God’s Gift of GROOVE- One dancer’s faith and talent sets stardom in motion.

Meet Jonathan “Jono” Walker. A Missouri based mover laced with faith and FOOTWORK. From humble beginnings in praise dance ministry, this tall tank of talent stretches his reach beyond the boundaries and sets a broader stage to step on. Catch our chat about his journey so far, and where he plans to land. Tap in.

Kirkwood/Jennings native dancer Jonathan Walker remembers his first dive into the dance world. “I was six years old, and I was at church.”, he shares. “I saw the dance group called “Anointed Feet” dance for children’s church, and I told my mom, “I want to dance for the Lord.” At that moment, his mother asked if he wanted to join the choir. “I told her no.”, laughs Walker. “I was not given the gift of song.”

The Kirkwood High alum eventually joined the dance ministry and nourished his gift. “When I was eight years old, Anointed Feet gave me my first solo. The reaction that I got from the congregation at church, that’s what made me say “I want to do dance for the rest of my life.”, he recalls. As he developed, Jonathan began to perform more and cultivate his individual style. The 28 yr. old dancer found inspiration in the R&B singer/dancer, Chris Brown. “I can dance to any of his songs. His music always gets me going. He inspires me as a tall dancer as well. If he can do it, I can too.” R&B and Hip-Hop are the stepper’s favorite music genres. “It speaks to my soul, and I just have to move.”

As of 2020, Jonathan has been working under the local dance company, Kode Redd. “One of the pros in the dance community is that we have a very big community.”, says Walker. “It’s very loving, but at the same time it can be very separated.” The dancer and choreographer advocates to see more unity between freestyle and trained dancers. “There’s a rift there. Of course I get along with both sides, but not everyone tries to get along.” Walker has since performed in numerous productions and shows within the region.

Currently, Jonathan Walker is working on closing some contract deals and thrills. Looking forward to brighter lights and bigger stages, this groover stays grounded in his faith and family. “My older brother Jordan Daniel keeps me going. He has been a great role model, guiding me and giving me great wisdom.” he shares. “I want to be the guy who’s remembered as being very humble, but also very confident. Fun and contagious energy. I just want to dance and inspire others.”

“Just keep going. It’s going to be tough. One day it will all click, and you will thank yourself for not giving up.” -Jonathan Walker

IG: @jono97_