The Legacy of Katherine Dunham
Sun, Oct 20, 2024
2–3 pm
Cover image of program for Katherine Dunham's Tropical Revue, c. 1943-45. Courtesy of AILEY.
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Floor 3, Theater
Performer, anthropologist, choreographer, director, producer, author, essayist, educator, and humanist Katherine Dunham had a profound influence on Alvin Ailey. During her lifetime, Dunham studied African and Caribbean dance forms as well as classical ballet and modern dance and fused them into a signature style, blending polyrhythms and steps from ancient ceremonial dances with European dance forms. She also understood her responsibility to future generations of dancers and established a school in New York in 1944.
Reginald Yates moderates a discussion with April Berry on the lasting impact of Dunham’s work and legacy. They will also explore the unique artistic and personal relationship of two cultural icons, Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey, both of whom highlighted the beauty and artistry of Black dancers while using their platforms for social change.
April Berry is an internationally acclaimed former dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and master teacher of the Dunham technique, personally certified by Katherine Dunham. Berry is one of the few artists who had a distinctive and enduring artistic relationship with Ailey and Dunham.
Reginald Yates is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary artist, dancer, choreographer, community liaison, writer, and cultural historian. He has held over fifty distinguished residences on four continents, including extensive work with Katherine Dunham as a facilitator, advisor, and cultural interpreter of the Dunham legacy.