Katherine Dunham Company

The Katherine Dunham Company, a troupe of dancers, singers, actors and musicians, was the first African American modern dance company. It descended from Ballet Negre, a student troupe founded by Katherine Dunham, which later became the Negro Dance Troupe.

Related Topics:
Modern dance - Katherine Dunham

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The company had successful runs on Broadway and in other major American cities. Beginning in the 1940s Dunham took her troupe on a series of highly acclaimed world tours.

Related Topics:
Broadway - 1940s

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Apprenticing in the Dunham Company helped launch the career of many African American performers of the day. Dunham alumni include Alvin Ailey, Rosalie King, Eartha Kitt and Walter Nicks.

Related Topics:
African American - Alvin Ailey - Rosalie King - Eartha Kitt - Walter Nicks

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Successful reviews included the universally acclaimed Bal Negre (1946).

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