Pearl Primus was born in Trinidad on November 29th, 1919, before her parents immigrated to Harlem. Pearl worked at the New Dance Group Studios, where she trained alongside white people. Pearl also researched the history of African dances.

Pearl became the first black modern dancer, having performed her first performance, Strange Fruit. The dance had no music, and it was passionate and angry. Her most famous dance, however, was a dance called the Fanga, an African dance of welcome. In the 1940s, Pearl became one of the first dancers to make a study of black dance traditions, embracing West Indian, African, and primitive dances. Her recitals with her company showcased dances in their authentic form and were used as a basis of choreography. In October, 1944, Primus debuted on Broadway, where she performed dances depicting African cultures and works representing black experiences.

Throughout her life, Pearl became famous for her 5 foot high jump. She was also the first NYU student to fulfill a language requirement through dance. Pearl died on October 29th, 1994.

Modern performance of Pearl’s Strange Fruit: