Client Spotlight: The First Black Rockette Looks to CommCore for Media Training

For the February issue of The Observer, CommCore reached out to client Jennifer Jones, an acclaimed performer, cancer survivor, author, and the first Black Rockette in the world, of the renowned Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. In this exclusive interview, she shares her pioneering experiences, voice in our culture, and why an excellent and compassionate communicator hired CommCore Consulting for Media Training.

February celebrates Black History Month by paying tribute to African American history, culture, and accomplishments. At CommCore, we are committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Respect. This includes fostering safe and inclusive environments for our clients and staff. We understand and value the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in all that we do, including the services we provide to clients. We take pride in our diverse and skilled team of staff and consultants, whose dedicated work ethic propels us forward as we continuously evolve. Our mission is that through our work in communications coaching, we help people from all walks of life become great speakers and amplify their voices.

As the first Black Rockette, did you know going into the audition that there had never been a woman of color in the dance troupe?

Before auditioning, I had no familiarity with the Rockettes; I was more focused on theater and Broadway. A friend spotted the audition and suggested that I would be a perfect fit. A few months after my tryout, I received a call with the opportunity to perform at the 1988 Super Bowl XXII Halftime Show. A night or so later, WNBC-TV reported that Radio City had just hired their first Black dancer. I wondered who it could be. A day later, I received a call confirming that it was indeed me.

Did you see yourself as someone breaking barriers, or were you just a great dancer joining the Rockettes?

At 20 years old while striving to master the precise techniques and perfect precision of the Rockettes, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of my position and the impact it had. Some individuals within the organization told me to consider myself lucky to be there. I took those words at face value. At that time, I ended up dimming my light and feeling grateful for having a place on the line.

What made you want to write and publish your children’s book, On the Line?

Through this book, my goal is to ignite inspiration within young minds, urging them to pursue their passions, and to foster meaningful dialogues between children and the guiding adults, centered around their dreams and aspirations. While the book encompasses various themes, two fundamental ones are the unwavering spirit of perseverance and the value of embracing one’s unique individuality.

As a colon cancer survivor and now an advocate for awareness and prevention around the disease, did you get involved because of its increased prevalence in the Black community?

At the time of my diagnosis at age 50, I had been a vegetarian for 25 years, remained active every day, and was a professional dancer, I took great care of my body.

Yet, in our community, we are 20% more likely to develop this disease and 40% more likely to succumb to it. The lack of resources, education, and necessary conversations – although uncomfortable – are essential in saving lives. I have chosen to speak openly about this “uncomfortable” topic in the hopes of making a difference and saving lives.

I became an advocate after I received the news that I was cancer-free in January 2019. I now stand on mountaintops, urging the younger generation, and particularly the African American community, to undergo screenings. It’s crucial to emphasize that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.

You are already an excellent and compassionate communicator. Why did you seek Media Training before your recent appearances and what did you learn from this experience?

I wanted to enhance my ability to convey my message clearly and effectively to a broader audience. In addition, media training with CommCore equipped me with the skills to handle challenging questions with grace and confidence, allowing me to stay on message while addressing any potential curveballs that can arise during interviews.

I also sought to refine my nonverbal communication skills, such as body language and vocal tone, to ensure that my delivery is engaging and resonates with viewers.

Why Media Training with CommCore?

Today’s media environment makes media training more important than ever. News can go “viral,” hitting the digital press or social media almost instantaneously. Let CommCore train you on effective communication. Interactive exercises, meaningful discussion, and real-life examples allow our trainees to take on even the toughest scenarios. We provide 1-on-1 Executive Coaching, classroom-style media training for your entire team, and virtual options for when time is of the essence.

Do you have staff in management or leadership roles who could benefit from a leadership development program or leadership training? Are certain members of your team increasingly in the public eye? Those who often facilitate meetings, have frequent public speaking engagements (presentations, panels, short
speeches) and spokespeople who appear on radio, TV and/or digital media interviews can benefit from this type of professional development.

For all media training and consultive services:

We conduct research into your organization
We customize our sessions to your specific needs
Our Media Training is sought-after by trusted names in the industry
We utilize expert trainers who have relevant industry experience and know how to transfer their knowledge effectively
Our advice is based on research and what works, not opinion

Additional Resources:

· New Team Member Highlight Series Q&A – Elli Imel – Washington DC

· CEO Andy Gilman on EE Voice Podcast: “The Moral of the Story is: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare.”

· CommCore’s New Self-Paced Presentation Skills Training Course

· CommCore’s Crisis Work Highlighted in Business Insider

· CommCore’s New Service Guide is now LIVE

· Presentation Skills Training VIDEO Tips

· CommCore Crisis Simulation and Training

· CEO Andy Gilman Quoted in The Wall Street Journal

· CEO Andy Gilman Quoted in CNN Business

· Ready for a Reputation Crisis? Find Out Now! CEO Andy Gilman’s Advice Featured in Forbes

· DC Politicians Have CommCore on Speed-Dial, But It’s More About Prevention