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
Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
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
Wednesday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Pearl Eileen Primus (November 29, 1919 – October 29, 1994) was an American dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist. Primus played an important role in the presentation of African dance to American audiences. Early in her career, she saw the need to promote African dance as an art form worthy of study and performance. Primus' work was a reaction to myths of savagery and the … [Read more...] about Wednesday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
Tuesday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance
John William Sublett (February 19, 1902 – May 18, 1986), known by his stage name John W. Bubbles, was a vaudeville performer. He performed in the duo "Buck and Bubbles." He is also known as the father of "rhythm tap." … [Read more...] about Tuesday Open Thread: Black Dancers Who Changed American Dance