Cora LaRedd facts for kids
Cora LaRedd was a talented American singer and dancer in the 1920s and 1930s. She was known for her powerful and energetic tap dance style. You can still see her amazing dancing in the old film That's the Spirit.
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Who Was Cora LaRedd?
Cora LaRedd grew up on Broome Street in Lower Manhattan, New York City. From a young age, she began performing at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. She was a popular performer there, singing and tap dancing.
During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Cora also performed in Broadway theatre shows. She even became the main dancer for Charlie Dixon, who was part of the famous Fletcher Henderson Band.
The Harlem Renaissance Era
Cora LaRedd performed during an exciting time called the Harlem Renaissance. This was a period in the 1920s when African American art, music, and ideas blossomed in Harlem. It was a golden age for African American culture in Central Manhattan. Cora was one of the many talented artists who shined during this special time. She passed away on March 21, 1968.
Cora LaRedd on Broadway
Cora LaRedd made her first appearance on Broadway in 1929 in a show called Say When. Later that same year, she was part of the dance group for another show, "Messin' Around." In 1930, she had a specific role as "Bandana Babe Peppers" in the Broadway show "Change Your Luck.”
Performing at the Cotton Club
The Cotton Club was a very famous nightclub in New York's Theatre District. Even though African American customers were not allowed inside, the club featured many amazing African American performers, including Cora LaRedd. She was a big star there, known for both her singing and her athletic tap dancing. In the fall of 1930, Cora performed in a show at the Cotton Club called “Brown Sugar – Sweet but Unrefined”. The Cotton Club eventually closed in 1936 due to tough economic times.
Cora LaRedd in Film
In 1933, Cora LaRedd appeared in a short, black-and-white film called That’s the Spirit. This 12-minute film featured only African American performers. In the movie, Cora sang and danced to a song called “Jig Time”. Her performance included a short song followed by an energetic tap dance, all while a big brass band played along.
