Professional choreographer Jennifer Toney '04 brings energy to class
Millikin University graduate Jennifer Toney '04 is a full-time freelance choreographer, clinician and adjudicator currently based in Sioux City, Iowa, and each year she choreographs for show choirs and musicals across the country.
Recently, Toney was invited to Argenta-Oreana Elementary School for a presentation during the first week of school.
"Today we are being superheroes," she said to the students. "Welcome to kindergarten! Welcome to Argenta-Oreana Elementary School."
Toney is the owner of Front & Center Productions, a fundraising company that directs SHOWSTOPPERS Show Choir Camp, a performing arts summer camp that travels to local schools.
During the camp, participants learn three to four songs and dances to be performed at the end of a fun-filled week. SHOWSTOPPERS gives participants the opportunity to sing and dance on an auditorium stage with professional lights and sound as well as learn stage presence, vocal technique, basic to challenging choreography, team building and self-confidence.
Toney had no idea dance would become her career, she said in a recent interview with the Herald & Review. But she did know from the beginning that it would be an important part of her life.
"I am super passionate about performing arts. I love it," said Toney. "If there's anything that I can do to get them up and going and having fun, I just love that. I love the kids' energy. We have 20 minutes together and we have to get everything we can out of those 20 minutes. I have to be at 100 so they can join me as quickly as possible."
Toney was a Presidential Scholar at Millikin and went on to earn her master's from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Ill.
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