Donald McKayle

Donald McKayle was a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and director, best known for his work in modern dance, ballet, and theater. He was a key figure in the development of modern dance in the United States, and his choreography was influenced by Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, and Katherine Dunham. McKayle's work was also shaped by his experiences as a African American artist, and he was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, working with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He was also a member of the American Dance Guild and the Dance Theater of Harlem.

● Early Life and Education

Donald McKayle was born in New York City, New York, to parents who were both Jamaican immigrants. He began his dance training at the New York City Center, where he studied with Hanya Holm and Charles Weidman. McKayle also attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied ballet and modern dance with Anthony Tudor and Margaret Craske. He was also influenced by the work of Pearl Primus, Talley Beatty, and Horton Dance Company, and he performed with companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Martha Graham Dance Company. McKayle's early career was also shaped by his experiences as a dancer with the Ballet Society and the New York City Ballet.

● Career

McKayle's career as a choreographer and director spanned over six decades, during which he worked with numerous companies and artists, including the American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. He was also a prominent figure in the Broadway theater scene, choreographing productions such as West Side Story and Raisin. McKayle's work was also influenced by his collaborations with Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Zora Neale Hurston, and he was a member of the Negro Ensemble Company and the Black Theatre Alliance. He also worked with Alvin Ailey, Carmen de Lavallade, and Geoffrey Holder on various projects, including the American Dance Festival and the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.

● Choreographic Works

McKayle's choreographic works include Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder, District Storyville, and Songs of the Disinherited, which were all influenced by his experiences as a African American artist and his interest in African American culture and history. His choreography was also shaped by his collaborations with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Langston Hughes, and he was a prominent figure in the development of jazz dance and blues dance. McKayle's work was also influenced by his experiences as a dancer with the Horton Dance Company and the Katherine Dunham Company, and he was a member of the Congress of Racial Equality and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He also choreographed works for companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Martha Graham Dance Company, and he worked with artists such as Judith Jamison, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Twyla Tharp.

● Awards and Legacy

McKayle received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to dance and theater, including the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honor, and the Tony Award. He was also awarded honorary degrees from Yale University, Harvard University, and New York University, and he was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Design. McKayle's legacy continues to be felt in the world of dance and theater, and his work has influenced artists such as Savion Glover, Bill T. Jones, and Camille A. Brown. He was also a prominent figure in the development of dance education and dance criticism, and he worked with organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Dance/USA.

● Personal Life

McKayle was married to Lea Vivante McKayle, and he had two children, Guy McKayle and Nanette McKayle. He was also a close friend and colleague of Alvin Ailey, Carmen de Lavallade, and Geoffrey Holder, and he was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. McKayle passed away on April 6, 2018, at the age of 87, in Corona del Mar, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of American dance. He is remembered for his contributions to modern dance, ballet, and theater, and his work continues to be celebrated and performed by companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Category:American choreographers