Katherine Dunham, born on June 22, 1909, was best known for her soft, poetic dancing skills. She was raised in Joliet and unlike many other dancers, didn’t start dancing until her late teens.

Her first leading role was in Ruth Page’s ballet “La Guiablesse” in 1933. She did the role while attending the University of Chicago where she was studying social anthropology. She was inspired by two of her professors who stressed the importance of the survival and understanding of African-American culture. While attending classes, Dunham taught dance classes for children and gave recitals in a Chicago storefront. She called her student company “Ballet Negre.”

After graduation, Dunham focused on the dances of Haitian people. In 1945, she opened the Dunham School of Dance and Theater in Manhattan.  She also became more politically engaged by fighting segregation in hotels, restaurants and theatres. In 1962, she opened a Broadway production titled “Bambouche,” which featured 14 dancers, singers and musicians of the Royal Troupe of Morocco.

In 1967, she opened a cultural program and school for children and youth in East St. Louis called the Performing Arts Training Center. Ten years later, the Katherine Dunham Museum would open. Dunham received many awards throughout her lifetime and will always be known as an influential pioneer of black dance.

Learn more:
Katherine Dunham – Biography
Katherine Dunham – A Life in Profile
Katherine Dunham Museum