Four dancers on stage in elaborate costumes. Two dancers are standing with one leg raised and arms extended upward. The other two dancers are kneeling with one arm raised. They are dressed in patterned dresses, striped stockings, and headwraps. The background is dark.

Repertory

Choros

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

Katherine Dunham

RUN TIME

9 Minutes

COMPANY PREMIERE

New York City Center, 1972

WORLD PREMIERE

Martin Beck Theater, 1943

MUSIC

Vadico Gogliano

COSTUMES

John Pratt

LIGHTING

Chenault Spence

Katherine Dunham originally choreographed Choros in 1943 as part of her hugely successful work, Tropical Revue. The choreography is based on the early 19th‐century Brazilian quadrille, and the music, by the Brazilian composer Vadico Gogliano, combines the classic quadrille form with Brazilian folk elements.

A black and white photo of dancers Lucille Ellis, Wilbert Bradley, Lenwood Morris, and Frances Taylor in mid-performance. They are dressed in traditional costumes with patterned shirts, striped pants, and headpieces. The dancers are linked arm in arm, performing a lively dance with smiles on their faces. The background features a dimly lit stage.

Lucille Ellis, Wilbert Bradley, Lenwood Morris, and Frances Taylor in Katherine Dunham's Choros Photo courtesy of the Ailey Archives

A black and white photo of dancers Edward Love, Donna Wood, Thea Nerissa Barnes, and Michihiko Oka in mid-performance. They are dressed in traditional costumes with patterned shirts, striped pants, and headpieces. The female dancers wear ruffled skirts. They are linked arm in arm, performing a lively dance. The background is dark, highlighting the dancers.

Edward Love, Donna Wood, Thea Nerissa Barnes, and Michihiko Oka in Katherine Dunham's Choros Photo by Rosemary Winckley

Christopher Huggins, Ruthlyn Salomons, Desiree Sewer Vlad, and Desmond Richardson in Katherine Dunham's Choros Photo by Linda D. Vartoogian

A group of dancers in flesh tone dresses look up and reach their hands to the sky

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