Of the African American dancers and choreographers, we have studied so far, I believe that they have broken out of traditional representations and stereotypes of black bodies. Examples of this are seen through major figures such as Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, and Alvin Ailey.
Katherine Dunham was one of the major figures that helped break traditional representations. She was known as the “Matriarch and Queen Mother of Black Dance.” She was the director and founder of Katherine Dunham Dance Company that opened in 1932. Dunham thought that black dance should be equal in status with white European dance. She changed American dance by going back to the roots of black dance and making choreography. Her dance techniques represent and reflect
Katherine Dunham was one of the major figures that helped break traditional representations. She was known as the “Matriarch and Queen Mother of Black Dance.” She was the director and founder of Katherine Dunham Dance Company that opened in 1932. Dunham thought that black dance should be equal in status with white European dance. She changed American dance by going back to the roots of black dance and making choreography. Her dance techniques represent and reflect