This vintage press photo features award winning Jazz-Dance Choreographer, Danny Sloan (1938-1958). Sloan was born in Camden, New Jersey. After watching a Alwin Nikolais television performance, Sloan decided to pursue dancing as a career. He started his dance education at the Pennsylvania School of Ballet. He had a scholarship at the school. During his education and afterward, he encountered prejudice from people who thought Blacks should not be included in the world of ballet. Sloan moved to New York City and studied at the famed Joffrey Ballet. In 1969, he moved to Boston and helped Talley Beatty establish a dance company. The city became the home base for his work as a performer, choreographer, and educator. Talley Beatty's choreography and Katherine Dunham's technique had much influence on Danny Sloan's work. Sloan did a residency at the Elma Lewis School and was part of the group that formed a new dance company called "The dance company of the National Center for Afro-American Artists". Sloan performed with this all Black group and continued to write choreography. By 1975, Sloan's choreography dominated the company's playbill. In 1976, he began the process of starting his own company. The company became very respected and popular in New England. He helped extend the audiences for African American choreographers. Sloan's own choreography was considered well crafted modern based jazz. His work aimed at expressing the African-American experience. Sloan was also known as a distinguished teacher. He trained professionals and also operated an Inner City Dance Project where he offered the opportunity of studying dance to non professional teachers and adult performers. In addition, he was on the faculty of a number of highly regarded schools such as the Boston Ballet, the Jeanette Neill Studio, and the Boston Conservatory of Music. This press photo shows Danny Sloan at the Jeanette Neill studio. He was likely there to teach a class. His Mickey Mouse sweatshirt creates an impression that he was a "down to earth" guy. This press photo was taken for the Boston Herald by photographer, R. Sennott. The photo was taken in 1986. The photograph measures about 10 x 8inches. On the reverse of the photo is an ink stamp from the Boston Herald. This vintage press photo is in excellent condition (see scans).