Jump to content

Karen Brown (ballerina): Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Added {{Peacock}} tag (TW)
m v2.05 - Repaired 1 link to disambiguation page - (You can help) - Robert Garland
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American ballerina, educator, répétiteur, ballet mistress and director}}
{{Peacock|date=June 2020}}
'''Karen Brown''' (born 1955 in [[Okmulgee, Oklahoma]]) also known as Karen "KB" Brown is an American ballerina, educator, répétiteur, ballet mistress, and director. She is noted for her long career as a principal dancer with the [[Dance Theatre of Harlem]] and as the first African-American woman to lead a ballet company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/does-classicism-have-a-color-2306861395.html|title=Does Classicism Have a Color?|date=2007-06-21|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>
'''Karen Brown''' (born 1955 in [[Okmulgee, Oklahoma]]) is an American ballerina, educator, [[répétiteur]], ballet mistress, and director. She is noted for her long career as a principal dancer with the [[Dance Theatre of Harlem]] and as the first African-American woman to lead a ballet company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/does-classicism-have-a-color-2306861395.html|title=Does Classicism Have a Color?|date=2007-06-21|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==


Born into a family of medical professionals, Brown was raised as one of seven children in [[Augusta, Georgia]]. As a child she attended Episcopal Day School alongside her brother Stephen, making them the first African-American children to integrate the institution. At the prompting of her mother, Brown began her ballet studies after turning eight years old to help alleviate her habit of falling. In addition to studying with the former [[New York City Ballet]] dancer, Ron Colton, Brown was also a summer scholarship student at the [[Joffrey Ballet]] school.
Born into a family of medical professionals, Brown was raised as one of seven children in [[Augusta, Georgia]]. As a child she attended Episcopal Day School alongside her brother Stephen, making them the first African-American children to integrate the institution. At the prompting of her mother, Brown began her ballet studies after turning eight years old to help alleviate her habit of falling. In addition to studying with the former [[New York City Ballet]] dancer, Ron Colton, Brown was also a summer scholarship student at the [[Joffrey Ballet]] school.


At the age of 17, after having performed with Augusta Civic Ballet for five years, Colton took Brown to a ballet festival in Virginia to present her with new opportunities. There she was scouted by [[Arthur Mitchell (dancer)|Arthur Mitchell]]'s co-founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem, [[Karel Shook]], who invited her to join the company in New York.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rbj.net/2016/07/29/longtime-dancer-moves-to-lead/|title=Longtime dancer moves to lead|last=Gable|first=Lori|date=2016-07-29|website=Rochester Business Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>
At the age of 17, after having performed with Augusta Civic Ballet for five years, Colton took Brown to a ballet festival in Virginia to present her with new opportunities. There she was scouted by [[Arthur Mitchell (dancer)|Arthur Mitchell]]'s co-founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem, [[Karel Shook]], who invited her to join the company in New York.<ref name="Gable">{{Cite web|url=https://rbj.net/2016/07/29/longtime-dancer-moves-to-lead/|title=Longtime dancer moves to lead|last=Gable|first=Lori|date=2016-07-29|website=Rochester Business Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==


Joining Dance Theatre of Harlem as an apprentice in 1973, Brown quickly rose through the ranks, amassing a wide repertoire of ballets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://exhibitions.library.columbia.edu/exhibits/show/mitchell/dance-theatre-of-harlem--compa/repertory-list|title=Columbia University Libraries Online Exhibitions {{!}} Arthur Mitchell: Harlem's Ballet Trailblazer|website=exhibitions.library.columbia.edu|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> In 1984 she was profiled by [[Jennifer Dunning]] in the [[The New York Times|New York Times]] for her versatility as "one of those dancers who is as compelling in plotless ballets as in dramatic works that require her to portray a character".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/24/arts/harlem-dance-theater-performing-in-brooklyn.html|title=Harlem Dance Theater Performing in Brooklyn|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1984-02-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> As a principal ballerina with DTH, Brown starred in numerous tours all over the world, including performances in Russia--as the first American company to visit the country after the fall of the Soviet Union--and on DTH's historic visit to post-apartheid South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harriman.columbia.edu/event/dancing-cold-war-international-symposium|title=EVENT VIDEO. Dancing the Cold War: An International Symposium {{!}} Columbia {{!}} Harriman Institute|website=harriman.columbia.edu|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Dancing the Cold War Conference: Dancers' Round Table #2|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRPCDMGoMy8|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1992/0914/14101.html|title=Dance Theatre Of Harlem In South Africa|date=1992-09-14|work=Christian Science Monitor|access-date=2019-08-16|issn=0882-7729}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/our-history/|title=Dance Theatre of Harlem - Our History|website=Dance Theatre of Harlem|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>
Brown joined Dance Theatre of Harlem as an apprentice in 1973.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://exhibitions.library.columbia.edu/exhibits/show/mitchell/dance-theatre-of-harlem--compa/repertory-list|title=Columbia University Libraries Online Exhibitions {{!}} Arthur Mitchell: Harlem's Ballet Trailblazer|website=exhibitions.library.columbia.edu|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> In 1984 she was profiled by [[Jennifer Dunning]] in the [[The New York Times|New York Times]] for her versatility as "one of those dancers who is as compelling in plotless ballets as in dramatic works that require her to portray a character".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/24/arts/harlem-dance-theater-performing-in-brooklyn.html|title=Harlem Dance Theater Performing in Brooklyn|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1984-02-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Brown toured as a principal ballerina with DTH to Russia—as the first American company to visit the country after the fall of the Soviet Union—and on the company's post-apartheid visit to South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harriman.columbia.edu/event/dancing-cold-war-international-symposium|title=EVENT VIDEO. Dancing the Cold War: An International Symposium {{!}} Columbia {{!}} Harriman Institute|website=harriman.columbia.edu|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Dancing the Cold War Conference: Dancers' Round Table #2|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRPCDMGoMy8|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1992/0914/14101.html|title=Dance Theatre Of Harlem In South Africa|date=1992-09-14|work=Christian Science Monitor|access-date=2019-08-16|issn=0882-7729}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/our-history/|title=Dance Theatre of Harlem - Our History|website=Dance Theatre of Harlem|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


Brown's repertoire included [[William Dollar]]'s ''Mendelssohn's Concerto'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/04/archives/dance-a-spicy-carmen-harlem-troupe-blends-humor-and-calypso.html|title=Dance: A Spicy ‘Carmen’|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1976-03-04|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Arthur Mitchell's ''Holberg's Suite, John Henry,'' and ''The Greatest'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1977/07/21/harlem-dance-theater/cd71eb1a-bb26-4398-b4f1-bb7ba54e30a4/|title=Harlem Dance Theatre|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/08/arts/reviews-dance-harlem-troupe-in-a-multifaceted-retrospective.html|title=Reviews/Dance; Harlem Troupe in a Multifaceted Retrospective|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1988-11-08|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Geoffrey Holder]]'s ''Dougla, Bele,'' and ''Banda'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1979/10/10/dance-theatre-of-harlem/b4656968-1df0-4d6e-868c-920b41e4589b/|title=Dance Theatre of Harlem|last=Jackson|first=George|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/14/arts/dance-harlem-troupe-offers-wingborne-and-banda.html|title=Dance: Harlem Troupe Offers 'Wingborne' and 'Banda'|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1983-02-14|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[David Lichine]]'s ''[[Graduation Ball]],''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1983/03/04/multifaceted-dance/6d61f2ba-431e-4f80-9052-790a6fa79f23/|title=Multifaceted Dance|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref> [[Carmen de Lavallade]]'s ''Sensemaya'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/24/archives/harlem-troupe-dances-de-lavallade.html|title=Harlem Troupe Dances de Lavallade|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1979-02-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[George Balanchine]]'s ''[[Agon (ballet)|Agon]], [[Serenade (ballet)|Serenade]], [[Concerto Barocco]]'', ''[[Stars and Stripes (ballet)|Stars and Stripes]],'' and ''[[The Four Temperaments (ballet)|Four Temperaments]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1981/02/12/the-dance-theatre-of-harlem-round-2-of-razor-edge-rhythm/5cda8e75-354c-480a-bc2e-b48914fdc64d/|title=The Dance Theatre of Halrem Round 2 of Razor Edge Rhythm|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/03/04/archives/dance-view-new-works-by-interesting-choreographers-dance-view-new.html|title=Dance View|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1979-03-04|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/06/arts/dance-theater-of-harlem.html|title=Dance: Theater of Harlem|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=1984-10-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1989/03/27/a-company-of-stars/c61eb4dc-ad90-4275-a871-ebcd6ad18a78/|title=A Company of Stars|last=Tomalanis|first=Alexandra|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref> [[Glen Tetley]]'s ''Voluntaries'' and ''Dialogues,''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1988/03/18/harlems-path-less-traveled/bf1b7176-7c49-4790-8fa1-1bdb966e167e/|title=Harlem's Path Less Traveled|last=Tomalanis|first=Alexandra|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/24/arts/dance-in-review-921891.html|title=Dance in Review|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1991-06-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/06/arts/review-dance-tetley-premiere-by-harlem-troupe.html|title=Review/Dance; Tetley Premiere by Harlem Troupe|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1991-04-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|last2=Times|first2=Special To the New York|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Agnes de Mille]]'s ''[[Fall River Legend]],''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1984/0809/080907.html|title=Dramatic, zestful Dance Theater of Harlem in London|date=1984-08-09|work=Christian Science Monitor|access-date=2019-08-16|issn=0882-7729}}</ref> [[David Gordon (choreographer)|David Gordon]]'s ''Piano Movers,''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/06/arts/dance-harlem-troupe-s-streetcar.html|title=Dance: Harlem Troupe's 'Streetcar'|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1986-04-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Frederic Franklin]]'s ''Swan Lake, Creole Giselle, Paquita, and Pas de Dix,''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/15/arts/dance-harlem-s-one-act-swan-lake.html|title=Dance: Harlem's One-Act 'Swan Lake'|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1981-01-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1985-03-18-8501100530-story.html|title=HARLEM'S 'GISELLE' HAUNTS VISUALLY, STUNS TECHNICALLY|last=Writer|first=Kristy Montee, Dance|website=Sun-Sentinel.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Billy Wilson's ''Ginastera'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/03/21/dance/794ebba4-0314-42fd-9c99-77a80153f04e/|title=Dance|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref> [[Goh Choo San]]'s ''Variations Serieuses'', [[Robert Garland]]'s ''Joplin Dances'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/17/arts/dance-review-a-premiere-in-ragtime-with-all-the-music-s-jaunty-style.html|title=DANCE REVIEW; A Premiere in Ragtime, With All the Music's Jaunty Style|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1995-03-17|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[John Taras]]' ''The Firebird,'' [[Alonzo King]]'s ''Signs and Wonders'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/04/17/harlems-magical-wonders/adff3514-1c77-420a-a0cd-1a26b59c7d87/|title=Harlem's Magical Wonders|last=Jackson|first=George|date=|work=The Washington Post|access-date=}}</ref> and [[Garth Fagan]]'s ''Footprints Dressed In Red.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/lifestyle/art/2016/09/09/art-beat-harlem-ballerina-now-director-fagan/90115380/|title=Art Beat: Harlem ballerina now director at Fagan|website=Rochester Democrat and Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>
Brown's repertoire included [[William Dollar]]'s ''Mendelssohn's Concerto'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/04/archives/dance-a-spicy-carmen-harlem-troupe-blends-humor-and-calypso.html|title=Dance: A Spicy 'Carmen'|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1976-03-04|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Arthur Mitchell's ''Holberg's Suite, John Henry,'' and ''The Greatest'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1977/07/21/harlem-dance-theater/cd71eb1a-bb26-4398-b4f1-bb7ba54e30a4/|title=Harlem Dance Theatre|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/08/arts/reviews-dance-harlem-troupe-in-a-multifaceted-retrospective.html|title=Reviews/Dance; Harlem Troupe in a Multifaceted Retrospective|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1988-11-08|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Geoffrey Holder]]'s ''Dougla, Bele,'' and ''Banda'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1979/10/10/dance-theatre-of-harlem/b4656968-1df0-4d6e-868c-920b41e4589b/|title=Dance Theatre of Harlem|last=Jackson|first=George|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/14/arts/dance-harlem-troupe-offers-wingborne-and-banda.html|title=Dance: Harlem Troupe Offers 'Wingborne' and 'Banda'|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1983-02-14|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[David Lichine]]'s ''[[Graduation Ball]],''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1983/03/04/multifaceted-dance/6d61f2ba-431e-4f80-9052-790a6fa79f23/|title=Multifaceted Dance|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> [[Carmen de Lavallade]]'s ''Sensemaya'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/24/archives/harlem-troupe-dances-de-lavallade.html|title=Harlem Troupe Dances de Lavallade|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1979-02-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[George Balanchine]]'s ''[[Agon (ballet)|Agon]], [[Serenade (ballet)|Serenade]], [[Concerto Barocco]]'', ''[[Stars and Stripes (ballet)|Stars and Stripes]],'' and ''[[The Four Temperaments (ballet)|Four Temperaments]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1981/02/12/the-dance-theatre-of-harlem-round-2-of-razor-edge-rhythm/5cda8e75-354c-480a-bc2e-b48914fdc64d/|title=The Dance Theatre of Harlem Round 2 of Razor Edge Rhythm|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/03/04/archives/dance-view-new-works-by-interesting-choreographers-dance-view-new.html|title=Dance View|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1979-03-04|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/06/arts/dance-theater-of-harlem.html|title=Dance: Theater of Harlem|last=Anderson|first=Jack|date=1984-10-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1989/03/27/a-company-of-stars/c61eb4dc-ad90-4275-a871-ebcd6ad18a78/|title=A Company of Stars|last=Tomalanis|first=Alexandra|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> [[Glen Tetley]]'s ''Voluntaries'' and ''Dialogues,''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1988/03/18/harlems-path-less-traveled/bf1b7176-7c49-4790-8fa1-1bdb966e167e/|title=Harlem's Path Less Traveled|last=Tomalanis|first=Alexandra|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/24/arts/dance-in-review-921891.html|title=Dance in Review|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1991-06-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/06/arts/review-dance-tetley-premiere-by-harlem-troupe.html|title=Review/Dance; Tetley Premiere by Harlem Troupe|last1=Kisselgoff|first1=Anna|date=1991-04-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|last2=Times|first2=Special To the New York|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Agnes de Mille]]'s ''[[Fall River Legend]],''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1984/0809/080907.html|title=Dramatic, zestful Dance Theater of Harlem in London|date=1984-08-09|work=Christian Science Monitor|access-date=2019-08-16|issn=0882-7729}}</ref> [[David Gordon (choreographer)|David Gordon]]'s ''Piano Movers,''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/06/arts/dance-harlem-troupe-s-streetcar.html|title=Dance: Harlem Troupe's 'Streetcar'|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1986-04-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Frederic Franklin]]'s ''Swan Lake, Creole Giselle, Paquita, and Pas de Dix,''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/15/arts/dance-harlem-s-one-act-swan-lake.html|title=Dance: Harlem's One-Act 'Swan Lake'|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|date=1981-01-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1985-03-18-8501100530-story.html|title=HARLEM'S 'GISELLE' HAUNTS VISUALLY, STUNS TECHNICALLY|last=Writer|first=Kristy Montee, Dance|website=Sun-Sentinel.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Billy Wilson's ''Ginastera'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/03/21/dance/794ebba4-0314-42fd-9c99-77a80153f04e/|title=Dance|last=Kriegsman|first=Alan|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> [[Goh Choo San]]'s ''Variations Serieuses'', [[Robert Garland (choreographer)|Robert Garland]]'s ''Joplin Dances'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/17/arts/dance-review-a-premiere-in-ragtime-with-all-the-music-s-jaunty-style.html|title=DANCE REVIEW; A Premiere in Ragtime, With All the Music's Jaunty Style|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=1995-03-17|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[John Taras]]' ''The Firebird,'' [[Alonzo King]]'s ''Signs and Wonders'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/04/17/harlems-magical-wonders/adff3514-1c77-420a-a0cd-1a26b59c7d87/|title=Harlem's Magical Wonders|last=Jackson|first=George|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> and [[Garth Fagan]]'s ''Footprints Dressed In Red.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/lifestyle/art/2016/09/09/art-beat-harlem-ballerina-now-director-fagan/90115380/|title=Art Beat: Harlem ballerina now director at Fagan|website=Rochester Democrat and Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


While performing with DTH, Brown taught residencies and masterclasses as an associate artist of Arthur Mitchell's ''Dancing Through The Barriers'' program, which was created to provide dance education to people of all backgrounds. She was featured in a PBS documentary about the program while teaching at [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|The Kennedy Center]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Ballet-Names-New-Director-Karen-Brown-a-2762616.php|title=Oakland Ballet Names New Director / Karen Brown a former Harlem troupe dancer|last=Roca|first=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2000-04-26|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Dance Theatre of Harlem (QT)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCp04AUR9Xc|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> After 22 years dancing with the company, Brown left Dance Theatre of Harlem at the end of its 1995 season to join [[Atlanta Ballet]] Center for Dance Education as director of education and diversity.
While performing with DTH, Brown taught residencies and masterclasses as an associate artist of Arthur Mitchell's ''Dancing Through The Barriers'' program. She was featured in a PBS documentary about the program while teaching at [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|The Kennedy Center]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Ballet-Names-New-Director-Karen-Brown-a-2762616.php|title=Oakland Ballet Names New Director / Karen Brown a former Harlem troupe dancer|last1=Roca|first1=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2000-04-26|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Dance Theatre of Harlem (QT)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCp04AUR9Xc|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> After 22 years dancing with the company, Brown left DTH following the conclusion of its 1995 season to join [[Atlanta Ballet]] Center for Dance Education as director of education and diversity.


== Directorship ==
== Directorship ==


Using her expertise as director of her own arts administration organization, ''Karenina'', Brown entered the international search to find the next artistic director of [[Oakland Ballet]]. In 2000 she was invited by the company's board to assume leadership of the institution, making her the first African-American woman to direct a ballet company in history and the first African-American to run a formerly all white led ballet company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Crystal-Slipper-Doesn-t-Quite-Fit-Dancing-not-3238683.php|title=`Crystal Slipper' Doesn't Quite Fit / Dancing not up to par in Oakland Ballet revival|last=Roca|first=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2000-10-23|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/oakland-ballet-2306860941.html|title=Oakland Ballet|date=1970-01-01|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Following Dance Theatre of Harlem's suspension of operations in 2004, Brown was the only African-American artistic director of a ballet company in the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/arts/dance/dance-theater-of-harlem-starts-new-life.html|title=A Phoenix Is Rising on Point|last=Kourlas|first=Gia|date=2013-04-05|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/arts/dance/dance-theater-of-harlem-starts-new-life.html|title=A Phoenix Is Rising on Point|last=Kourlas|first=Gia|date=2013-04-05|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/01/arts/dance/dance-school-in-harlem-to-reopen.html|title=Dance School in Harlem to Reopen|last=Wakin|first=Daniel J.|date=2004-12-01|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> During her tenure, Brown worked to diversify the ballet's ranks so that it more accurately reflected the cultural demographics of Oakland. She also modernized the company's choreographic repertoire while expanding its existing funding structure to create greater financial stability.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/23/arts/dance-trying-to-reflect-oakland-s-many-faces.html|title=DANCE; Trying to Reflect Oakland's Many Faces|last=Murphy|first=Ann|date=2001-09-23|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Brown entered the international search to find the next artistic director of [[Oakland Ballet]]. In 2000 she was invited by the company's board to assume leadership of the institution, making her the first African-American woman to direct a ballet company in history and the first African-American to run a formerly all white led ballet company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Crystal-Slipper-Doesn-t-Quite-Fit-Dancing-not-3238683.php|title='Crystal Slipper' Doesn't Quite Fit / Dancing not up to par in Oakland Ballet revival|last1=Roca|first1=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2000-10-23|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/oakland-ballet-2306860941.html|title=Oakland Ballet|date=1970-01-01|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Following Dance Theatre of Harlem's suspension of operations in 2004, Brown was the only African-American artistic director of a ballet company in the world.<ref name="Kourlas">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/arts/dance/dance-theater-of-harlem-starts-new-life.html|title=A Phoenix Is Rising on Point|last=Kourlas|first=Gia|date=2013-04-05|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/01/arts/dance/dance-school-in-harlem-to-reopen.html|title=Dance School in Harlem to Reopen|last=Wakin|first=Daniel J.|date=2004-12-01|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> During her tenure, Brown worked to further diversify the ballet's ranks so that it more accurately reflected the cultural demographics of Oakland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/23/arts/dance-trying-to-reflect-oakland-s-many-faces.html|title=DANCE; Trying to Reflect Oakland's Many Faces|last=Murphy|first=Ann|date=2001-09-23|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


To develop her dancers' strengths she recruited new choreographers and teachers to work with the organization, including [[Trey McIntyre]], [[Francesca Harper]], [[Dwight Rhoden]], Dudley Brooks, and [[Donald McKayle]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Oakland-Ballet-Plans-Five-Premieres-Limon-s-2935372.php|title=Oakland Ballet Plans Five Premieres / Limon's 'Pavane' also on season schedule|last=Roca|first=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2001-04-04|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/PROFILE-Frederic-Franklin-Memory-does-serve-2858611.php|title=PROFILE / Frederic Franklin / Memory does serve ballet master / Ballet Russe legend brings history to Oakland|last=Roca|first=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2001-11-12|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Oakland-Ballet-timeline-6262393.php|title=Oakland Ballet timeline|last=Ulrich|first=Allan|date=2015-05-14|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Though driven towards creating a fresh dance perspective, Brown remained committed to honoring Oakland Ballet's tradition of presenting classic ballets from the likes of [[José Limón]], Agnes de Mille, [[Eugene Loring]], and [[Bronislava Nijinska]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Ballet-shakes-off-ashes-to-rise-again-for-2605329.php|title=Oakland Ballet shakes off ashes to rise again for 40th season|last=Howard|first=Rachel|last2=Chronicle|first2=Special to The|date=2005-10-01|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Acknowledging her mission to create a cultural renaissance, then mayor of Oakland [[Jerry Brown]] declared her great news for the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/PROFILE-Karen-Brown-Dancer-in-the-Driver-s-2935429.php|title=PROFILE / Karen Brown / Dancer in the Driver's Seat|last=Roca|first=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2001-04-04|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Additionally she used her profile to challenge the notion that it was difficult to find classically trained dancers of color to hire by speaking out on the issue and recruiting numerous talented dancers of all backgrounds herself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/arts/dance/26danc.html|title=Dance Theater of Harlem Reunion - Dance|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=2007-06-26|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
While maintaining Oakland Ballet's tradition of presenting classic ballets from the likes of [[José Limón]], [[Agnes de Mille]], [[Eugene Loring]], and [[Bronislava Nijinska]],<ref name="Howard">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Ballet-shakes-off-ashes-to-rise-again-for-2605329.php|title=Oakland Ballet shakes off ashes to rise again for 40th season|last1=Howard|first1=Rachel|last2=Chronicle|first2=Special to The|date=2005-10-01|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> she expanded the repertoire to focus on new choreographers such as [[Trey McIntyre]], [[Francesca Harper]], [[Dwight Rhoden]], Dudley Brooks, and [[Donald McKayle]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Roca|first1=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2001-04-04|title=Oakland Ballet Plans Five Premieres / Limon's 'Pavane' also on season schedule|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Oakland-Ballet-Plans-Five-Premieres-Limon-s-2935372.php|access-date=2019-08-16|website=SFGate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Roca|first1=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2001-11-12|title=PROFILE / Frederic Franklin / Memory does serve ballet master / Ballet Russe legend brings history to Oakland|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/PROFILE-Frederic-Franklin-Memory-does-serve-2858611.php|access-date=2019-08-16|website=SFGate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ulrich|first=Allan|date=2015-05-14|title=Oakland Ballet timeline|url=https://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Oakland-Ballet-timeline-6262393.php|access-date=2019-08-16|website=SFGate}}</ref> One of her stated goals as a director was to disprove the belief that it was difficult to find classically trained dancers of color.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/arts/dance/26danc.html|title=Dance Theater of Harlem Reunion - Dance|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|date=2007-06-26|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Then mayor of Oakland [[Jerry Brown]] declared Brown's work as great news for the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/PROFILE-Karen-Brown-Dancer-in-the-Driver-s-2935429.php|title=PROFILE / Karen Brown / Dancer in the Driver's Seat|last1=Roca|first1=Octavio|last2=Critic|first2=Chronicle Dance|date=2001-04-04|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> To prevent Oakland Ballet from shuttering, Brown canceled its 2004 season, focusing instead on a $500,000 fundraising campaign and hiring a new roster of dancers for the organization's 40th anniversary celebration.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/women-on-top-eight-artistic-directors-talk-about-what-it-takes-2306861632.html|title=Women On Top: Eight Artistic Directors Talk About What It Takes|date=2007-08-01|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Oakland-Ballet-back-2633891.php|title=Oakland Ballet back|last1=Hamlin|first1=Jesse|last2=Writer|first2=Chronicle Staff|date=2005-05-20|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref name="Howard" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/2005-IN-REVIEW-Dance-2555588.php|title=2005 IN REVIEW / Dance|last=Howard|first=Rachel|date=2005-12-25|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Brown departed Oakland in 2007 to join [[University of the Arts (Philadelphia)|University of The Arts]], Philadelphia as an assistant professor in dance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/finding-the-power-2306880880.html|title=Finding The Power|date=2009-12-21|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


⚫
During her time in Philadelphia, Brown was awarded a $12,500 research grant to analyze dance movement through computer programming, joined the faculty of the [[The Harlem School of the Arts|Harlem School of The Arts]], and returned to performing with Paradigm, a dance company founded by [[Gus Solomons Jr.|Gus Solomon Jr]] to feature mature dancers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/16/arts/dance/paradigms-15th-anniversary-show-at-danspace-project-review.html|title=Paradigm's 15th-Anniversary Show at Danspace Project - Review|last=Rocco|first=Claudia La|date=2011-04-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2011/04/20/juliette-mapp-reads-gertrude-stein-paradigm-celebrates-two-different-birthdays/|title=Juliette Mapp Reads Gertrude Stein; Paradigm Celebrates Two Different Birthdays|website=www.villagevoice.com|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> She was awarded a Bessie Award in 2010 for her performances with the group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dance.nyc/news/2012/07/2011-Bessie-Award-Honorees|title=2011 Bessie Award Honorees|website=www.dance.nyc|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bessies.org/archive/|title=Award Archive|website=The Bessies|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> She was appointed executive director of [[Garth Fagan|Garth Fagan Dance]] in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/garth-fagan-dance-appoints-leadership-team/Content?oid=2714666|title=Garth Fagan Dance appoints leadership team|last=Clapp|first=Jake|website=City Newspaper|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> and joined Ballet Wichita as guest artistic director in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://harriettubmanmusicfestival.com/Events/harriet-tubman-freedom-awards-gospel-brunch-2018/|title=Harriet Tubman Freedom Awards & Gospel Brunch 2018 – Harriet Tubman Freedom Music Festival|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kansas.com/entertainment/ent-columns-blogs/keeper-of-the-plans/article169186682.html|title=Ballet Wichita taps high-profile New Yorkers for 'Nutcracker'|last=Heying|first=Travis|website=kansas|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/lifestyle/20181215/born-to-dance--and-teach|title=Born to dance ... and teach|last=BrackettCorrespondent|first=Charmain Z.|website=The Augusta Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>
Though praised for elevating Oakland Ballet's profile and raising the technical level of its dancers, Brown was forced to contend with an expanding deficit in the face of lost arts funding, as well as the closing of the city's primary performance space. To save Oakland Ballet itself from shuttering, she suspended the 2004 season and focused on a successful $500,000 fundraising campaign that allowed operations to resume with a new roster of dancers in time for the organization's 40th anniversary celebration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/women-on-top-eight-artistic-directors-talk-about-what-it-takes-2306861632.html|title=Women On Top: Eight Artistic Directors Talk About What It Takes|date=2007-08-01|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Oakland-Ballet-back-2633891.php|title=Oakland Ballet back|last=Hamlin|first=Jesse|last2=Writer|first2=Chronicle Staff|date=2005-05-20|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Ballet-shakes-off-ashes-to-rise-again-for-2605329.php|title=Oakland Ballet shakes off ashes to rise again for 40th season|last=Howard|first=Rachel|last2=Chronicle|first2=Special to The|date=2005-10-01|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/2005-IN-REVIEW-Dance-2555588.php|title=2005 IN REVIEW / Dance|last=Howard|first=Rachel|date=2005-12-25|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


She joined University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory as an assistant professor in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Community News Karen Brown|url=https://augustaarts.com/community-news-karen-brown/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-25|website=augustaarts.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Writer|first=Contributing|date=2020-11-09|title=Conservatory Welcomes Four New World-Class Faculty Members|url=http://kcstudio.org/umkc-conservatory-welcomes-four-new-world-class-faculty-members/|access-date=2020-12-25|website=KC STUDIO|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
Brown departed Oakland in 2007 to join [[University of the Arts (Philadelphia)|University of The Arts]], Philadelphia as an assistant professor in dance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancemagazine.com/finding-the-power-2306880880.html|title=Finding The Power|date=2009-12-21|website=Dance Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> During her time in Philadelphia, Brown was awarded a $12,500 research grant to analyze dance movement through computer programming. While developing this research, she met the [[The Lion King (musical)|Lion King]] associate producer and former [[Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater]] star, [[Aubrey Lynch II]] who later invited her to join the faculty of the [[The Harlem School of the Arts|Harlem School of The Arts]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rbj.net/2016/07/29/longtime-dancer-moves-to-lead/|title=Longtime dancer moves to lead|last=Gable|first=Lori|date=2016-07-29|website=Rochester Business Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Concurrent with this time, she returned to her performance career, joining Paradigm, a dance company founded by [[Gus Solomons Jr.|Gus Solomon Jr]] to feature mature dancers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/16/arts/dance/paradigms-15th-anniversary-show-at-danspace-project-review.html|title=Paradigm’s 15th-Anniversary Show at Danspace Project - Review|last=Rocco|first=Claudia La|date=2011-04-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2011/04/20/juliette-mapp-reads-gertrude-stein-paradigm-celebrates-two-different-birthdays/|title=Juliette Mapp Reads Gertrude Stein; Paradigm Celebrates Two Different Birthdays|website=www.villagevoice.com|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> She was awarded a Bessie Award in 2010 for her performances with the group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dance.nyc/news/2012/07/2011-Bessie-Award-Honorees|title=2011 Bessie Award Honorees|website=www.dance.nyc|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bessies.org/archive/|title=Award Archive|website=The Bessies|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> In 2015, while visiting her hometown, Brown performed alongside her brother, the Broadway performer Russell Joel Brown, saxophonist [[Wycliffe Gordon]], and opera diva [[Jessye Norman]] in a fundraiser at [[Augusta University]] for the [[Jessye Norman School of the Arts]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/russell-joel-brown-500894|title=Russell Joel Brown – Broadway Cast & Staff {{!}} IBDB|website=www.ibdb.com|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20150926/NEWS/309269875|title=Jessye Norman, four local legends will perform in concert next month at Augusta University|last=McCord|first=Susan|website=The Augusta Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> The following year she was appointed executive director of [[Garth Fagan|Garth Fagan Dance]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/garth-fagan-dance-appoints-leadership-team/Content?oid=2714666|title=Garth Fagan Dance appoints leadership team|last=Clapp|first=Jake|website=City Newspaper|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> In 2017 she was invited to Ballet Wichita as guest artistic director.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kansas.com/entertainment/ent-columns-blogs/keeper-of-the-plans/article169186682.html|title=Ballet Wichita taps high-profile New Yorkers for ‘Nutcracker’|last=Heying|first=Travis|website=kansas|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Later that year she was awarded the Harriet Tubman Freedom Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://harriettubmanmusicfestival.com/Events/harriet-tubman-freedom-awards-gospel-brunch-2018/|title=Harriet Tubman Freedom Awards & Gospel Brunch 2018 – Harriet Tubman Freedom Music Festival|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


⚫
== Personal life ==
Since 2018 she has returned to teaching and her research in analyzing movement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/lifestyle/20181215/born-to-dance--and-teach|title=Born to dance ... and teach|last=BrackettCorrespondent|first=Charmain Z.|website=The Augusta Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


⚫
Brown was close friends with the ballet star, [[Mel Tomlinson]] who appointed her executor of his estate. She was the only person to respond to his call for help after he contracted HIV.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.greensboro.com/graceful-soul-rising/article_2bcfd653-09af-538b-91e9-fa1e3e046466.html|title=GRACEFUL SOUL RISING|last=Service|first=TONY BROWN Knight-Ridder News|website=Greensboro News and Record|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/obituaries/mel-a-tomlinson-dead.html|title=Mel A. Tomlinson, 65, Ballet Star and 'Agon' Interpreter, Dies|last=Kourlas|first=Gia|date=2019-02-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
⚫
== Personal Life ==

⚫
Brown was close friends with the ballet star, [[Mel Tomlinson]] who appointed her executor of his estate to honor the fact that she was the only person to respond to his call for help after he contracted HIV.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.greensboro.com/graceful-soul-rising/article_2bcfd653-09af-538b-91e9-fa1e3e046466.html|title=GRACEFUL SOUL RISING|last=Service|first=TONY BROWN Knight-Ridder News|website=Greensboro News and Record|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/obituaries/mel-a-tomlinson-dead.html|title=Mel A. Tomlinson, 65, Ballet Star and ‘Agon’ Interpreter, Dies|last=Kourlas|first=Gia|date=2019-02-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-08-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


Brown graduated from [[Saint Mary's College of California|St. Mary's College of California]] in 2013.
Brown graduated from [[Saint Mary's College of California|St. Mary's College of California]] in 2013.
Line 45: Line 43:
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century American dancers]]
[[Category:21st-century American dancers]]
[[Category:Women educators]]
[[Category:American women choreographers]]
[[Category:Women choreographers]]
[[Category:Dance Theatre of Harlem dancers]]
[[Category:Dance Theatre of Harlem dancers]]
[[Category:American ballerinas]]
[[Category:American ballerinas]]
Line 53: Line 50:
[[Category:Dancers from Oklahoma]]
[[Category:Dancers from Oklahoma]]
[[Category:Dancers from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Dancers from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:21st-century American women educators]]

Latest revision as of 20:21, 16 August 2024

Karen Brown (born 1955 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma) is an American ballerina, educator, répétiteur, ballet mistress, and director. She is noted for her long career as a principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and as the first African-American woman to lead a ballet company.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Born into a family of medical professionals, Brown was raised as one of seven children in Augusta, Georgia. As a child she attended Episcopal Day School alongside her brother Stephen, making them the first African-American children to integrate the institution. At the prompting of her mother, Brown began her ballet studies after turning eight years old to help alleviate her habit of falling. In addition to studying with the former New York City Ballet dancer, Ron Colton, Brown was also a summer scholarship student at the Joffrey Ballet school.

At the age of 17, after having performed with Augusta Civic Ballet for five years, Colton took Brown to a ballet festival in Virginia to present her with new opportunities. There she was scouted by Arthur Mitchell's co-founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem, Karel Shook, who invited her to join the company in New York.[2]

Career

[edit]

Brown joined Dance Theatre of Harlem as an apprentice in 1973.[3] In 1984 she was profiled by Jennifer Dunning in the New York Times for her versatility as "one of those dancers who is as compelling in plotless ballets as in dramatic works that require her to portray a character".[4] Brown toured as a principal ballerina with DTH to Russia—as the first American company to visit the country after the fall of the Soviet Union—and on the company's post-apartheid visit to South Africa.[5][6][7][8]

Brown's repertoire included William Dollar's Mendelssohn's Concerto,[9] Arthur Mitchell's Holberg's Suite, John Henry, and The Greatest,[10][11] Geoffrey Holder's Dougla, Bele, and Banda,[12][13] David Lichine's Graduation Ball,[14] Carmen de Lavallade's Sensemaya,[15] George Balanchine's Agon, Serenade, Concerto Barocco, Stars and Stripes, and Four Temperaments,[16][17][18][19] Glen Tetley's Voluntaries and Dialogues,[20][21][22] Agnes de Mille's Fall River Legend,[23] David Gordon's Piano Movers,[24] Frederic Franklin's Swan Lake, Creole Giselle, Paquita, and Pas de Dix,[25][26] Billy Wilson's Ginastera,[27] Goh Choo San's Variations Serieuses, Robert Garland's Joplin Dances,[28] John Taras' The Firebird, Alonzo King's Signs and Wonders,[29] and Garth Fagan's Footprints Dressed In Red.[30]

While performing with DTH, Brown taught residencies and masterclasses as an associate artist of Arthur Mitchell's Dancing Through The Barriers program. She was featured in a PBS documentary about the program while teaching at The Kennedy Center.[31][32] After 22 years dancing with the company, Brown left DTH following the conclusion of its 1995 season to join Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education as director of education and diversity.

Directorship

[edit]

Brown entered the international search to find the next artistic director of Oakland Ballet. In 2000 she was invited by the company's board to assume leadership of the institution, making her the first African-American woman to direct a ballet company in history and the first African-American to run a formerly all white led ballet company.[33][34] Following Dance Theatre of Harlem's suspension of operations in 2004, Brown was the only African-American artistic director of a ballet company in the world.[35][36] During her tenure, Brown worked to further diversify the ballet's ranks so that it more accurately reflected the cultural demographics of Oakland.[37]

While maintaining Oakland Ballet's tradition of presenting classic ballets from the likes of José Limón, Agnes de Mille, Eugene Loring, and Bronislava Nijinska,[38] she expanded the repertoire to focus on new choreographers such as Trey McIntyre, Francesca Harper, Dwight Rhoden, Dudley Brooks, and Donald McKayle.[39][40][41][42] One of her stated goals as a director was to disprove the belief that it was difficult to find classically trained dancers of color.[43] Then mayor of Oakland Jerry Brown declared Brown's work as great news for the city.[44] To prevent Oakland Ballet from shuttering, Brown canceled its 2004 season, focusing instead on a $500,000 fundraising campaign and hiring a new roster of dancers for the organization's 40th anniversary celebration.[39][45][38][46] Brown departed Oakland in 2007 to join University of The Arts, Philadelphia as an assistant professor in dance.[47]

During her time in Philadelphia, Brown was awarded a $12,500 research grant to analyze dance movement through computer programming, joined the faculty of the Harlem School of The Arts, and returned to performing with Paradigm, a dance company founded by Gus Solomon Jr to feature mature dancers.[48][49] She was awarded a Bessie Award in 2010 for her performances with the group.[50][51] She was appointed executive director of Garth Fagan Dance in 2016,[52] and joined Ballet Wichita as guest artistic director in 2017.[53][54][55]

She joined University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory as an assistant professor in 2020.[56][57]

Personal life

[edit]

Brown was close friends with the ballet star, Mel Tomlinson who appointed her executor of his estate. She was the only person to respond to his call for help after he contracted HIV.[58][59]

Brown graduated from St. Mary's College of California in 2013.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Does Classicism Have a Color?". Dance Magazine. 2007-06-21. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  2. ^ Gable, Lori (2016-07-29). "Longtime dancer moves to lead". Rochester Business Journal. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  3. ^ "Columbia University Libraries Online Exhibitions | Arthur Mitchell: Harlem's Ballet Trailblazer". exhibitions.library.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  4. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (1984-02-24). "Harlem Dance Theater Performing in Brooklyn". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  5. ^ "EVENT VIDEO. Dancing the Cold War: An International Symposium | Columbia | Harriman Institute". harriman.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  6. ^ Dancing the Cold War Conference: Dancers' Round Table #2, retrieved 2019-08-16
  7. ^ "Dance Theatre Of Harlem In South Africa". Christian Science Monitor. 1992-09-14. ISSN 0882-7729. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  8. ^ "Dance Theatre of Harlem - Our History". Dance Theatre of Harlem. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  9. ^ Kisselgoff, Anna (1976-03-04). "Dance: A Spicy 'Carmen'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  10. ^ Kriegsman, Alan. "Harlem Dance Theatre". The Washington Post.
  11. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (1988-11-08). "Reviews/Dance; Harlem Troupe in a Multifaceted Retrospective". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  12. ^ Jackson, George. "Dance Theatre of Harlem". The Washington Post.
  13. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (1983-02-14). "Dance: Harlem Troupe Offers 'Wingborne' and 'Banda'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  14. ^ Kriegsman, Alan. "Multifaceted Dance". The Washington Post.
  15. ^ Kisselgoff, Anna (1979-02-24). "Harlem Troupe Dances de Lavallade". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  16. ^ Kriegsman, Alan. "The Dance Theatre of Harlem Round 2 of Razor Edge Rhythm". The Washington Post.
  17. ^ Kisselgoff, Anna (1979-03-04). "Dance View". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  18. ^ Anderson, Jack (1984-10-06). "Dance: Theater of Harlem". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  19. ^ Tomalanis, Alexandra. "A Company of Stars". The Washington Post.
  20. ^ Tomalanis, Alexandra. "Harlem's Path Less Traveled". The Washington Post.
  21. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (1991-06-24). "Dance in Review". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  22. ^ Kisselgoff, Anna; Times, Special To the New York (1991-04-06). "Review/Dance; Tetley Premiere by Harlem Troupe". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  23. ^ "Dramatic, zestful Dance Theater of Harlem in London". Christian Science Monitor. 1984-08-09. ISSN 0882-7729. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  24. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (1986-04-06). "Dance: Harlem Troupe's 'Streetcar'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  25. ^ Kisselgoff, Anna (1981-01-15). "Dance: Harlem's One-Act 'Swan Lake'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  26. ^ Writer, Kristy Montee, Dance. "HARLEM'S 'GISELLE' HAUNTS VISUALLY, STUNS TECHNICALLY". Sun-Sentinel.com. Retrieved 2019-08-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ Kriegsman, Alan. "Dance". The Washington Post.
  28. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (1995-03-17). "DANCE REVIEW; A Premiere in Ragtime, With All the Music's Jaunty Style". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  29. ^ Jackson, George. "Harlem's Magical Wonders". The Washington Post.
  30. ^ "Art Beat: Harlem ballerina now director at Fagan". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  31. ^ Roca, Octavio; Critic, Chronicle Dance (2000-04-26). "Oakland Ballet Names New Director / Karen Brown a former Harlem troupe dancer". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  32. ^ Dance Theatre of Harlem (QT), retrieved 2019-08-16
  33. ^ Roca, Octavio; Critic, Chronicle Dance (2000-10-23). "'Crystal Slipper' Doesn't Quite Fit / Dancing not up to par in Oakland Ballet revival". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  34. ^ "Oakland Ballet". Dance Magazine. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  35. ^ Kourlas, Gia (2013-04-05). "A Phoenix Is Rising on Point". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  36. ^ Wakin, Daniel J. (2004-12-01). "Dance School in Harlem to Reopen". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  37. ^ Murphy, Ann (2001-09-23). "DANCE; Trying to Reflect Oakland's Many Faces". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  38. ^ a b Howard, Rachel; Chronicle, Special to The (2005-10-01). "Oakland Ballet shakes off ashes to rise again for 40th season". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  39. ^ a b "Women On Top: Eight Artistic Directors Talk About What It Takes". Dance Magazine. 2007-08-01. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  40. ^ Roca, Octavio; Critic, Chronicle Dance (2001-04-04). "Oakland Ballet Plans Five Premieres / Limon's 'Pavane' also on season schedule". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  41. ^ Roca, Octavio; Critic, Chronicle Dance (2001-11-12). "PROFILE / Frederic Franklin / Memory does serve ballet master / Ballet Russe legend brings history to Oakland". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  42. ^ Ulrich, Allan (2015-05-14). "Oakland Ballet timeline". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  43. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (2007-06-26). "Dance Theater of Harlem Reunion - Dance". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  44. ^ Roca, Octavio; Critic, Chronicle Dance (2001-04-04). "PROFILE / Karen Brown / Dancer in the Driver's Seat". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  45. ^ Hamlin, Jesse; Writer, Chronicle Staff (2005-05-20). "Oakland Ballet back". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  46. ^ Howard, Rachel (2005-12-25). "2005 IN REVIEW / Dance". SFGate. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  47. ^ "Finding The Power". Dance Magazine. 2009-12-21. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  48. ^ Rocco, Claudia La (2011-04-15). "Paradigm's 15th-Anniversary Show at Danspace Project - Review". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  49. ^ "Juliette Mapp Reads Gertrude Stein; Paradigm Celebrates Two Different Birthdays". www.villagevoice.com. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  50. ^ "2011 Bessie Award Honorees". www.dance.nyc. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  51. ^ "Award Archive". The Bessies. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  52. ^ Clapp, Jake. "Garth Fagan Dance appoints leadership team". City Newspaper. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  53. ^ "Harriet Tubman Freedom Awards & Gospel Brunch 2018 – Harriet Tubman Freedom Music Festival". Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  54. ^ Heying, Travis. "Ballet Wichita taps high-profile New Yorkers for 'Nutcracker'". kansas. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  55. ^ BrackettCorrespondent, Charmain Z. "Born to dance ... and teach". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-08-16. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  56. ^ "Community News Karen Brown". augustaarts.com. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
  57. ^ Writer, Contributing (2020-11-09). "Conservatory Welcomes Four New World-Class Faculty Members". KC STUDIO. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
  58. ^ Service, TONY BROWN Knight-Ridder News. "GRACEFUL SOUL RISING". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  59. ^ Kourlas, Gia (2019-02-13). "Mel A. Tomlinson, 65, Ballet Star and 'Agon' Interpreter, Dies". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Karen_Brown_(ballerina)&oldid=1240693292"