Katherine Dunham

Via her choreography Katherine Dunham has become a very well-known American Dancer and Choreographer. African cultures are prominent in her famous dance techniques meaning the awareness of African cultures has increased. Like her technique reflecting many cultures she herself reflects many different roles. Some of which included mother, wife, anthropologist and author.

Katherine Dunham's style of both her technique and choreography may include a lot of Afro-Caribbean styles however it is completely original. Of her time Dunham's pieces of choreography was quite uptempo this made them stand out out other the rest. Classical ballet is the foundation of Dunham's technique , she uses classical lines while the upper body is free to incorporate isolations and undulations.

Ballet Négre was opened up by Katherine Dunham in 1930 as one of the first Black ballet companies in America. This was the start for the beginning of a new world for those of colour. Only three years after the opening of Ballet Négre Dunham opened her first Dance School called the Negro Dance Group, in Chicago. By reaching out to Chicago Katherine Dunham was able to branch out and broaden her teaching to areas further away. L'Ag'Ya was Dunham's first choreographed and produced full length ballet. A great clip I found to show her work in action: 

https://loc.gov/item/ihas.200003809