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In a rhythmical collision of drumming, dancing and music, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville closed out its exhibit of the legendary Katherine Dunham at Lovejoy Library, with a demonstration by members of the company she founded 50 years ago. 

The SIUE East St. Louis Center for Performing Arts, formerly known as the Performing Arts Training Center (PATC), gave a rousing tribute to Dunham on Monday, Oct. 23 that marked the end of the “Katherine Dunham: A Life of Dance, Activism and Anthropology” exhibit. 

“One of the most significant benefits triggered by the Katherine Dunham exhibit was the performance in Lovejoy Library by the ESLC for the Performing Arts youth and their illustrious instructors,” said Cory Willmott, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology and curator of the exhibit with Konjit Avent, integrative studies graduate student. 

Directing students and performing in the program were the following: Jack Williams, ESLC for the Performing Arts program director; Andrea Smythe, former Performing Arts instructor certified in Dunham Technique; and Baba Tunde Sylla (Gerald Williams), Performing Arts instructor and master drummer. 

“The instructors have committed their careers to a well-held Dunham belief of elevating lives through disciplined training in the arts and humanities,” said Willmott. 

“We were trained by Miss Dunham and members of her original company,” said Williams. “In doing so, we have been blessed to keep Miss D’s legacy alive.” 

The ESLC for Performing Arts program is a direct spinoff of PATC that Dunham founded and directed from 1967-1982, according to Willmott. In recent years, lack of funding had shut the program down, but lobbying efforts but the East St. Louis Center secured funding to bring back the Summer Camp in 2015 for children ages 6-17 and then the after-school program in 2016. The year-round performing arts program resurged after a five-year hiatus to offer dance instruction in 2016. 

 “As new generations of children and university personnel are introduced, the importance of continuing the vibrancy and unique genius of Katherine Dunham’s contribution to the region and world, and the importance of continuing her legacy in the area of humanities, activism, anthropology, dance and drumming, grows ever more urgent,” added Willmott. “Thanks is due to ESLC Executive Director Jesse Dixon and former ESLC Executive Director Johnetta Haley for working to bring the performing arts program back to the Center and continue the legacy of the great Miss D.” 

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. 

Photos:
Students and instructors of the SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts perform at the Lovejoy Library.