Katherine Dunham (History and Technique)

Katherine Dunham was not only a trailblazing dancer and choreographer but also held a degree in which academic field?

• A) Psychology

• B) Anthropology

• C) Philosophy

• D) Sociology

Katherine Dunham conducted field research in which Caribbean country, where she studied native dances and spiritual practices like Vodou?

• A) Cuba

• B) Trinidad

• C) Haiti

• D) Jamaica

According to Haitian Vodou tradition, what is the origin of the term "zombie"?

• A) A ghost of a dead person

• B) A reanimated corpse controlled by a sorcerer or bokor

• C) A vampire spirit seeking revenge

• A person who drinks a special herbal potion

What is the accurate anthropological definition of Vodou (also spelled Voudoun or Voodoo)?

It is important to dismantle the Hollywood myths that have sensationalized and demonized Vodou. The true nature of this spiritual system is deeply rooted in African tradition, community healing, and sacred ritual—not the caricature presented in horror films and pop culture.

• A) A form of devil worship rooted in superstition

• B) A polytheistic African diasporic religion combining West African spiritual beliefs and Catholicism

• C) A type of Caribbean folk dance with no religious significance

• D) A fictional religion created for Hollywood movies

Why is Katherine Dunham often referred to as the "matriarch of Black dance"?

• A) She was the first Black woman to dance in Hollywood

• B) She created a codified technique that fused African, Caribbean, and ballet movement with academic study

• C) She only performed dances from Africa

• D) She was the first to reject classical ballet in the U.S.

In Dunham Technique, what role does breath play in movement?

• A) It’s only used for relaxation at the end of class

• B) Breath is not emphasized in Dunham Technique

• C) Breath is used to support movement, enhance rhythm, and connect emotion to physical expression

• D) Breath is only important during warm-ups

What is the significance of the “Dunham Hand” in her technique?

• A) It’s a stylized hand shape used only during floor work

• B) It symbolizes the dancer’s resistance to European aesthetics

• C) It is a precise, expressive hand shape used to convey elegance, power, and control

• D) It refers to a handshake Katherine Dunham used with her students