From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Rhea, Jewel K. McNari

(born: April 13, 1904 - died: June 8, 1982)

Jewel K. McNari Rhea was born in Indiana and grew up in Louisville, KY. She taught school for 20 years and was also a ballet dancer. In 1932, she opened the Jewel K. McNari School of Dance in Louisville where children learned ballet, tap, and interpretive dance. Some of her students went on to become well-known dancers. The school closed in 1975.

For more see "Dance teacher's life, impact are saluted," The Courier Journal, 07/02/2003, p.A4; and Kentucky Minority Artists Directory, 1982.