Pearl Primus
Pearl Eileen Primus (November 29, 1919 – October 29, 1994) was a dancer, choreographer and anthropologist. Primus played an important role in the presentation of African dance to American audiences. Early in her career she saw the need to promote African dance as an art form worthy of study and performance. Primus’ work was a reaction to myths of savagery and the lack of knowledge about African people. It was an effort to guide the Western world to view African dance as an important and dignified statement about another way of life. Additionally, her work provided a knowledge and meaning for dances that had been plagued by distortion of movement and excessive hip shaking of the backside.
Read more about Pearl Primus: Early Life, Career, Pioneer of African Dance in The United States, Later Life
Famous quotes containing the word pearl:
“When Alexander Pope strolled in the city
Strict was the glint of pearl and gold sedans.
Ladies leaned out more out of fear than pity
For Pope’s tight back was rather a goat’s than man’s.”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)