Katherine Dunham, 96, dancer, choreographer, civil-rights activist

[flamingyouth]

Katherine Dunham, a legendary dancer, choreographer and social force, died Sunday in her sleep. She was 96.

Charlotte Ottley, executive liaison for Katherine Dunham Legacy Affairs, said Dunham died at an assisted living facility in New York City.

Her main caregiver, who was once her seamstress when she traveled on the road with her dance company, had just left her two hours before she died, Ottley said.

Dunham was perhaps best known for bringing African and Caribbean influences to the European-dominated dance world. In the late 1930s, she established the nation's first self-supporting all-black modern-dance group.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2003012127_dunhamobit23.html

[itzamirakul]

1. Ms. Dunham holds a very special, unique place in the dance world.

It was not until I saw her work live on stage with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company that I was able to truly appreciate her grasp of the Caribbean dance fused with her own original movements.

Great job, Ms. Dunham! You will be missed!

[kwassa]

2. it is amazing how she let nothing stop her

during the time period when she became the artist she was. Quite inspirational.

[bliss_eternal]

3. OMG--I love this woman!

I had NO idea she had passed on... Bless her soul, may she rest in peace.

There must be quite a party going on in Heaven with one of the Nicholas Brothers, Katherine Dunham, Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr.! :party: :toast:

Thanks for posting this and the beautiful picture of her, she was gorgeous, wasn't she? ;)