Hope Clarke, a multifaceted performing artist who established herself as a respected choreographer, director, and dancer in American theater, passed away Thursday at her home in Tennessee at the age of 85. Her death resulted from complications stemming from a brain tumor. Throughout her career spanning several decades, Clarke became known particularly for her work choreographing the acclaimed 1992 musical "Jelly's Last Jam," which earned her a Tony nomination and ran for over 560 performances on Broadway.

Beginning her career as a principal dancer with major companies, Clarke went on to perform extensively on Broadway throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in productions such as "Hallelujah, Baby!" and "Purlie." Beyond performing, she directed significant productions including the 1995 Houston Grand Opera staging of "Porgy and Bess," becoming the first African American to oversee a major American production of the opera. Clarke frequently collaborated with director George C. Wolfe on multiple theatrical works and co-founded the 5 Plus Ensemble, an organisation dedicated to showcasing mature dancers.