The brilliance of Katherine Dunham’s dance technique was the focus of a two-week residency at Lundstrum Performing Arts this fall, with two national artists and teachers visiting to share the legendary African American dance pioneer’s teaching methods.  Lundstrum hosted a culminating event led by resident artists Ashi Smythe and Rodney Hamilton that included students, teaching artists, percussionists and the public.

 Katherine Dunham, who died in 2006 at the age of 97, is regarded as the “matriarch of black dance.” She was a dancer, choreographer, anthropologist and philanthropist who developed a unique technique combining American, modern and European ballet influence with traditional African and Caribbean movements. Her dance method relied heavily on drums as a rhythmic foundation for dance, with as many as seven drummers accompanying dancers in their movement and expression. 

 Katherine Dunham was also a highly regarded dance teacher, founding the Dunham School of Cultural Arts in St. Louis, where she introduced groundbreaking programs to channel the energy of community youth into dance. It was there that Lundstrum’s long-time teacher Patrick Moore (1971-2022) learned his love of dance and performing. For that reason, Lundstrum dedicated this residency in his memory.

“Patrick always told us that Lundstrum reminded him of the Dunham Performing Arts Training Center, with a quality arts program planted in an urban area,” says Lundstrum Executive Director Amy Ellis. “We are so grateful to him for paving the way to this tremendous opportunity to bring these artists and the Dunham legacy to our community. We believe deeply that excellence in teaching and training should be accessible to all. This residency invited everyone in to experience these tremendously talented instructors.”

For two weeks, Lundstrum students and the broader community had the opportunity to learn from Ashi Smythe and Rodney Hamilton. Ashi Smythe is a versatile master teacher at Colorado’s Arvada Center for the Arts, who began his career at the Katherine Dunham Center for the Arts before studying with Alvin Ailey and others. He was an original member of the Lion King Cast and  contributed to its original choreography.

Rodney Hamilton studied modern dance with Katherine Dunham and has since taught ballet, modern and Dunham technique worldwide. He has been a principal member of Juilliard Ballet Hispánico, and currently serves as the Associate School Director for the Ballet Hispánico School. 

“It was amazing seeing our students rise to the challenge these artists laid out before them,” notes Lundstrum Director of Dance Jane McMonagle. “Ashi and Rodney had an expectation that students dance full-out, which moved students beyond their comfort zone to the next level. Since the residency ended, I already see a huge increase in their focus and concentration. Lundstrum is already considering how we can integrate the Dunham style and energy into our core dance offerings.”