The exhibit opening of "Katherine Dunham: A Life of Dance, Activism and Anthropology," curated by Cory Willmott, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology and Konjit Avent, integrative studies graduate student.
4-7 p.m.
Today
SIUE East St. Louis Center
Building D
601 James R. Thompson Rd.
East Saint Louis, IL 62201
A dance performance will be given by Heather Himes, Dunham Dance instructor. Refreshments will be provided.
The year 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of the Performing Arts Training Center (PATC), a unit of SIUE that internationally famous Katherine Dunham founded and directed. For 20 years she toured the world performing dances based on research of African diaspora cultures.
In 1967, Dunham settled in East St. Louis, where she launched a second career as an educator and activist. Dunham’s work with PATC completed her life’s work and earned her a hard won place in academia. From 1983 onwards, she received numerous honorary doctorates and prestigious awards.
This exhibit traces Dunham’s early influences at the University of Chicago through her legacy in East St. Louis and beyond.
The event is free and open to the public.