November 2
Born Today:
Carmen Amaya
Not all sources agree that fierce flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya (circa 1913-1963) was born today. She grew up poor in a Roma flamenco family and began performing at the age of six. By the 1930s she was appearing in Spanish films and even made a few in Hollywood, including Follow the Boys (1944). In it you will see Amaya at the height of her powers, performing astonishing rapid-fire footwork, usually reserved for male dancers, and she is wearing pants instead of a skirt. Go watch it right now. She is on fire.
Also Born Today: Trinidadian dancer Beryl McBurnie (1915-2000) taught West Indian dance to Pearl Primus (1919-1994) and Katherine Dunham (1909-2006) in the 1940s and founded the Little Carib Theatre on the island. Artistic Director Graeme Murphy (1950-) lead the Sydney Dance Company for 30 years.