with love, HER

ai808:

Pearl Primus (November 29, 1919 – October 29, 1994)

Dancer/Choreographer/Anthropologist and ambassador of African Dance. Ms. Primus’ Trinidadian roots and her extensive studies in the Caribbean, Africa and the American South molded her unique style. She danced on Broadway, choreographed for Ailey, and received a PhD in Anthropology from NYU. She was compelled to promote African dance as an art form worthy of study and performance, and used her classes and choreography to teach and express messages close to her heart. Her message was clear: “Why do I dance? Dance is my medicine. It’s the scream which eases for a while the terrible frustration common to all human beings who because of race, creed, or color, are ‘invisible’. Dance is the fist with which I fight the sickening ignorance of prejudice.” - Pearl Primus