On Purpose Performing Arts Center

Katherine Dunham; Dancer, choreographer, educator, anthropologist, social activist and creator of the Dunham technique. Credited to have had one of the most successful dance career in African American and European theater during the 20th century all while directing her own company! Katherine Dunham revolutionized American dance in the 1930s by going to the roots of black dance and rituals transforming them into significant artistic choreography that speaks to all. Katherine Dunham is credited for developing one of the most important pedagogues for teaching dance that is still used throughout the world. Called the “Matriarch of black dance” her groundbreaking repertoire combined it innovative interpretations of Caribbean dance traditional ballet African rituals and African-American rhythms to create the Dunham Technique. Throughout her distinguished career Katherine Dunham earned numerous honorary doctorates, awards, and honors. She was a named America’s irreplaceable dance treasure. The living Dunham tradition has persisted. She was a woman far ahead of her time. Her technique was “a way of life”.

Read Katherine Dunham’s full biography at:

http://kdcah.org/katherine-dunham-biography/
•
•
•

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH! For the month we will be posting about a black creative or black creatives to highlight our history and all the things we as a people can do and make! Especially in the arts! Happy black history month from OPPAC to you!

•
•
•

Links Listed Below:

Virtual workshops!: https://forms.gle/1ARiTgqU8DyC5ByGA

Just 4 Kids Workshop: https://forms.gle/vHz123NFnX1daMZU9