Winkk (choreographer) at Dreamgirls Chicago rehearsal with Todd RaSean (Vocal Coach), Chiara (Dancer) and China (playing the role of Effie).  Oh, and that’s Devin Norwood (dancer) in the back on the stage getting it in.  LOL

Winkk working with Dreamgirls Melissa & Opal at rehearsal, showing them how to dance in heels (my gold heels are popping LOL).  These girls are incredible.  The other Dreamgirl Ty-tynisia was working her heels in front of us.

Winkk working one-on-one with Dreamgirl Melissa.

Running through rehearsal with the Dreamgirls Opal, Melissa and Ty-tynisia.  Dancers Mike and Nelson are working it.

Dreamgirls Chicago rehearsals are a blast.  We are enjoying ourselves while we prepare to put on a great show for Chicago.  The talent in this play is amazing.  The show starts March 2, 2012 and will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the month of March at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.  Director John L. Ruffin, Choreographers Winkk & Davonna, Cast: Opal Staples Nesbitt, China Stewart, Melissa Garcia, Ty-tynisia Wilson, Mark Smith, Jos Banks, Nelson Green,  Aaron Nelson, Bibi Monroe, Chundria Stanback and KC Lee.  Band Director Kendall Nesbitt.  Vocal Coach Todd RaSean, Production manager Michael Welch and the staff Latoya, Tyresa, Star and many many more.  I have enjoyed working with everyone and now I’m ready for the SHOW!!!

Jonathan Thompkins is the model for the book cover ”MISLEADING” by Winkk

Jonathan Thompkins was born in Chicago Illinois.  Jonathan attended Mount Carmel High school, where his life took on a different path. He planned on playing baseball, but when that plan changed, after 2 tryouts and a baseball camp, he decided to try theatre and swimming. He made the swim team and worked hard for 3 years to get faster and develop a great stroke; but it was theatre that really changed his life. He asked the drama/speech teacher about auditions and told the teacher “All I would like to do is speak on stage. I will be happy with a couple lines.” The teacher looked at him and said that the play was cast, but to try Mother McAuley high school, the sister school, fall musical. Then the teacher said words that lit a fire under Jonathan, “I doubt you’ll get any lines though”. The words hurt him, but did not stop Jonathan from trying out for the musical “The Wiz”. As a sophomore Jonathan was cast as the Lion and he gave that part everything he had. From the first show Jonathan knew he had to continue acting. It became the dream that would stay in his heart.

Jonathan continued acting throughout high school. He did as many plays and musicals as he could. That determination got him into college through the Illinois High School Theatre Festival. Many of the nation’s top theatre schools were there. With his audition he was looked at by many schools, though in the end Jonathan chose Ball State University because they had a great Theatre program as well as Film program.   At Ball State Jonathan was blessed with the opportunity to be in the first HD film shot with theatre students, as his first show. That was Jonathan’ss first taste of the movie making process, and would not be his last. He loved that he could be more intimate with his scene partner. His hunger to be in front of the camera was so large that he switched majors to pursue a production.   In production Jonathan was able to expand his knowledge for the full filming process. His strength was being a producer and locking in locations as well as anything a production needed. Though he would act as a producer he would always find a way to be an actor in the films. He has never lost the passion for acting. Jonathan graduated Ball State University with a B.A in Telecommunications.

Acting, Singing, Modeling and Producing are the talents Jonathan wants to use for the rest of his life. He made the leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue his dreams.  Jonathan is never content with life, he always wants more. He wants to bless those around him with his talents. He knows that God put him on this earth to make people happy and take them out of their day to day lives for 2 or more hours.

“In life you’re always auditioning” Michael S. Pipers told Jonathan in a Auditioning 101 class at Second City Chicago. Jonathan takes that advice and always gives his best self. There is more to accomplish and it takes faith and dedication.

Visit his website at www.jonathanthompkins.com

Winkk hanging out with Michael Baisden at the Women’s Black Expo.  Michael Baisden is an Author and Radio Host.  He also has a new novel “Never Satisfied” that is available now.

Winkk hangs out with author Terrance Dean at his booksigning in Chicago for his book Mogul.

Winkk hangs out with fellow authors at the Fall Fiction Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(J.L Woodson, Karyn Grice, Winkk, Jhamika, Lesa Jones, Marissa Monteilh, Sheila Peele-Miller, Thomas Slater & Kimberla Roby Lawson)

Author Winkk and Author Kimberla Roby Lawson

Author Winkk and Author Marissa Monteilh

I truly want others to experience what I’ve experience.  To do what you love, is never work.  My purpose is to help others succeed in their dreams.  The good, the bad and the ugly, I still enjoyed my time traveling on the road as a dancer/choreographer.   I’m a stronger person, a different person, a wiser person a more mature person and a happy person.  My experience is priceless.

A dancer will always live inside me, choreographing is something I will always do.  I’m moved by music and creativity.  I’ll always work with others to help them experience their dreams and share my knowledge to help them succeed.  Who knows, you just might see me on the stage again. 

I’ve started a new chapter in my life, and as a published author, with three books and now working on my fourth,  I’m still creating.  From books, to video book trailers, to plays and movies,  God continues to bless me and my dreams.  I’m always moving forward with a positive attitude, positive energy and positive people around me.   Lights, camera, action – welcome to chapter two of my life.   

                                                                Motivate, inspire and support.
                                                                                                                    Winkk 

I’m about to hit the floor skating – that’s Chicago style JB skating.  Anyone that skates and they are from Chicago, knows about JB skating.  That’s skating to the music of ‘James Brown’.  I’ve got to get my roll on every week.  Work in progress  LOL