Becoming Spectacular - The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette - E-book - ePub

Edition en anglais

Jennifer Jones

Note moyenne 
Jennifer Jones - Becoming Spectacular - The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette.
The first African American Rockette charts her journey to one of the world's most celebrated dance troupes in this gripping memoir that, for the first... Lire la suite
19,73 € E-book - ePub
Vous pouvez lire cet ebook sur les supports de lecture suivants :
Bientôt disponible
Recevez un email dès que l'ouvrage est disponible

Résumé

The first African American Rockette charts her journey to one of the world's most celebrated dance troupes in this gripping 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 JonesThe 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. 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.

Caractéristiques

  • Date de parution
    18/03/2025
  • Editeur
  • ISBN
    978-0-06-327039-8
  • EAN
    9780063270398
  • Format
    ePub
  • Nb. de pages
    240 pages
  • Caractéristiques du format ePub
    • Pages
      240
    • Protection num.
      Contenu protégé

Avis libraires et clients

Avis audio

Écoutez ce qu'en disent nos libraires !

À propos de l'auteur

Biographie de Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones is a Tony Award-winning dancer and activist known for becoming the first African American Rockette. Since 1987, she has advocated for equal rights in the arts, and her work has been celebrated by the Harlem School of the Arts, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden. A survivor of colon cancer, she lives in New Jersey with her husband, Jeffrey.

Vous aimerez aussi

Derniers produits consultés