Josephine Baker
Josephine
Baker (June 3 1906 - April 12 1975 was an American born French dancer,
singer and actress. Nicknamed the "Bronze Venus", the "Black Pearl" and
even the "Creole Goddess".
Baker
dropped out of school at the age of 12 and lived as a street child in
the slums of St Louis. Her street-corner dancing attracted attention and
she was recruited for the St Louis chorus vaudeville at 15.
She
then headed to New York City during the Harlem Renaissance performing
at the Plantation Club and in the chorus of the popular Broadway revues Shuffle Along (1921) with Adelaide Hall and The Chocolate Dandies (1924).
On
October 2nd 1925 she opened in Paris at the Theatre des Champs Elysees
where she became an instant success for her erotic dancing and appearing
practically nude on stage. After her successful tour of Europe she
reneged on her contract and returned to France to star at the Folies
Bergeres, setting the standard for her future acts. She performed the Danse Sauvage, wearing a costume consisting of a skirt made of a string of artificial bananas.
Josephine
Baker's success coincided with the Exposition de Arts Decoratifs in
1925 which gave birth to the term "Art Deco" and also a renewal of
interest in ethnic forms of art including African.
In
later shows in Paris Baker was often accompanied on stage by her per
Cheetah, Chiquita, who was adorned with a diamond collar. The Cheetah
frequently escaped into the orchestra pit where it terrorized the
musicians - adding another element of excitement to the show!
Here are some amazing images of the lovely Josephine Baker...
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