Contents
Katherine Dunham
Bringing Caribbean dance research into modern choreography and the Dunham Technique.
Tropics and Le Jazz Hot · Stormy Weather
- Born
- 22 June 1909
- Birthplace
- Chicago, United States
- Died
- 21 May 2006
More people
Katherine Dunham
Katherine Dunham was an American dancer and anthropologist who connected field research, performance and teaching.
Early life
Illinois
Grew up in Chicago and Joliet.
Anthropology
Studied at the University of Chicago.
Career
- 1930s
Caribbean research
Studied dance traditions through fieldwork.
- 1940s–1950s
International company
Led a widely touring dance company.
- 1960s onward
Community education
Developed arts programmes in East St. Louis.
Selected work
Tropics and Le Jazz Hot
Presented Caribbean-influenced dance on the New York stage.
Stormy Weather
Performed with her company in the musical film.
Dunham Technique
Created a lasting system of dance training.
Beyond work
Writing
Published accounts of her anthropological experiences.
Haiti
Maintained a long connection with Haiti and advocated for its people.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Library of Congress timeline ↗Photo: Phyllis Twachtman, World Telegram staff photographer. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
