Manhattan, New York (June 22, 1909 – May 21, 2006) age 96 yrs

Katherine Dunham revolutionized American dance in the 1930’s. She went to the roots of black dance and ritual. She transformed them into significant artistic choreography that speaks to all. She is a pioneer in the use of folk and ethnic choreography. She founded the anthropological dance movement. She showed the world that African American heritage is beautiful.