Olga Burgoyne facts for kids

Olga “Ollie” Burgoyne (born June 13, 1878 – died April 2, 1974) was an American dancer, actress, and businesswoman. She became famous during the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African American art and culture thrived. Even though she is not as widely known as some others, Ollie Burgoyne was one of the most important African American dancers and choreographers of her time. Other famous artists from this period included Katherine Dunham and Hemsley Winfield.

Early Life and Career

Ollie Burgoyne started her stage career very young, at just six years old, in 1901. She began performing in popular shows called minstrel shows. By 1903, she was performing in Vaudeville with a group called the Seven Creole Girls. Vaudeville was a type of entertainment with many different acts, like singing, dancing, and comedy. Later, she even had her own group, the Burgoyne Musical Company.

As she grew as a performer, Ollie traveled the world. She showed off her amazing dance skills in countries like Germany, Turkey, France, and Egypt. She became especially known for her "oriental dances."

Touring Europe and Russia

Ollie Burgoyne toured Europe for eight years, becoming quite famous for her singing and dancing. She returned to the United States in 1909. After that, she crossed the Atlantic Ocean 15 more times! She eventually settled in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she lived for 14 years.

In Russia, she became known as a "firecracker" because of her energetic performances. She even had the chance to perform for the country's nobles. While dancing to earn money, she also became a smart businesswoman. She bought and owned a fancy lingerie shop called Maison Creole, which employed 27 people. Besides her performances, Ollie was also known as a strong and serious business owner. She even managed a hotel for a time.

When she came back to the United States, her unique "exotic dancing" became her trademark. Her "Snake Dance" and her Brazilian and Spanish dances were especially memorable. People praised her for how easily she moved her arms and hands, and how graceful her body swayed. Critics said she was "the peer of any dancer in the world regardless of color," meaning she was as good as any dancer, no matter their race.

Key Performances and Groups

Ollie Burgoyne was part of many important shows and groups that made a big impact.

"In Dahomey" Musical

Burgoyne joined the cast of "In Dahomey," a musical operetta created and performed entirely by black writers and entertainers. This show was a huge success! It was the first full-length musical by black artists to be performed in a major theater on Broadway. After its success, Ollie Burgoyne created a duet performance called "Duo Eclatant" with her partner, Usher Watts.

Louisiana Amazon Guards

In 1901, a German show organizer named Mrs. Paula Kohn-Wollner put together a group of seven women called the Louisiana Amazon Guards. This was a vaudeville group of black artists. Ollie Burgoyne was one of the six main performers. The group traveled to Germany and had their first show in Kiel. They were seen as a very exciting and new kind of black entertainment.

The Louisiana Amazon Guards performed scenes that showed life on a cotton plantation and featured banjo music. People loved their shows! Reviewers said the performances had "so much beauty" and that the lighting effects were "grandiose," like a fairy tale.

One reviewer described Ollie Burgoyne as "an exotic beauty with sparkling eyes, a teint of soft bronze and dazzling white teeth." They said she performed the cake-walk, a popular American dance, with "strange charm." Other reviews praised the women's "excellent voice material" and said they would "cause a sensation in the world of variety." People were surprised and impressed by their "charm and grace."

After 1902, there are no records of the Louisiana Amazon Guards. Some people think the group might have changed its name to "Louisiana Troupe" or "5 Louisianas."

Broadway Shows

Between 1926 and 1937, Ollie Burgoyne appeared in ten different Broadway productions. Some of her most famous roles were in shows like "Lulu Belle," "Tired Business Man," and "The Constant Sinner."

She played Mabel De Witt in "Lulu Belle" (1926) and Juanita in "Tired Business Man" (1929). She also had roles in "Make me Know It" (1929), "The Constant Sinner" (1931), and "Blessed Event" (1932). Her last known Broadway role was as Maime in "Kiss the Boys Good-Bye" in 1938.

Later Life and Legacy

In her later years, Ollie Burgoyne taught Russian dancers. She also worked in the movie industry, appearing in a small role in the romantic comedy film "Laughter" (1930). Her career lasted for almost 50 years. During this long time, she made a truly special mark on the entertainment world.

Olga "Ollie" Burgoyne passed away on April 2, 1974, in Oxnard, California, at the age of 95.