Katherine Dunham

Katherine Dunham was a dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist who was most recognized for her interpretations of different forms of ethnic dances.Dunham became interested in dance early. While she was a student at the University of Chicago, she formed a dance group that performed at the Chicago World's Fair in 1934 and with the Chicago Civic Opera company in 1935–36.
While graduating with a bachelor's degree in anthropology she began field studies in the Caribbean and in Brazil. By the time she received her M.A. from the University of Chicago, she became familiar of the dances and rituals of the black peoples of tropical America. In 1938 she joined the Federal Theatre Project in Chicago and composed a ballet, L'Ag'Ya, based on Caribbean dance. In 1940 she formed an all-black company, which began touring by 1943. Tropics (choreographed 1937) and Le Jazz Hot (1938) were among the earliest of many works based on her research.
Dunham was both a popular entertainer and a serious artist with the intent on tracing the roots of black culture. Many of her students, (trained in her studios in Chicago and New York City), became experts in the field of modern dance. She also choreographed for Broadway stage productions and opera—including Aida (1963) for the New York Metropolitan Opera. She choreographed and starred in dance sequences in such films as Carnival of Rhythm (1942), Stormy Weather (1943), and Casbah (1947). Dunham also conducted special projects for African-American high-school students in Chicago; was artistic and technical director (1966–67) to the president of Senegal; and served as artist-in-residence, and later professor, at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and director of Southern Illinois's Performing Arts Training Centre and Dynamic Museum in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Katherine Dunham has received many honorees, awards, etc. for her outstanding work/ performances, and achieving her life goal to familiarize herself with the culture and lifestyle of another people, bring it back to America, put her interpretation into the movements, and teach others to master the art.