This next dancer led an amazing life. This is a long post, but she is one of the most influential dancers to ever grace the scene. Katherine Mary Dunham (also known as Kaye Dunn, June 22, 1909 – May 21, 2006) was an American dancer, choreographer, author, educator, and social activist. Dunham had one of the most successful dance careers in the American and … [Read more...] about Saturday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Arts and Culture
Friday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Charles “Honi” Coles (April 2, 1911 – November 12, 1992) was an American actor and tap dancer. He was best known for his role as Tito Suarez in the film Dirty Dancing. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Coles developed his high-speed rhythm tapping on the streets of his hometown. He first went to New York City as one of the Three Millers, who were known for their intricate … [Read more...] about Friday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Thursday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 in New Orleans, Louisiana – May 28, 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas) was a ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared frequently on television. She was among the pioneers of black ballet dancing, one of the few classically trained Black dancers of her generation. … [Read more...] about Thursday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Monday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
This week's open threads will highlight black dancers who changed the landscape of the American dance scene. Austin Dafora Horton (4 August 1890 – 4 March 1965) widely known as Asadata Dafora was a Sierra Leonean multidisciplinary musician. He was one of the first Africans to introduce African drumming music to the United States, beginning in the early 1930s. His … [Read more...] about Monday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Sunday Open Thread: P.O.U. Sunday Jazz Brunch
GOOD MORNING P.O.U.! As you get your Sunday breakfast/brunch on, enjoy Money Jungle, a studio album by Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Max Roach. … [Read more...] about Sunday Open Thread: P.O.U. Sunday Jazz Brunch