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Cora LaRedd

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Cora LaRedd was an African American singer and dancer during the 1920's and 1930's. Cora LaRedd demonstrated a driven, hard-hitting, and athletic tap style, that showcased her rhythmic abilities.[1]

Biography

Cora LaRedd was a popular night time performer at the Cotton Club, LaRedd worked as both a singer, and as a tap dancer. LaRedd's open sexuality influenced her unique performance style. [2]During the late 1920s and into 1930 LaRedd performed on Broadway theatre. [3]During this time, she became the lead dancer for Charlie Dixon of the Fletcher Henderson Band. In 1933, Cora LaRedd appeared in a 12 minute short titled, "That's the Spirit". [4] To this day LaRedd is credited for popularizing Truckin, an exaggerated and eloquent walking style.[5]

Personal life and culture

Cora LaRedd was raised on Broom st., located in Lower Manhattan. Broom st. runs nearly the entire length of the island. [6] At a young age, LaRedd begin performing in the Cotton Club, located in Harlem NY. During the 1920’s the Harlem Renaissance occurred. [7] The Harlem Renaissance was an eruption of artistic, social, and intellectual life, often referred to as the golden age of African American Culture in Central Manhattan. Cora LaRedd performed during this time. [8] On March 21, 1968 Cora LaRedd Passed away.

Broadway

Cora LaRedd first appeared on Broadway in the 1929 performance of , "Say When." LaRedd then performed as a member in the ensemble for the 1929 performance of "Messin around." In the 1930 performance of "Change your Luck,” LaRedd played the role of Bandana Babe Peppers.[9]

Cotton Club

Cora LaRedd was a popular night time performer at the Cotton Club, located in the Theatre District of New York. The Cotton Club did not allow African American patroon; however, The Cotton Club featured a number of African American performers; LaRedd was one featured performer during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. LaRedd performed both as a singer and as an athletic, and rhythmic tap dancer. Cora LaRedd’s open sexuality influenced her unique performance style. In the fall of 1930 Cora La Reed performed in “Brown Sugar-Sweet but Unrefined”. The Depression and the repeal of Prohibition cause The Cotton Club to close in 1936.[10]

Film

In 1933, Cora LaRedd appeared in a 12 Minute, black and white short, titled “That’s the Spirit”.' The All African American short featured Cora LaRedd singing and dancing to a song titled, '“Jig Time” [11] LaRedd’s performance is comprised of a short vocal song, followed by an aerobic tap Dance, LaRedd is accompanied by a big brass band.[12]

References

  1. ^ "Tap Dance in America: A Short History". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  2. ^ "Tap Dance in America: A Short History". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  3. ^ "Tap Dance in America: A Short History". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  4. ^ "Tap Dance in America: A Short History". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  5. ^ "Keep On Trucking". Weird Universe. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  6. ^ "Women's History Month 2013: Cora LaRedd! – dogpossum.org". Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  7. ^ Editors, History com. "Harlem Renaissance". HISTORY. Retrieved 2019-12-12. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  8. ^ "Routledge". Routledge.com. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  9. ^ "Change Your Luck Broadway @ George M. Cohan's Theatre - Tickets and Discounts". Playbill. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  10. ^ "Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance". cw.routledge.com. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  11. ^ "Tap Dance in America: A Short History". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
  12. ^ Cora LaRedd Gets Jiggy, 1933, retrieved 2019-12-12