Choreographer
The Resume
(June 22, 1909-May 21, 2006)
Born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Died in New York City, New York
Founder, Katherine Dunham Company
Nicknamed 'La Grande Katherine' and 'Matriarch and Queen Mother of Black Dance'
Why she might be annoying
She suffered a nervous breakdown (1949).
She was divorced.
Her legs were insured for $1 million.
While married to second husband, John Pratt, she romanced world-class playboy Porfirio Rubirosa, who also dated troupe dancer, Eartha Kitt.
At 82, she went on a hunger strike to protest the treatment of Haitian immigrants.
Why she might not be annoying
She was an innovator in Modern Dance.
She pioneered Ethno Choreology, studying dances native to a specific race or ethnicity.
Legendary Alvin Ailey was a protégé.
She rejected a Hollywood contract because it called for her to exclude darker-skinned dancers.
In 1963, she became the first African-American to choreograph for the Metropolitan Opera.
Credit: Black Chic
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Year In Review:
In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 16 Votes: 81.25% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 9 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 15 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 18 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 20 Votes: 70.0% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 57 Votes: 64.91% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 45 Votes: 71.11% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 72 Votes: 61.11% Annoying
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