Katherine Dunham

Katherine Dunham

Deceased · Born: Jun 22, 1909 · Died: May 21, 2006

Personal Details

BornJun 22, 1909 Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA
Spouse
  • John Pratt

    ( Jul 10, 1941 to Mar 26, 1986 )
  • Jordis W. McCoo

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )

Biography

A renowned dancer, choreographer, composer, and songwriter, she has had a multifaceted career spanning multiple disciplines.

Educated at the prestigious University of Chicago, she went on to make waves in the world of dance, embarking on extensive world tours as a dancer, choreographer, and director of her own dance company.

Her impressive credentials also include directing the esteemed Katherine Dunham School of Dance in New York, as well as serving as an artist-in-residence at Southern Illinois University.

In addition to her work in dance, she has also made a mark on the world of Broadway, appearing in notable musicals such as "Bal Negre" and "Carib Song".

Furthermore, she is a prolific composer, with numerous popular song compositions to her name, including the critically acclaimed "Coco da Mata" and "New Love, New Wine".

As a testament to her enduring talent and influence, she has been a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) since 1964.

Career

1954
Mambo
Mambo as Katherine Dunham
1948
Casbah
Casbah as Odette
1943
Stormy Weather
Stormy Weather as Katherine Dunham
1942
Star Spangled Rhythm
Star Spangled Rhythm as Katherine Dunham
2021