Ann Williams (choreographer) facts for kids

Ann Marie Williams (born Annie Marie Ferrell; October 21, 1937) is a famous American dancer and choreographer. She is known for starting the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. This is the oldest dance company that has been running non-stop in Dallas, Texas.

Ann Marie Williams' Early Life and School

Ann Marie Williams was born Annie Marie Ferrell on October 21, 1937. Her parents were Lloyd and Izora Ferrell. She grew up in Coolidge, Texas.

She went to several schools, including Sandy Community School and Phillis Wheatley Elementary School. She also attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and Lincoln High School in Dallas. She finished high school in 1955. At Lincoln High, she first discovered her love for dance. She also became part of the local art scene there.

Williams continued her education at Prairie View A&M University. She earned a bachelor's degree in Dance. Later, she made history at Texas Woman's University. She became the first African American woman to get a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from that university.

Ann Marie Williams' Dance Career

Ann Marie Williams traveled to New York City to study dance. She learned from famous dancers and choreographers. Some of her teachers included Arthur Mitchell, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, and Alvin Ailey.

After her training, she returned to Dallas. She began teaching dance for the Dallas Independent School District. In 1968, she received a large grant from the Ford Foundation. With this money, she started the first dance department at Bishop College in Dallas.

Founding the Dallas Black Dance Theatre

In 1974, Williams started the Dallas Black Dance Academy. Her goal was to offer dance lessons to students who couldn't afford private classes. The academy quickly became very popular.

Because of its success, Williams' Dance Academy grew into the Dallas Black Dance Theatre in 1976. Williams was the main creative director for the group until 2014. Today, she still helps the group by serving on its board of directors.

Achievements and Recognition

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre became very well-known. They were even asked to perform at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Under Williams' leadership, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre grew to be the fourth-largest African American dance group in the United States.

Ann Marie Williams has received many honors for her work. In 2002, she was added to the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. In 2017, the Texas Cultural Trust gave her the Texas Medal of Arts.

Williams also serves on the boards of several other important arts organizations. These include the Dallas Opera, Arts District Foundation, and the Dallas Dance Council. She is also on the board of Dance USA and The International Association of Blacks in Dance.

Ann Marie Williams' Family Life

Ann Marie Williams married Nathaniel Williams in 1963. They were married for 44 years. Nathaniel passed away in 2007. They have one daughter named Angela.