Sheinelle Jones' Rockettes Halloween Dance Impresses 'Today' Viewers
The 'Today' host's high-kicking performance alongside the iconic dancers sparked fan admiration and jokes.
“Today Show” host Sheinelle Jones surprised viewers with a high-energy performance as a Radio City Rockette for the show's Halloween celebration, drawing praise for her dance skills and commitment to the festive occasion. Jones, 48, donned a sparkling green fringe costume, mirroring the iconic attire of the professional dancers, and performed alongside them on the TODAY Plaza in New York City. Her participation included executing the group's signature high kicks, a move that impressed many viewers.
Fans took to social media to express their astonishment and admiration for Jones' performance. Comments on Instagram ranged from "10/10 👏👏👏 put her in the show!!" to "Those high kicks were perfection!! 👏👏👏👏." Some viewers playfully suggested she should join the actual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, though others humorously noted that her height—typically shorter than the Rockettes' standard 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-10.5 range—might be a practical barrier.
During a subsequent broadcast, Jones spoke about her experience, acknowledging the athleticism of the Rockettes. "I worked really hard… the girls who I am surrounded by in this video are athletes. I mean, their core strength, the way they can kick, I mean, these girls are incredible dancers," she said. "For me, to be able to just join them for a day is amazing."
Jones' Rockette portrayal was part of a larger Halloween costume theme for the "Today" show cast. Other hosts also embraced elaborate costumes: Jenna Bush-Hager and Savannah Guthrie dressed as Phoebe Buffay and Rachel Green from the sitcom "Friends," with Bush-Hager incorporating her new cat as a nod to the "Smelly Cat" song. Al Roker appeared as Gumby, Dylan Dreyer as Jeannie from "I Dream of Jeannie," Willie Geist as Johnny Carson, and Craig Melvin as Snoop Dogg.
This was not Jones' first memorable performance on the "Today" show. In May, she sang "Lush Life" with Zara Larsson. Last year, for Halloween, she transformed into Beyoncé for a "Cowboy Carter"-inspired dance routine.