ℹ Key Takeaways
- Born in apartheid-era South Africa, overcame cultural isolation to reach NYC ballet
- Achieved principal dancer status with prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem
- Married NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham in lavish 1993 Atlantic City ceremony
- Co-founded and leads Remnant Ministries serving 1,400+ Las Vegas congregation
- Mother of Olympic high jumper Vashti Cunningham, applying ballet discipline to athletics
When a professional ballet dancer from apartheid-era South Africa meets an NFL quarterback at Radio City Music Hall, their love story becomes something extraordinary. Felicity De Jager Cunningham transformed from a young dancer constrained by South Africa’s cultural isolation into an internationally acclaimed ballet performer with the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Felicity De Jager is 58 years old and represents far more than being Randall Cunningham’s wife. Her path from Johannesburg, South Africa to New York’s premier ballet stages reveals a woman who conquered artistic barriers, personal tragedy, and cultural limitations. Today, she stands as co-pastor of a thriving Las Vegas ministry while supporting her Olympic athlete daughter’s career.
What makes her story compelling? Felicity De Jager’s nationality is South African, and she emerged from a country where apartheid era South Africa severely limited artistic opportunities. Yet she became a classical ballet dancer who performed on six continents before building an influential religious ministry that touches thousands of lives.
Early Life and Formative Years: The Foundations of a South African Ballerina
Birth and Family Roots: Understanding Felicity De Jager’s Background
Felicity De Jager was born on April 6, 1967, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She grew up as the middle daughter of three girls in a family that recognized her artistic potential early.
Her childhood unfolded during apartheid era South Africa’s height. This political climate created significant cultural isolation. South African dancers of her generation were largely disconnected from international dance innovations developing elsewhere.
The Royal Academy of Dance maintained a strong presence in Johannesburg, South Africa. However, cultural sanctions meant limited exposure to contemporary techniques and global South African ballet trends.
Childhood, Education, and Early Passions: The Emergence of a Dancer
Felicity’s dance training began at age six at City Ballet School in Johannesburg. Her early education emphasized classical traditions despite South Africa’s isolation from international dance communities.
She pursued formal ballet education at the University of Cape Town. There, she earned her Solo Seal Certificate, marking her as serious professional talent.
At seventeen, she recognized the limitations of South African training. She made a bold decision to leave for Canada. She studied at the prestigious National Ballet School, seeking exposure to international techniques unavailable in her homeland.
The Ascent to Stardom: Felicity De Jager’s Breakthrough in Dance
Entry into Dance and Early Challenges: Felicity De Jager’s Beginnings
When Felicity moved to New York at eighteen, her classical training was exceptionally strong but stylistically rigid. The transition from South African ballet to American dance proved challenging.
Her movements were “very R.A.D.” – meaning stiff and formal. The apartheid era South Africa had created technically proficient but stylistically limited dancers. She faced unlearning years of rigid training while adapting to fluid, contemporary American styles.
The isolation had created a generation unable to access modern dance vocabularies. Felicity De Jager needed to bridge this artistic gap to succeed internationally.
The Defining Breakthrough: Dance Theatre of Harlem
Felicity’s career transformation occurred when she joined Arthur Mitchell’s Dance Theatre of Harlem, achieving principal and soloist status. This breakthrough held particular significance as Dance Theatre of Harlem was the first major ballet company prioritizing Black dancers.
Dance Theatre of Harlem history shows the company provided exposure to classical, neoclassical, modern, and ethnic dance styles. Under Arthur Mitchell’s guidance, she expanded her range far beyond original R.A.D. training.
Initially, she doubted her adaptability. “I kept telling Mr. Mitchell that I’m not that kind of dancer,” she recalled. “My limbs just wouldn’t move the places he wanted them to move.”
Her determination and Mitchell’s mentorship overcame these barriers. She became integral to the company’s mission of expanding ballet’s definition and proving its cross-cultural appeal.
Defining Works and Career Evolution: Felicity De Jager’s Professional Path
Major Achievements and Performances: Felicity De Jager’s Impact
As a principal and soloist with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Felicity performed in world-renowned theaters across six continents. Her professional ballet dancer status included performances in the company’s signature works.
The company’s repertoire challenged dancers to master traditional ballet alongside works incorporating African-American cultural elements. Her performances helped establish Dance Theatre of Harlem’s reputation as a groundbreaking institution.
What made her performances significant? She represented successful integration of South African ballet training with American contemporary innovation. This embodied the company’s mission to transcend racial and cultural boundaries.
Artistic Development and Evolution: Growth as a Ballet Performer
Felicity’s artistic evolution exemplified late 20th-century ballet transformation. Her career coincided with Dance Theatre of Harlem’s most influential period.
Her adaptation from rigid R.A.D. style to expressive American contemporary ballet demonstrated remarkable flexibility. This evolution later influenced her ministry approach, where she learned adapting traditional practices to contemporary congregational needs.
Her success as a Dance Theatre of Harlem performer proved that artistic excellence transcends cultural origins. She became a bridge between South African ballet traditions and American innovation.
Meeting and Marriage: Felicity De Jager and Randall Cunningham
Randall Cunningham and Felicity De Jager met in 1990 at The Night of 100 Stars event at Radio City Music Hall. Cunningham was playing quarterback for Philadelphia Eagles. Felicity De Jager was performing with Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Their meeting represented a convergence of American art forms – professional sports and classical ballet. The relationship bridged two distinct performance worlds.
Randall Cunningham and Felicity De Jager marriage date was May 8, 1993. The ceremony occurred at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The $800,000 wedding hosted 1,000 guests, making it one of the era’s most high-profile athlete-performer unions.
Family Life and Challenges: Building Together
Their marriage produced four children: Randall II (born 1996), Vashti (born 1998), Christian (born 2008), and Gracie.
Tragedy struck on June 29, 2010, when two-year-old Christian drowned in the family’s backyard hot tub in Las Vegas. The loss profoundly impacted the family and strengthened their religious commitment.
Felicity De Jager Cunningham consistently maintains a lower public profile than her famous husband. She prefers supporting family from behind the scenes, reflecting her cultural background and personal values emphasizing family unity over public recognition.
Beyond Dance: Felicity De Jager’s Ministry and Community Impact
Founding Remnant Ministries: Felicity De Jager’s Leadership
Felicity serves as co-pastor of Remnant Ministries in Las Vegas, which she and Randall founded in 2003. The church grew from a home Bible study to 1,400 members with 1,200 additional online viewers according to reported figures from the church’s peak growth period.
She serves as Director of Women’s Ministry and Children’s Ministry. Her focus centers on supporting families and children in the Las Vegas community.
Felicity De Jager also co-hosts a Christian women’s television talk show. This expands their ministry’s reach beyond immediate congregation boundaries.
Community Contributions and Influence: Felicity De Jager’s Legacy
The ministry’s growth demonstrates significant community impact. Their approach combines traditional Christian teaching with contemporary relevance.
Her background as a professional ballerina influences her ministry style. She applies artistic discipline and performance excellence to religious leadership.
Remnant Ministries serves diverse Las Vegas communities. Services are offered in both English and Spanish, reflecting inclusive ministry philosophy.
Current Status and Continuing Influence: What is Felicity De Jager Doing Now?
Present Activities: Felicity De Jager Today
Felicity De Jager continues active co-pastoring at Remnant Ministries and remains deeply involved in her children’s careers. Recent 2024 coverage of daughter Vashti’s Paris Olympics participation highlighted her ongoing supportive presence.
Is Felicity dead? No, Felicity De Jager is alive and actively engaged in ministry work and family support as of 2025. At 58, she maintains focus on community engagement and family leadership.
Her recent activities include supporting Vashti’s professional track and field career. She continues leadership roles within their Las Vegas church community.
Future Focus: Felicity De Jager’s Ongoing Mission
Felicity’s current priorities center on expanding Remnant Ministries’ community impact. As her children pursue individual careers, her role as family matriarch and spiritual leader remains central.
The church continues growing, suggesting ministry work will remain primary focus. Her influence extends through her children’s achievements and community religious leadership.
Her daughter Vashti’s Olympic success demonstrates how Felicity’s ballet discipline transfers across generations. The coordination, flexibility, and strength from professional ballet dancer training contributed to Vashti’s athletic excellence in high jump competition.
Professional Recognition and Enduring Impact: Felicity De Jager’s Lasting Contributions
Dance Career Recognition: Felicity De Jager’s Honors
Achievement of principal and soloist status with Dance Theatre of Harlem represents the highest professional ballet recognition. Her inclusion during the company’s most influential period places her among elite dancers who transformed American ballet.
Her successful transition from professional dance to ministry leadership demonstrates versatility extending beyond traditional artistic recognition. This career evolution showcases adaptability and leadership across multiple domains.
Cultural and Family Legacy: Felicity De Jager’s Influence
Felicity’s impact operates on multiple levels: pioneer South African dancer who succeeded internationally, devoted mother raising accomplished children, and religious leader influencing thousands.
Her daughter Vashti Cunningham’s Olympic success traces partly to discipline and coordination Felicity developed as a classical ballet dancer. Vashti credits her mother’s ballet background for contributing to athletic grace and flexibility in high jump events.
What defines Felicity De Jager’s significance? Her life demonstrates how classical training provides foundation for success across multiple influence spheres – from international ballet stages to family leadership to religious ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Felicity De Jager is 58 years old, born April 6, 1967.
Felicity De Jager is South African, born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Felicity De Jager’s ethnicity is South African, though specific ethnic details aren’t publicly documented.
Felicity De Jager’s height isn’t specifically documented in available public sources.
No, Felicity De Jager is alive and continues active ministry work in Las Vegas.
When did Randall Cunningham and Felicity De Jager marry?
Randall Cunningham and Felicity De Jager marriage date was May 8, 1993, in Atlantic City.
What is Felicity De Jager known for besides being Randall Cunningham’s wife?
Felicity De Jager is known as a former Dance Theatre of Harlem performer and co-pastor of Remnant Ministries.
Did Felicity De Jager dance with Dance Theatre of Harlem?
Yes, Felicity De Jager was a principal and soloist Dance Theatre of Harlem performer.
Where is Felicity De Jager from in South Africa?
Felicity De Jager is from Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was born and raised.
Is there a Felicity De Jager wiki page?
Felicity De Jager wiki information appears on various biographical sites, but no dedicated Wikipedia page exists specifically for her.
The Enduring Story of Felicity De Jager
Felicity De Jager Cunningham’s life represents extraordinary transformation from constrained South African ballet dancer to internationally recognized performer, devoted family leader, and influential religious figure. Her path demonstrates how artistic discipline, cultural adaptability, and spiritual commitment create foundations for multi-sphere impact.
Her legacy extends through children’s achievements, ministry’s community influence, and her role demonstrating artistic excellence as preparation for leadership across different fields. Felicity De Jager continues inspiring others seeking to transform their own challenges into service and leadership opportunities.
The grace she developed as a professional ballerina continues informing her family leadership and ministry approaches. Her ongoing Las Vegas influence ensures her story will inspire future generations pursuing excellence across diverse endeavors.
Felicity De Jager ultimately embodies how individual determination transcends cultural barriers, personal tragedy, and societal limitations to create lasting positive change.
