Jonnesha Hawkins-Minter

Nickname

Jonne, DaDa, Jon Jon

Pet? Pet Name?

Dog: Reese

Playlist

Too big to narrow down!!!

Favorite Color

Earth tone colors

Favorite Food

Snow Crab Legs( Yum)

Favorite Choreographer

I am a “dance connoisseur”. I’ve taken something (good or not so good) from all choreographers I had the opportunity and privilege working with!

Best performance to date

Psophonia Dance Company- Phantasia :Etched and Extracted 2007 (pills section)

Phobias

Insects

Best Piece You’ve Ever seen

Any reps. for Alvin Ailey (especially revelations)

Training

I began my dance training at the age of 11 at Classen School of Advanced Studies and Performing arts in 1994, studying modern dance, ballet and other forms of dance. I graduated from Classen SAS in May 2001. In high school I spent 2 summers studying modern dance at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute and in 2000 performed with the world renowned African American Dance Ensemble. I then went on to graduate from the University of Oklahoma in May 2005 with a B.F.A. in Modern Dance Performance.

It was there that I studied with renowned choreographers and teachers such as, Denise Vail of the Martha Graham Dance Company), Austin Hartel (Pilobolous Dance Theatre), Brian Brooks and Derick Minter (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), and Sonia Dawkins Artistic director of SD Prism Dance Company. I also studied at the American Dance Festival and worked with choreographers, Ronald K. Brown Artistic Director of Evidence Dance Company and Nicholas Leichter Artistic Director of Nicholas Leichter Dance.

Performance Experience

Professional Performance Experience

2010-Present       Urban Souls Dance Company - Director: Harrison Guy
2007-2010           Psophonia Dance Company - Directors: Sophia Torres/Sonia                           Noriega
2007                   Dancepatheatre - Director: Sara Draper
2006-2007           Houston Metropolitan Dance Company - Director: Michelle                           Smith
2005-2006           Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 2 - Director: Shonna                           Hickman-Matlock

Teaching Experience

2008-Present        TopFlight Dance Company - Owner/Director
2008-Present        Allegro West Academy of Dance -    Dance Instructor
2009-2010           Hintze Dance Center -  Dance Instructor
2007-2009           Boni’s Dance and Performing Arts Center - Dance Instructor
2006-2008           Lesa’s DanceSations - Instructor/Choreographer
2006                   Houston MET Dance Company & MET TOO -                           Instructor/Choreographer
2005-2006           Jeraldyne’s School of dance-Dayton, OH - Pre-Ballet                           Instructor
2004                   Oklahoma City Arts Council-Summer Program - Dance                           Instructor
2001                   Dance Arizona Repertory Theatre-Outreach Program - Dance                           Instructor

What does it mean to be an Urban Souls Dancer?

The opportunity to continue my craft with a group of educated dancers from all walks of life is so refreshing. I thought for a moment that I would never be able to find a company with the caliber of professionalism, but yet a sense of family as Urban Souls. I hope to have the honor to extend my professional journey with Urban Souls for many years to come.

Dream Job

Living It!! (but, still would like to perform abroad)