July 6
Born Today:
Donald McKayle
Inspired by Pearl Primus (1919-1994) modern dancer Donald McKayle (1930-2018) began training with the New Dance Group in 1947 and started choreographing dances almost immediately, including the socially-conscious pieces Games (1951) and Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder (1959). He performed on Broadway in House of Flowers (1954) and helped to choreograph Redhead (1959). Later he choreographed and directed Raisin (1973) and conceived and choreographed Sophisticated Ladies (1981).
Also Born Today: Pioneering movement teacher Émile-Jaques Dalcroze (1865-1950), whose system to teach musical concepts using movement was called Eurythmics, inspired many early modern dancers and dance theorists. Ballet dancer Francisco Moncion (1918 -1985) began dancing at the age of 20 and was an early member of New York City Ballet, performing with the company for nearly 40 years.