Katherine Dunham is a pioneer in the study of African dance and a pioneer in the study of African dance and African-American folklife. In the early 20th century she traveled from her native Mississippi to Los Angeles where she was influenced by the work of Jessie Jeter, who was the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in dance from Fisk University. In 1926, Dunham began studying with Jeter and by 1930 she had established herself as a teacher, choreographer, and performer at Temple University in Philadelphia. In 1936 she founded the Katherine Dunham School of Dance in New York City
Dunham has been called a "woman ahead of her time" for her insistence on placing emphasis on spirit, creativity, and rather than physical ability among her students. She also promoted cultural exchange between American and African dance traditions. Her efforts earned her international acclaim.
Dunham's work has inspired such cultural figures as Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and Maya Angelou.
Go within every day and find the inner strengthso that the world will not blow your candle out.Katherine Dunham
I used to want the words "She tried" on my tombstone. Now I want "She did it."Katherine Dunham
I used to want the words "She tried" on my tombstone. Now I want "She did it."Katherine Dunham
I have actually five honorary degrees.Katherine Dunham
