February 14 - Aida Overton Walker (The Musical Birthday Series, 2nd Annual Cycle)

Aida Overton Walker (14 February 1880 –11  October 1914) was an American vaudeville performer, actress, singer, dancer, and choreographer.
[This post is in celebration of Black History Month.]

[For last year's thoughts on Renée Fleming click here.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celeste Aida; or, Cake Walker

In 1903, Dahomey was presented as a command performance before Edward VII at Buckingham Palace, in the private quarters of the royal family. --- Constance Valis Hill, Tap Dancing America, A Cultural History (2010)] qtd. by Library of Congress

While on tour, British society women invited her to their homes for private Cakewalk lessons. --- Racing Nellie Bly

Aida Overton Walker had

  A hit with In Dahomey;

She also caused a major splash

  By dancing as Salóme.

She made a tour of England,

  Where everyone was smitten,

And she was summoned to amuse

  The King and Queen of Britain.

  

She raised the humble cakewalk

  To a thing of such propriety

That she was cakewalk tutor to

  To cream of high society.

 

 

 If you enjoy these posts, please help me, and consider sharing.  [Also, please visit my other blog: Alternate Takes: Great Art Repurposed.]