Paula J. Peters, Author at

Student Historian

Paula J. Peters is currently a M.F.A. candidate in Dance at the University of Washington. Prior to completing her B.F.A. in Dance through the Professional Dancers Program at Cornish College of the Arts, Ms. Peters performed professionally with Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle, Washington for fourteen years; dancing and staging works by choreographers of national prominence. She has taught ballet, jazz and modern dance as a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington and as an adjunct instructor at Cornish College of the Arts. Ms. Peters’ M.F.A. thesis, “All That Jazz: Forces and Figures in the American Popular Entertainment Industry,” investigates the deep contributions that African American dancers/choreographers have made to the American popular entertainment industry.

Todd Duncan (1903-1998)

Born Robert Todd Duncan in Danville, Kentucky in 1903, Todd Duncan was the first African American to perform in an otherwise all-white cast in the New York City Opera’s production of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. He began his professional stage career in 1933 in Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria … Read MoreTodd Duncan (1903-1998)

Lorenzo “Rennie” Harris (1963- )

Rennie Harris, hip hop dancer, artist, teacher, artistic director, choreographer, and founder of Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM), was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1963. At the age of 15, Harris began teaching workshops and classes at universities around the country, educating the public of the … Read MoreLorenzo “Rennie” Harris (1963- )

Gary Coleman (1968-2010)

Gary Coleman, best known for his child star status from the hit television sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, was born on February 8, 1968, and raised in Zion, Illinois. A talent scout for TV producer Norman Lear spotted Coleman in a Chicago bank commercial, and at the … Read MoreGary Coleman (1968-2010)

Louis Jordan (1908-1975)

Image Ownership: Public Domain Louis Jordan, alto saxophonist, vocalist, and recording artist is considered by many to be an under-recognized trailblazer in the early foundations of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Jordan was one of the first African American musicians in the 1940s to crossover from the … Read MoreLouis Jordan (1908-1975)

Joseph Vernon “Big Joe” Turner (1911-1985)

Big Joe Turner, known by many as the “Boss of the Blues,” was born Joseph Vernon in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 18, 1911. Turner is considered a major contributor to the development of the sound of Kansas City Jazz, and the early development of … Read MoreJoseph Vernon “Big Joe” Turner (1911-1985)

Alonzo King (ca. 1952- )

Alonzo King, Founder/Artistic Director/Choreographer of Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet in San Francisco, California, is a world-renowned contemporary ballet choreographer for stage, film, opera, and television. King has created works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Frankfurt Ballet, and Swedish Royal Ballet, … Read MoreAlonzo King (ca. 1952- )

Arthur Mitchell (1934-2018)

Arthur Mitchell, co-founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), America’s first African American ballet company, was born in New York City, New York on March 27, 1934. Under Mitchell’s direction, Dance Theatre of Harlem rose to become one of the premier … Read MoreArthur Mitchell (1934-2018)

Cholly Atkins (1913-2003)

Cholly Atkins, born Charles Atkinson in Pratt City, Alabama, was a tap and jazz dancer/choreographer best known for his contributions as the house choreographer and coach for Motown dancing vocal groups from 1965 to 1971. Atkins was responsible for creating the synchronized classic jazz and … Read MoreCholly Atkins (1913-2003)

Bill T. Jones (1952- )

Bill T. Jones, Artistic Director/Co-Founder/Dancer/Choreographer of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company was born on February 15, 1952 in Bunnell, Florida. Jones’ prolific career as a choreographer has brought him international acclaim. Awards include: 2007 Tony Award for his choreography in Spring Awakening; 2007 USA … Read MoreBill T. Jones (1952- )

William Henry/Master Juba Lane (1825-ca. 1852)

William Henry Lane is credited as one of the most influential figures in the creation of American tap dance. Lane developed a unique style of using his body as a musical instrument, blending African-derived syncopated rhythms with movements of the Irish jig and reel. Lane’s … Read MoreWilliam Henry/Master Juba Lane (1825-ca. 1852)