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Theo Jamison, known around the world for his masterful work in dance, including being a certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor, was honored at the Lula Washington Dance Theatre’s (LWDT) 30^th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance held Jan. 23-28 in Los Angeles, Calif. 

Jamison, SIUE alumnus and former program director of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) for Performing Arts, was one of seven LWDT honorees that included actor, dancer, choreographer, television director and producer Debbie Allen. 

Jamison received his bachelor's in theater from SIUE in 1977.

“I am proud to be in such marvelous company,” said Jamison. “I was taught by legendary dancer, choreographer, educator and social activist Madame Katherine Dunham. She taught me that dance, activism and self-development are a way of life. I have committed myself to not only live that way, but to pass it on.” 

“Theo is a jewel in the Metro East community and around the world,” said Jack Williams, program director of the ESLC for Performing Arts. Williams danced and worked with Jamison for more than 30 years. “He’s an extremely well-trained dancer, especially under Katherine Dunham and her original company members. He learned Dunham Technique ballet, jazz, tap and West African. He’s an expert in the Haitian Movements, which is the core of Dunham Technique.” 

“Theo speaks Spanish, which he learned while abroad,” continued Williams. “Learning Spanish was an outgrowth of his commitment to studying dance and immersing himself in the culture of primitive rhythms. As an artist, Theo has outstanding choreography skills, having worked with professional companies nationwide.”

“Theo has impacted the lives of countless people and students with the arts,” Williams concluded. 

The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts has a long, rich history. The legendary dancer, anthropologist, and social activist Katherine Dunham founded the Center for Performing Arts at the SIUE East St. Louis Center in 1967. At its peak from 1970-90s, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided year-round instruction to more than 1,000 youth and became a training ground for professional artists of all disciplines. For decades, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided performing arts classes to students and community members to develop local talent and to cultivate a love of the arts. Classes often culminated in musical and theatrical productions. 

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Theo Jamison is a master dancer, a certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor and former SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts program director.