Marion D. Cuyjet and Her Judimar School of Dance: Training Ballerinas in Black Philadelphia 1948-1971

This publication documents the work of pioneering ballet pedagogue Marion D. Cuyjet and presents a historical and descriptive study of her teaching career and school within its sociocultural context. This work examines Cuyjet's ethnic roots, the phases of her professional development, the evolution of her school and the pivotal role she played in the development of dance education in Black Philadelphia from 1948-1971. Cuyjet's Judimar School of Dance set standards of educational and artistic excellence in Philadelphia during the early years of the Civil Rights Movement. She encouraged her students to never allow the color of their skin to limit their aspirations. Her determined spirit and tenacity bolstered by ample family support enabled the school to survive for 23 years and her legacy continues in the twenty-first century through the work of former students, such as Judith Jamison. [Melanye_White_Dixon__Lynette_Young_Overby]_Marion_Bokos-Z1_

8:45 AM