Katherine Dunham (Finding Aid)

Katherine Dunham

1909 - 2006

Favorite Color: Platinum

Favorite Food: Filet of Sole

Favorite Time of Year: Summer ...maybe

Favorite Vacation Spot: Haiti

Interview Length: 91 minutes

Interview Date(s): December 17, 2000

Interview Location(s): Katherine Dunham's home, New York, Katherine Dunham's Home, New York, Katherine Dunham's hone, New York

Abstract

Pioneer choreographer Katherine Dunham shares memories of her family in this interview, including her parents, her brother, her grandmother and her aunt. She also discusses her parents' age difference and interracial marriage. She discusses moving as a young child from Glen Ellyn to Chicago, Illinois. Finally, she describes her own personality Pioneer Choreographer Katherine Dunham discusses her brother and his influences on her. She talks about her interests in both anthropology and dance and how her travels to the Caribbean in 1935 allowed her to merge the two. She talks about why she formed her own dance company and, subsequently, her own dance technique. Dunham also mentions her relocation to New York in 1939, her first marriage, and why she accepts the voodoo religion. Pioneer choreographer Katherine Dunham shares memories of her experiences and travels with the Katherine Dunham Dance Company. She also describes the Katherine Dunham Dance Technique. Additionally, she also talks about her favorite works and the importance of dance. Dunham discusses her second marriage and the adoption of her daughter. She discusses her work in Haiti and the hopes that she has for the future of the country. Finally, she briefly discusses her mentor, her sex appeal, and her move to East St. Louis, Illinois. Pioneer choreographer Katherine Dunham discusses her life's work and the things that she hopes to continue doing. She describes the value of art for all people and her hopes for African Americans. Finally, she discusses her legacy and shares a multitude of personal photographs.

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