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.
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.
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.
Successful reviews included the universally acclaimed Bal Negre (1946).
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—Eric Taylor. Robert Siodmak. Katherine Caldwell (Louise Allbritton)
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—Lewis H. Lapham (b. 1935)