Hortense Allen Jordan facts for kids
Hortense Allen Jordan was a talented African-American dancer, choreographer, costume designer, and producer. She was born on September 17, 1919, and passed away on March 15, 2008. She made a big impact in the world of dance and entertainment.
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About Hortense Allen Jordan
Early Life and Family
Hortense Allen Jordan was born on September 17, 1919. Her birth name was Hiawatha Hortense Allen. She grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois, with her 12 brothers and sisters.
In 1955, Hortense married Theodore Jordan, who was a detective in Philadelphia. Together, they had three sons named Dewey Allen, Theodore Jordan Sr., and Philip Allen. Hortense Allen Jordan passed away on March 15, 2008, due to heart problems.
Hortense Jordan's Amazing Career
Starting Her Dance Journey
Hortense Allen Jordan began her dance career when she was just fourteen years old. Early in her career, she was guided by and worked with two important people: Leonard Reed and Larry Steele. They helped her learn and grow as a dancer.
In 1947, Hortense appeared in a movie called Rhythm in a Riff. She performed with Billy Eckstine and his orchestra in this film.
Leading Dance Troupes
During the 1950s, Hortense Jordan was a busy dancer. She often led the chorus lines at famous theaters. These included the Paramount Theater, the Apollo Theater, Club Harlem, and the Robin Hood Dell.
In the 1970s, Hortense Jordan formed her own dance group. It was called the Hortense Allen Dancers. This group was mostly made up of African-American women. They were based in Philadelphia. The Hortense Allen Dancers performed often at the Robin Hood Dell throughout the 1970s. They also danced alongside famous musicians like Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Woody Herman.
Later Work and Recognition
In 1995, Hortense Jordan was the artistic director for a show called Stepping in Time. This was a music and dance performance. It featured many African-American performers. The Philadelphia Folklore Project helped to sponsor and produce this special event.
Hortense Jordan's dance career was also shown in a video documentary. It was called Plenty of Good Women Dancers. This documentary was broadcast on public television in 2004. It helped share her story with even more people.
