Choreographic Inspiration from Katherine Dunham
Throughout his life, one of Ailey’s major choreographic inspirations was the work of dancer, choreographer, writer, and anthropologist Katherine Dunham (1909–2006). Ailey first saw Katherine Dunham dance in Tropical Revue, while it was on tour in Los Angeles in 1945. In 1987, AAADT performed a program of Dunham works called The Magic of Katherine Dunham. The program consisted of Dunham dances created between 1937 and 1950, including several of her signature works L’Ag’ya, Choros, Los Indios, Barrelhouse, and Shango. Dunham’s dance technique has been a staple of The Ailey School since its inception.
Throughout his life, one of Ailey’s major choreographic inspirations was the work of dancer, choreographer, writer, and anthropologist Katherine Dunham (1909–2006). Ailey first saw Katherine Dunham dance in <em>Tropical Revue</em>, while it was on tour in Los Angeles in 1945. In 1987, AAADT performed a program of Dunham works called <em>The Magic of Katherine Dunham.</em> The program consisted of Dunham dances created between 1937 and 1950, including several of her signature works <em>L’Ag’ya, Choros, Los Indios, Barrelhouse</em>, and <em>Shango</em>. Dunham’s dance technique has been a staple of The Ailey School since its inception.