Harriet Browne | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 7, 1932 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | September 1, 1997 (aged 65) Bronx, New York |
| Occupation(s) | Dancer, choreographer, teacher |
| Children | 2 |
Harriet "Quicksand" Browne (August 7, 1932 – September 1, 1997) was an American tap dancer, educator and choreographer who was best known for her innovation in sanding. Browne got a job dancing in the chorus but shortly afterwards got pregnant and had a son, which put a temporary stop to her dancing career. After the birth of her son, she resumed dancing as a soloist and as a member of the chorus in clubs around Chicago. During the 1950s, she toured with Cab Calloway's band. After she got a job in the chorus at a club in Greenwich Village, although she continued to tour, she settled in New York City.[1]
She began teaching at the Bronx Dance Theatre during the 1970s. She opened her own studio during the 1980s and founded the Aristaccato Tap Company.[1] Browne specialized in sanding. She appeared on stage with performers such as Flip Wilson, Betty Carter, Dinah Washington, Della Reese, T-Bone Walker,[1] Sister Sledge and The Pointer Sisters. She performed with tap dancers including Bunny Briggs, Charles Cook, James "Buster" Brown and The Silver Belles.[2]
She married Edward Browne during the 1970s.[2][1] Browne died at the age of 65 in Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx.[2] In 2016, she was named to the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame.[3]