Katherine Dunham

ANTHROPOLOGIST, CHOREOGRAPHER & DANCER

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

June 22, 1912 -

Katherine earned a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Chicago. Her research in

Afro-American dance, particularly the Caribbean culture, led her to form a company of black dancers.

This company performed throughout the United States and Europe. One of her best works was the

Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky. In the late 1960's, she became the director of Southern Illinois

University's Performing Arts Training Center. Later, she established her own dance school and museum

in East St. Louis, Illinois.