Syvilla Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Syvilla Fort
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | July 3, 1917 |
| Died | November 8, 1975 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | Dancer, dance educator |
Syvilla Fort (born July 3, 1917 – died November 8, 1975) was an American dancer, a person who creates dances (called a choreographer), and a dance teacher. She was born in Seattle, Washington. Syvilla Fort used her African-American background to inspire her unique dance creations. A famous American composer named John Cage even wrote his first piece for a special kind of piano, called a prepared piano, for one of Fort's dances. This piece was called Bacchanale and was created in 1940. Syvilla Fort passed away when she was 58 years old.
Contents
Syvilla Fort's Early Life and Dance Journey
Syvilla Fort started learning to dance when she was just three years old in Seattle, Washington. When she was young, some ballet schools did not let her join because of her race. This was a time when many places practiced unfair treatment based on skin color. Because of this, Syvilla learned to dance at home and through private lessons.
By the time she was nine, Syvilla was already teaching dance herself! She taught ballet, tap, and modern dance to children in her neighborhood who could not afford private lessons. This showed her passion for dance and helping others.
Studying at Cornish College
After finishing high school in 1932, Syvilla Fort became the first Black student at the Cornish School of Allied Arts in Seattle. She studied there for five years, learning even more about dance and art.
Dancing with Katherine Dunham
In 1939, Syvilla decided to move to Los Angeles to continue her dance career. There, a neighbor introduced her to the famous dancer Katherine Dunham. Just a few weeks later, Syvilla joined the Katherine Dunham Company. She toured with them and learned the special "Dunham technique." This dance style was inspired by the dance traditions of Africa, Haiti, and Trinidad.
Syvilla danced with the company until 1945. She even appeared in a well-known movie called Stormy Weather in 1943.
Teaching and Developing Her Own Style
While dancing with the Dunham Company, Syvilla Fort had a serious knee injury. This injury made it hard for her to perform professionally by the mid-1940s. But her love for dance didn't stop!
In 1948, Katherine Dunham asked Syvilla to become the main leader and dance teacher at the Katherine Dunham School of Dance in New York. Syvilla worked there until 1954, when the school had to close because of money problems.
Opening Her Own Dance Studio
In 1955, Syvilla Fort and her husband, Buddy Phillips, opened their own dance studio in New York City. It was located on West 44th Street. At this studio, Syvilla created her own unique dance style called the "Afro-Modern technique." This style combined the Dunham approach with modern dance moves she had learned earlier.
Syvilla also taught this method as a part-time physical education instructor at Columbia University's Teachers College from 1967 to 1975.
Inspiring Many Dancers
Syvilla Fort's studio on 44th Street was very successful. She taught many students who became famous actors and dancers. Some of her best-known students include Marlon Brando, James Dean, Jane Fonda, James Earl Jones, Eartha Kitt, José Limón, Chita Rivera, and Geoffrey Holder. She truly shaped three generations of dancers.
The studio faced financial challenges in 1975 when Syvilla became very ill. Her staff and students found a new studio for her on West 23rd Street. She continued teaching there through the summer of 1975, even while battling her illness.
Syvilla Fort's Legacy
Syvilla Fort passed away on November 8, 1975. Just five days before she died, a special event was held to honor her life's work. This tribute was organized by the Black Theater Alliance and hosted by her student Alvin Ailey and the singer Harry Belafonte.
In 1992, Syvilla Fort's work was celebrated again. Dancers from different companies performed an evening of her amazing choreography at Symphony Space in New York. Her influence on the world of dance continues to be remembered.
Films About Syvilla Fort
A short film was made about Syvilla Fort by Ayoka Chenzira in 1979. It is called Syvilla: They Dance to Her Drum.
