Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonni Rogers.
Hi Jonni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from the Bay Area, and dance has truly shaped every chapter of my life. I’ve been training for over 30 years, but my professional journey really took off when I became an Oakland Raiderette. During my time there, I was named Rookie of the Year, went on to serve as a three-time captain, earned Raiderette of the Year in 2018, and had the honor of representing the organization at the 2019 Pro Bowl in Orlando. That experience not only elevated me as a performer, but also taught me discipline, leadership, and what it means to represent something bigger than yourself.
After my time in the NFL, I transitioned into coaching and spent three seasons with the University of California Dance Team. In 2019, I took a leap of faith and moved to Miami, where I started completely from scratch. I initially came on as the coach for the Hurricanettes (they dance with the band) at the University of Miami, and from there transitioned into my current role as Head Coach of the Sunsations which is the official dance team under Miami Hurricanes athletics. This is now my ninth year coaching at the collegiate level, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to help build and elevate a Division I program while mentoring the next generation of dancers.
Building my career in Miami wasn’t easy. In the dance world, especially in a city with such a strong local network, it can be difficult to break in if you’re not from there. One of the biggest turning points for me was when Starlight Dance Studio in Miami Springs took a chance on me. That opportunity meant a lot, and I continue to teach there today — it’s one of the most respected studios in the area and has played a huge role in growing my presence in the South Florida dance community.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to choreograph and work with a range of professional and collegiate teams, including the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Boston Celtics, while also teaching and setting choreography across the country. I also teach at Pro Action, one of the largest and most prestigious NFL/NBA and collegiate dance conventions, which has opened the door for me to work at the highest level with many of those teams.
Most recently, I served as the Pro Bowl Cheerleaders Lead Choreographer and Performance Director, which felt like a full-circle moment in my career.
Looking back, my journey has really been about trusting the process, betting on myself, and staying consistent even when things felt uncertain. Every step — from California to Miami — has shaped who I am today as a coach, choreographer, and leader.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey so meaningful. One of the biggest challenges for me has been being away from my family and friends. Moving across the country is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of moments where you’re figuring things out on your own and building a completely new support system from the ground up.
On top of that, I moved to Miami in 2019, and about nine months later, COVID hit. Like so many people, it completely shifted everything. I lost my corporate job and suddenly found myself in a position where I had to start over — in a new city, without the same stability I had before. It was definitely a moment of uncertainty, but also a turning point.
That time forced me to really take a step back and evaluate who I was and what I wanted my brand to be. I leaned fully into dance, rebranded myself, and became very intentional about the way I showed up — whether that was teaching, choreographing, or networking. I had to create opportunities instead of waiting for them, and that mindset shift changed everything for me.
Looking back, those challenges were necessary. They pushed me to grow, to become more resilient, and to build a career that’s truly my own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear a lot of hats. I’m the Head Coach of the University of Miami Sunsations, I choreograph for NFL, NBA, and collegiate teams across the country, and I teach at studios and conventions nationwide. I really specialize in performance quality, versatility, and preparing dancers for the professional level — not just technically, but in how they carry themselves, represent a brand, and show up as teammates and leaders.
What I’m most known for is my consistency and my ability to develop well-rounded dancers. In this industry, it’s honestly not easy to stay relevant. Trends are constantly changing, and there’s always new talent coming up, so I’ve had to work really hard to maintain my place. That’s meant long days, very little time off, constantly being in studios, and traveling a lot to work with different teams. It’s not always glamorous, but that work ethic is what’s allowed me to build longevity in my career.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just my own accomplishments — it’s seeing the people I work with achieve their dreams. Whether that’s making a college team, going pro, or stepping into leadership roles themselves, those moments are incredibly fulfilling for me.
I think what sets me apart is that I’ve experienced this industry from every angle — as a dancer, a captain, a coach, and a choreographer — and I lead with that perspective. I’m very real with my dancers, I hold a high standard, but I also genuinely care about their growth both on and off the floor. At the end of the day, it’s about building not just great performers, but strong, confident people.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to stay true to who you are and what you bring to the table. In this industry, it’s easy to compare yourself or feel like you need to fit into what everyone else is doing, but I’ve found the most success when I’ve stayed in my own lane and leaned into my authenticity.
I’ve also learned how important it is to trust yourself and your skill set. There are so many moments where you might question if you belong in certain rooms, but reminding yourself that you’ve earned your place is everything. Confidence doesn’t mean you know it all — it means you trust that you can figure it out.
At the same time, being open-minded and adaptable is key. This industry is constantly evolving, and the ability to adjust, grow, and take feedback without losing who you are has been a huge part of my journey.
Overall, it really comes down to being authentic, staying grounded in your purpose, and trusting that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jonni_xo
- Other: Tik tok – @jonni_xo
