Katherine Dunham was an American dancer and choreographer born on June 24, 1909. She is known for her pioneering work in dance, blending African and Caribbean influences with modern dance. Dunham's choreography and performances highlighted the importance of cultural expression in dance. She was also an advocate for civil rights and used her art to promote social change. Katherine Dunham passed away on May 21, 2006, leaving a significant legacy in the world of dance.

"Sometimes I have given my husband a manuscript to read that has turned out to have fantastic rave reviews and he'll tell me it is no good. Well, if I didn't know him as well as I know him I would be terribly depressed."



"Aside from a few master teachers that we have had over the years, this has been a completely local talent development. But people have started to come now from Chicago, we have a number of students from Chicago and different places of the country and even in the world."



"Black people should have recognition for themselves and their backgrounds and their relationships with other people in the world and thus lose some of their alienation. This museum has certainly stood for that in this town."



"I had certain physical limitations that made me change the choreography for myself or made me more interested in choreography only rather than dancing. I have never been a person who wanted to just dance. I have always been interested in developing for other people."

