Glory

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.