EARLY CAREER & BROADWAY
Early in her career, (1930), Katherine broke barriers by creating the Katherine Dunham Company, which was the first African-American modern dance company. During the 1940’s, Katherine made appearances in Broadway shows such as "Cabin in the Sky", “Tropical Revue”, “Carib Song”, “Bal Negre”, and ¨Carribean Rhapsody.̈ Tropical Revue was a mix of African American plantation and American social dances.
Broadway 1941 - "Cabin in the Sky."
Credit: Library of Congress
HOLLYWOOD
Next, Dunham's career headed for Hollywood. She not only danced, but also helped choreograph movies including “Carnival of Rhythm,” “Star Spangled Rhythm,” and “Stormy Weather" - which is shown in the video above. During the middle of the ensemble, Dunham comes out to give an eye catching and quite memorable performance. Katherine choreographed the scene herself, in which she chose to combine influences of modern dance and ballet.
LATER CAREER & OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS
Katherine broke more racial barriers when she choreographed a production (Aida by Giuseppe Verdi) at the Metropolitan Opera, as it had been three decades since an African-American was invited to do so. In 1976 she founded a dance company held in the PATC (Performing Arts Training Center) in Illinois, to provide opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Katherine stated her intentions of the company were "to make the individual aware of himself and his environment, to create a desire to be alive."
Katherine in costume
to perform ¨Tropical Revue¨
at New York´s Century Theater.
Credit:Library of Congress
Poster gives credit to Dunham's performance in bottom right hand corner. Credit: The Project on the History of Black Writing
Katherine pictured wearing Lindy Bop, a style of clothing very influencial during her time. Credit: Pinterest