6 september 1968 & capitol ballet company
OTD-ish 6 September 1968 The Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and the The Capitol Ballet Company (1200 Delafield Pl, NW) held dance classes and rehearsed pieces for upcoming performances, respectively. Both institutions were founded by Doris W. Jones and Claire Haywood--the school in 1941 and the company in 1961.
Sandra Fortune, in the photo above, was one of their most renowned students. On 31 May 1968, the company performed in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Cramton Auditorium, Howard University. The program featured a premiere of "Four Negro Spirituals,” choreographed by Doris Jones. (The four songs were "You Better Mind," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Walk Together Children," "It's Me, It's Me, It's Me, Oh Lord.") Other featured dances were "Collaboration," and "Pocahontas," in which Fortune played lead.
Your comments are welcome below. Did you, family members or neighbors take classes at the school? Were you in the company? Did you attend their performances in 1968? Did you know Doris W. Jones? Did you know Claire Haywood? Did you know Sandra Fortune? Do you have photographs, posters, invitations and other material from the school, company or performances? Do you recognize the other dancer in the photo? You may comment privately here.
Photo source: Courtesy Phil Portlock, photographer, c1968. He owns copyright to his work. Sandra Fortune practicing with other dancer probably at Jones-Haywood School of Dance. Do you recognize the other dancer?
See MOBBallet.org and video honoring Sandra Fortune-Green during 75th anniversary of Doris Jones School.
