Harlem School of the Arts Dance to Honor Jennifer Jones, First African American Rockette

Harlem School of the Arts Dance to present the Harlem City Music Hall Dance Spectacular to honor Dancer Jennifer Jones, the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Written, directed and choreographed by HSA's Dance Director Aubrey Lynch II, the rhythmic, storytelling dance program will feature The Harlemettes and the The Harlem Rockets. The show will take place on Sunday, June 19, 2016, from 1:00PM-2:30PM and 5:00PM-6:30PM, at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College located at 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10065. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, $20 for Group Tickets and $25 for students and seniors; and are available for pre-purchase at www.hsanyc.org/harlemcitymusichall.

"I knew I wanted to dance and no matter what obstacles or challenges I faced dancing remained my focus. Being the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette was an amazing experience and it changed my life. It is an honor to be part of the Rockette legacy, this world famous dance troupe, and surrounded by a sisterhood of beautiful women," said Jones. "I'm thankful to the Harlem School of the Arts, Aubrey Lynch and the young dancers for bringing my story to life in this creative way. It is truly an honor and I'm blessed to be recognized for having broken a long standing barrier."

Jones made her debut as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette at Super Bowl XXII during the "Something Grand" halftime show, becoming a trailblazer for other women of color to become Rockettes, in 1988. Following her groundbreaking performance Jones continued dancing professionally as a Rockette. In 2001, she was also one of three African American women to be cast for the Tony Award-winning Broadway show, 42nd Street, and continued to perform until she retired in 2005.

"I felt it important to highlight the incredible leadership of Jennifer Jones who broke the color barrier," said HSA's Dance Director Aubrey Lynch II. "She is an example for all of us, especially our little ladies."

Inspired by Jones' experience as a Rockette and Radio City Music Hall, the Dance Spectacular features Little JJ and her friends, who embark on a journey to find the legendary Harlem City Music Hall and its infamous Hall of Wishes to make her dream come true.

ABOUT HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

For over 50 years, Harlem School of the Arts has stood apart among the premier arts institutions in New York City as the sole provider of quality arts education in four different disciplines: Music, Dance, Theatre and Visual Arts. HSA enriches the lives of young people and their families in Harlem and the Greater New York City area by providing: unrivaled on-site arts instruction, vital outreach partnerships with New York City schools, and quality performances and exhibitions that attract diverse audiences to its dynamic cultural arts facility. HSA creates opportunities for both children and adults to fully experience the benefits that the arts can bring to their lives. For more information on Harlem School of the Arts courses, programs, events an tickets for this event visit: www.HSAnyc.org.