Katherine Dunham

Katherine Dunham (June 22, 1909 – May 21, 2006) was an American dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist. She is best known for her innovative blending of African and Caribbean dance styles with ballet and modern dance, creating the "Dunham Technique." In 1937, Dunham earned acclaim for her performance and choreography in the Broadway musical "Cabin in the Sky." She founded the Katherine Dunham Dance Company in 1940, the first African American modern dance company, which toured extensively. Her anthropological work, including her field studies in the Caribbean, greatly influenced her choreography. In 1967, she opened the Performing Arts Training Center in East St. Louis, Missouri, promoting arts education in underserved communities.