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Jon LaValle Jackson, of Washington, D.C., is a retired Montgomery County, Maryland Ride-On Transit Operator, a United States Navy Veteran, an alumnus of The Juilliard School, a Founding Principal Dancer of The Washington Ballet professional company, a Founding Principal Actor of the former Ebony Impromptu Theatre Company, and a Founding Principal Student of Workshops for Careers in the Arts.

Jon, a graduate of McKinley Technology High School, got his initial theatrical start in the Workshops for Careers in the Arts Drama and Dance Departments, which was the pilot program that led to the establishment of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. While there, Jon was featured in their inaugural musical production of “Fly Blackbird”, and the lead actor in “Everyman”, their inaugural summer street theater production. And the lead role in “Estaban”, another Everyman Street Theater performance the following year. Jon was also featured in Workshops for Careers in the Art “Gut” and “The Journey”. “The Journey” was a collaboration with Workshops for Careers in the Arts and Artist Chapter One.

While a member of Harry Poe’s Ebony Impromptu Theater Company, Geoffrey Holder noticed him. Mr. Holder subsequently spearheaded Jon a full summer scholarship to Dance Theatre of Harlem via its Co-Founder, Karel Shook. Following that, Jon auditioned and was accepted into The Juilliard School, where he was featured in The Juilliard Dance Ensemble. Dancing leading roles in World Premiere works there by Anna Sokolow. Including her “Ellis Island” and “Ride the Culture Loop”. Daniel Lewis’s “Proliferation”. And Kazuko Hirabayshi’s “Nowhere But Light”.

A professional equity summer stock production of “Jesus Christ Lawd Today” came next, in which he was also a Dance Captain to Debbie Allen’s choreography.

Not eager to return to New York City, Jon became a founding principal dancer of The Washington Ballet company. Where he danced in World Premiere and classic works from 1976 to 1979. Including fellow The Washington Ballet founding principal member Choo San Goh's World Premiere orginal “Fives”. Choo San Goh's original World Premiere “Synonyms”, and his “Untitled”.

Mr. Jackson was featured in Washington School of Ballet/Washington Ballet Founder Mary Day’s “The Nutcracker”. George Balanchine’s “Concerto Barocco” and “Serenade”. And featured in James Clouser’s “Carmina Burana”, among others.

Jon was also a Principal Dancer with Ailey II/Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and featured in Louis Johnson’s “The Ball” with The DC Black Repertory Dance Company are also among his credits.

Jon’s debut as a professional Choreographer came in 1999 with his World Premiere work titled “The Investigation” (a solo) in the Joy of Motion Dance Project Choreographer’s Showcase.

Jon has been a featured actor and dancer in numerous Washington, D.C. regional theatre productions. Including, although not a student there, the Howard University Players. Where he was featured in a production of Garland Lee Thompson, Sr's “Papa B On The D Train” and danced in Debbie Allen’s senior production of “Chilhood’s End".

Jon was also featured in a summer stock theater musical production of "Billy Noname" with The Morgan State University Urban Musical Theater. Directed by Joseph Eubanks and choreographed by Andy Torres.

Appearing in the ensemble summer musical "Inner City", directed by Harry Poe and choreographed by George Faison, is also among his credits.

Jon has also danced in operas. “Prospero’s Story” at Catholic University of America, “Antony and Cleopatra” and “Rusalka” while attending The Juilliard School. And “Lily” directed by Tom O’Horgan at the New York City Opera.

“Jon Jackson/Silver City Dance” was in play around year 2000. His dance company appeared with guest artist Nejla Yatkin in Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland and Downtown Bethesda, Maryland.

The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Washington Daily News, Out Magazine (Cover/The Washington Ballet) and Dance Magazine have also cited him over the years for outstanding performance.

Jon returned to dance as an adult ballet student in 2005 to accompany his many resurfacing theatrical talents and interest.

In 2018, Jon became a “Certified Field Producer" via Montgomery Community Media. While there, he subsequently won a 1st place Montgomery Community Media "Monty Awards" (akin to an Emmy) as Producer/Director/Technician. This, in their Student Project Category. His winning 3 in 1 Project profiling “Audrey Travaglini : Ballroom Dancer”, can be found on YouTube today.

For further growth, stimulation, and development during a full/comfortable retirement going on 10 years now, Jon decided to introduce himself to continuing education courses at Montgomery College’s Performing Arts Center during various semesters. Rekindling his method acting abilities in their Theater course. Acting for TV and Film course. Stand-up Comedy course. Voice course. Tap Dance course. Piano course. Music Theory course. And guitar course.

Jon opened one Montgomery College Faculty/Student performance with his dramatic military speech monologue from the epic Vietnam War film “We Were Soldiers”. Receiving a wonderful ovation.

Presently, post pandemic, Jon can be seen around DC or NYC taking ballet classes or performing Stand-up Comedy here and there. Biding time, enjoying life, before allowing himself to possibly be cast in productions or classic plays.

In the meantime, Jon reads books, scripts, collects art and hones new skills. Photography included.

Mr. Jackson is a member of The Juilliard School Alumni Association, Juilliard Connect, Juilliard Dance Alumni, an inaugural member of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association, The Washington Ballet Alumni Association, Workshops for Careers in the Arts Alumni Association, the DC Black Repertory Alumni Association regarding it's dance company, and Mmobballet.org.

Note : Editing, adding text/media, and tweaking Mr. Jackson’s page will occur here from time to time. Including years spent away from the theatre in other professions and adventures. 5.5.2024