Biographical/historical: Manuel Alum (1943 - 1993) was a modern dancer and choreographer. He was born in Puerto Rico, but his dance training and his career as a modern dancer, teacher, choreographer and director took place mainly in the United States. Beginning his career under the tutelage of Martha Graham and Mia Slavenska, and eventually Paul Sanasardo. He joined Sanasardo’s company in 1962, dancing for the company and becoming assistant director until leaving in 1973. Before leaving the Sanasardo Company, Alum founded his own company, their first performance being at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1971. He also performed solo works and concerts, and choreographed for other companies, having choreographed 50 pieces by the end of his life.