Katherine Flowers

Katherine Jefferson Flowers (1896–1982) was an African American dancer, choreographer and teacher who in 1944 opened the successful "Flowers School of Dance" in Chicago. She also carried out extensive research on the history of African American dance from the 19th century.

Early life Born in Sherman, Texas as the daughter of Mattie Jefferson (1877–1955), Flowers showed an interest in dance from the age of seven when she performed at folk festivals. In 1904, she moved with her parents to Kansas City, Missouri, where as a nine-year-old she danced with friends in her backyard. As an African-American, it was not easy for her to embark on a professional dance career but in 1913 she was able to study voice, dramatics and pageantry at Kansas State Teacher's College where she became a member of the Orchesis Society dance club. In the summer, she taught dance at the Kansas City YWCA. From 1924, she spent 25 years in Chicago teaching physical education in the city's public schools while continuing her interest in dance.