Jonnesha Hawkins-Minter is a dynamic and accomplished Houston-based dance artist, educator, choreographer, and certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor. Her dance journey began at the age of 11 at the Classen School of Advanced Studies and Performing Arts, where she trained extensively in modern dance, ballet, and multiple movement disciplines. She graduated from Classen SAS in 2001 before continuing her professional dance education at the University of Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance Performance in 2005.

 

During her time at the University of Oklahoma, Jonnesha studied with influential artists and educators including Denise Vale of the Martha Graham Dance Company, Austin Hartel of Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Brian Brooks, Derick Minter of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Sonia Dawkins of SD Prism Dance Company. She further expanded her artistic training through the prestigious American Dance Festival, where she worked with celebrated choreographers Ronald K. Brown, Artistic Director of Evidence Dance Company, and Nicholas Leichter, Artistic Director of Nicholas Leichter Dance.

 

Jonnesha began her professional performance career with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 2, where she also taught at Jeraldyne’s School of Dance. She later performed with Houston Metropolitan Dance Company and collaborated on multiple creative projects with choreographer John Stronks. Her artistic career continued to flourish through her work with Psophonia Dance Company from 2007 to 2010 and Urban Souls Dance Company from 2010 to 2012. During the 2012–2013 season, she served as rehearsal director for Urban Souls Dance Company, demonstrating her leadership within professional concert dance environments.

 

In addition to her performance career, Jonnesha is both a certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor and a certified yoga instructor. Deeply committed to dance education and mentorship, she founded TopFlight Dance Company in 2008 to support and inspire young dancers in her community. In 2011, she expanded that vision by opening TopFlight Dance Center, creating a dedicated space for youth dance training, artistic development, and performance opportunities. In 2019, she established TopFlight Dance Conservatory, an institution focused on cultivating excellence in dance through rigorous training, academic support, performance, and artistry.

 

Today, Jonnesha Hawkins-Minter continues to serve as a visionary leader in the Houston dance community and beyond, inspiring the next generation of artists through modern dance, Dunham Technique, choreography, mentorship, and culturally rooted dance education.