Pearl Reynolds
Pearl Reynolds | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Dancer, choreographer, educator |
| Organizations | Association of Black Choreographers, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem |
| Known for | Contributions to African-American dance and choreography |
| Notable work | House of Flowers, Jamaica, Kicks and Co., Blues for Mister Charlie |
Pearl Reynolds was an American dancer, choreographer, and educator who made contributions to African-American dance and collaborated with prominent dance institutions. She performed on Broadway, appeared in films, and mentored dancers. She died on August 23, 2009.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Details about Pearl Reynolds' early life and education are limited.
Career
[edit]Reynolds had an extensive career in dance, spanning Broadway, film, and education.
Broadway performances
[edit]She appeared in several Broadway productions, including:
- House of Flowers (1954) – Mamselle Ibo-Lele
- Mister Johnson (1956) – Ensemble
- Jamaica (1957) – Islander
- Kicks and Co. (1961) – Ensemble
- Blues for Mister Charlie (1964) – Townsperson [2]
Film appearances
[edit]Reynolds also appeared in the following films:
- Quest (1961)
- Syvilla: They Dance to Her Drum (1979) [3]
Teaching and mentorship
[edit]Reynolds was associated with the Katherine Dunham Technique and worked as an instructor at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. [4]
In 1985 and 1986, Reynolds conducted workshops at Houston Community College, contributing to the development of the African Dance Society there.
Association of Black Choreographers
[edit]Reynolds co-founded the Association of Black Choreographers alongside Carole Johnson, Rod Rodgers, Gus Solomons Jr., and Eleo Pomare.[5] This organization preceded the Modern Organization for Dance Evolvement (MODE) and focused on promoting Black choreographers.
Legacy
[edit]Pearl Reynolds influenced numerous dancers and choreographers. Kariamu Welsh, founder of the Umfundalai technique, acknowledged Reynolds as a mentor and friend.[6]
Additionally, Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson, a choreographer and educator, studied under Reynolds and Katherine Dunham, highlighting Reynolds' role in nurturing future leaders in the dance community.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/03/10/dance/25352a5c-ec3b-4773-b868-d69991299d1e/
- ^ "Pearl Reynolds – Broadway Credits". Broadway World. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ "Pearl Reynolds – IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ "History of African Dance Society at HCC". HCC EduTube. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ "To Premiere Dance Works". New York Amsterdam News. 14 January 1967. p. 18.
- ^ "Mama Kariamu Welsh Memorial Tribute". Thinking Dance. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ "Timeline of DC Black Dance Heritage". Black Dance DMV. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
See also
[edit]Digital Collections (NYPL) - Pearl Reynolds
External links
[edit]- Pearl Reynolds at IMDb
- Pearl Reynolds at Broadway World