover a story of resilience and triumph that celebrates a spirit that refused to be counted out, perfect for anyone who has ever dared to chase a dream against all odds.

Details

Format

Hardcover

ISBN-13

9780063270374

Publisher

Amistad Press

Published

February 18, 2025

Pages

208

Weight

12 oz

Subject

Biography & Autobiography