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Activist. She grew up in privilege, the daughter of a Chicago physician and his socialite wife. And then, in 1955, her cousin, Emmett Till, was murdered. Even through her anger, she knew that the horror of her family tragedy could sink her-and it was her realization that she and her family were not the only ones in pain that helped her to cope. "People are in pain all the time. You won't feel yours after a while if you're busy making sure somebody else is lifted."
Artist. She has been a principal dancer with the Katherine Dunham, Agnes De Mille, and Talley Beatty companies. She has been a member of the American Ballet Theatre. She has composed eight musicals, including the critically acclaimed Miss Truth. She has danced and acted on Broadway, in the movies, on television, and across six continents, working with some of the most acclaimed dancers, singers, actors, musicians, directors, and choreographers in the world.
Educator. She holds a Ph.D. from Antioch Union Graduate School, and an MA and BA from Goddard College. She taught for ten years at the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts, and she founded Dr. Glory's Youth Theatre in New York City where, for over thirty years, she's helped kids develop not only their artistic talents, but vital life skills. "I teach kids, all colors and religions, to involve them with each other in positive relationships and productive work, so they will know that hate is not an option."
Intrigued by this amazing woman? Dr. Glory Van Scott's chronicle of her extraordinary life soars as high as a dancer leaping across a stage-and it brims with the passion, beauty, and inspiration Glory imparts to everything she touches.
About the author
The daughter of Thomas Van Scott, Glory Van Scott was born in Chicago and studied art, drama and dance at the Abraham Lincoln Center. She received a BA and MA from Goddard College and a PhD from Union Graduate School (previously known as Antioch College Union Graduate School). She taught theater at the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts and Theater as Social Change at Fordham University.
Van Scott was mentored in theatre by Vinnette Justine Carroll. She modelled for Wilhelmina Models and was a principal dancer for the Katherine Dunham, Agnes de Mille and Talley Beatty dance companies, as well as joining American Ballet Theatre.
She appeared in the following Broadway productions:
House of Flowers (1954)
Kwamina (1961)
The Great White Hope (1968)
Billy Noname (1970)
and in the 1978 film The Wiz and the 2003 film Rhythms of the Saints. Van Scott also authored eight musicals. Elizabeth Catlett created a bronze bust depicting Van Scott in 1981. In 2002, Van Scott received the Katherine Dunham Legacy Award.
