Eartha Kitt in 1948 as a Katherine Dunham dancer performing in Street scene, part of Motivos, choreographed by Ms. Dunham. Ms. Kitt began her illustrious career as a dancer with Ms. Dunham’s company after a serendipitous encounter outside of a theater. A pretty young woman walked up to her and asked her directions to Max Factor’s makeup shop. Ms. Kitt said, “But you are so pretty. Why would you want to wear makeup?” When the woman replied that she was sent to buy the makeup for Katherine Dunham, Ms. Kitt made a deal with her: “Tell me how to meet Katherine Dunham and I’ll give you directions to the makeup shop!” And the rest, of course, is history. Photo: Roger Wood, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.