Jonnesha Hawkins-Minter

Dance Professional, Educator, and Visionary Leader

Jonnesha Hawkins-Minter is a dynamic and accomplished dance professional based in Oklahoma City, OK. Her journey in dance began at the age of 11 at the Classen School of Advanced Studies and Performing Arts, where she honed her skills in modern dance, ballet, and various other genres. She graduated from Classen SAS in 2001 and continued her dedication to dance by studying modern dance at the University of Oklahoma, earning a B.F.A. in Modern Dance Performance in 2005.

During her time at OU, Jonnesha had the privilege of learning from distinguished choreographers and teachers, including Denise Vale (Martha Graham Dance Company), Austin Hartel (Pilobolus Dance Theatre), Brian Brooks, Derick Minter (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), and Sonia Dawkins (SD Prism Dance Company). Her training extended beyond the university through her participation in the American Dance Festival, where she worked with renowned choreographers Ronald K. Brown (Artistic Director of Evidence Dance Company) and Nicholas Leichter (Artistic Director of Nicholas Leichter Dance).

Jonnesha’s professional career began with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 2, where she performed and taught at Jeraldyne’s School of Dance. She later performed with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company and collaborated with notable choreographer John Stronks on various projects. As a member of Psophonia Dance Company (2007–2010) and Urban Souls Dance Company (2010–2012), Jonnesha’s impact continued to grow. She served as rehearsal director for Urban Souls during the 2012–2013 season, showcasing her leadership and organizational skills.

In addition to her performance career, Jonnesha is a Certified Dunham Technique Teacher and a certified yoga instructor. Passionate about nurturing young talent, she founded TopFlight Dance Company in 2008 and, in 2011, opened TopFlight Dance Center—a dedicated space for her company dancers and youth in the community. In 2019, she expanded her vision further by establishing TopFlight Dance Conservatory, an institution designed to challenge and inspire dancers through performance, academia, and artistry.

Jonnesha continues to be a visionary leader in the dance community, dedicated to fostering creativity, excellence, and growth in the next generation of dancers.