Awilda Sterling Duprey: A Pioneer of Afro-Caribbean Dance and Artistic Expression
awilda sterling duprey, born in barrio obrero, santurce, puerto rico in 1947, stands as a singular figure within Puerto Rican artistic landscape—a dancer, choreographer, educator, and storyteller whose work embodies the vibrant spirit of Afro-Caribbean culture. Her journey began with formative studies at Escuela de Artes Plásticas (1971), followed by advanced training at Pratt Institute (Brooklyn) and Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (1967), establishing a foundation for her multifaceted artistic pursuits.
- Early Influences: Sterling Duprey’s artistic vision was profoundly shaped by the rhythms of Yoruba dance traditions and the pioneering spirit of Miguel Zenón, whose musical explorations mirrored her own commitment to experimentation and cultural preservation.
- Performance Practice: Her distinctive performance style seamlessly blends Afro-Caribbean dance forms with jazz improvisation and contemporary movement techniques—a deliberate fusion designed to convey complex narratives about identity, history, and social commentary. Notable performances include “Inconexo,” presented at Teatro Tapia (San Juan), “Lacks Criticality” commissioned by Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, and collaborations with Casa Cultural Ruth Hernández and Galería Diagonal.
Notable Achievements and Recognition
Sterling Duprey's dedication to artistic excellence has garnered considerable acclaim. She received an Experimental Dance Fellowship from the NEA in 1985—a testament to her innovative approach—and was honored with a Caribbean Cultural Contribution Award from the Puerto Rican Cultural Institute and Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Award in 2001. Furthermore, she secured funding as a United States Artists Rolón Fellow in 2010, bolstering her ability to pursue ambitious artistic projects. Her artwork has graced galleries across Puerto Rico, the United States, and Latin America, cementing her reputation as a respected voice within the global art community.
Exhibitions and Artistic Exploration
Sterling Duprey’s solo exhibitions showcase her captivating visual storytelling—particularly “Blindfolded,” presented at El Cuadrado Gris (San Juan), “Con Son y Ton” at Liga de Arte de San Juan, and “Correspondence/correspondencia” alongside Taller Malaquita. Her collaborative projects with Museo Casa Escuté (“Cimarronas”) and Kilometro 0.2 underscore her commitment to fostering dialogue and artistic exchange. Recurring themes in her oeuvre include explorations of resilience, memory, and the transformative power of movement—reflecting a deep engagement with both Puerto Rican heritage and broader humanist concerns.
Academic Pursuits and Continuing Legacy
Currently pursuing doctoral studies at the Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (San Juan), Sterling Duprey continues to enrich her artistic practice through scholarly inquiry, furthering her understanding of cultural history and informing her creative endeavors. Her unwavering passion for dance and art—combined with a steadfast dedication to preserving Puerto Rican traditions—ensures that Awilda Sterling Duprey’s influence will endure as an inspiration for future generations of artists and performers.
