Feeling Richer After Spending a Weekend with the Silver Belles Tradition In Tap Honors Silver Belles
A star-studded faculty of all female master teachers taught a sold-out group wanting to be part of the Tradition In Tap occasion honoring The Silver Belles in New York. The Silver Belles are former chorus girls who danced at the Cotton Club, The Apollo, the Latin Quarter and many famous nightclubs. Their current ages range from the mid 80's to the mid 90's. The Silver Belles packed three separate class rooms with students and teachers eager to learn original chorus girl routines from them.
The Silver Belles have been busy making appearances all over the country promoting "Been Rich All My Life," a historical documentary based on the lives of the Silver Belles. The documentary, produced by Heather MacDonald, is receiving rave reviews.
Marion Coles: an awesome teacher
Marion Coles was the designated teacher, assisted by Karen Callaway Williams. Dancing out in front during all the classes was sensational Belle, Fay Ray. The routine was filled with chorus girl "moves and steps." The students loved every minute of the classes. The style and enthusiasm of the participants stood out. Many stated that it was the most fun of any master classes they had ever taken, and no one missed any classes. The routine, "Prancing," has never been taught to a group before. Beautiful Karen Callaway Williams could make any step look good, and was the perfect assistant who loved her role and treated it with great respect. She expressed her appreciation many times. Silver Belles founder, Geraldine "Gerri" Rhodes Kennedy, attended all the classes. Elaine Ellis attended on Sunday. Cleo Hayes could not attend due to illness.
Female tap masters present great classes
Exciting master classes were taught by Dianne Walker, Deborah Mitchell, Acia Gray, and Karen Callaway Williams. Warm-up and technique classes started off the day with Avi Miller, Ofer Ben, Germaine Salsberg and Shea Sullivan.
Standing room only at Tap Talk History Panel
On Saturday afternoon I had the privilege of conducting a History Panel. I had written about The Silver Belles in the early 1990's for Dance Pages Magazine and it was a joy to connect with them again. My friend, the late Honi Coles, suggested that I write about them. My original contact was his wife, Marion Coles and then Geraldine Rhodes Kennedy, the co-founder of the group with Bertye Lou Wood. At that time, the Silver Belles included Bertye Lou Wood, Marion Coles, Cleo Hayes, Elaine Ellis, Harriet Brown, and Hazel Walker Rogers. The International Tap Association contacted me for permission to reprint the story and they published it in their newsletter. After Hazel Rogers died, she was replaced by fabulous Fay Ray and I wrote about them again for Dancer Newspaper in an article that included Ray.
I began the panel with several quotes from Cleo Hayes taken from my first interview. Hayes told of the behind the scenes problems in the filming of the movie "Stormy Weather" and spoke of other projects and the chorus girls' working conditions. Her interview can be read online at melbasdance.com under "Tap Columns." Search for "Silver Belles."
Mystery photographer Henry Chu attends event
I used photos supplied to me by Ms. Kennedy. I often received requests for use of the photos, especially the one of Harriet Browne in the Latin costume with a fruit headdress. I had no idea who the photographer was and felt that I had no photo rights to pass on. During the history panel, Browne's grand-daughter, Ava Barbour, attended to accept the award. Sitting next to her were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Chu, former neighbors of Browne. I was elated to learn that Henry Chu was the photographer of the pictures of Browne and had designed a portable sand box for her famous sand dancing. He displayed some of his early photos and graciously sent them to me. I particularly liked one of her father, Paul Gonsalves (the famous Ellington sax player), Harriet's mom, and Duke Ellington.
Mickey Davidson carries
on the Sand Dancing
During the panel discussion Mickey Davidson said she had Harriet's sand boxes and Henry Chu described them and said he built them. He had the design and specs. Davidson said that she planned to perform a sand dance the following evening on the program using Browne's boxes and a little of her sand. Henry Chu had been a neighbor of Browne and took photos of her and helped her with her sand boxes. In return, she taught him to tap dance. He stated that in past years people often traded talents.
Appreciative for all the great comments
I was happy to see all of this history unfold and to discover the photographer and sand box designer, Mr. Henry Chu, and to have the opportunity to meet Browne's granddaughter.
The comments of the special guests were heart-warming. Acia Gray presented a particularly beautiful tribute. Dianne Walker spoke of the Silver Belles' influence and acknowledged Tina Pratt from the Boston area, which is her home. Special tributes were made by Mable Lee, Jane Goldberg, Deborah Mitchell, Karen Callaway Williams, Hank Smith, Ludie Jones, Ruby Riley, Tina Pratt, Heather MacDonald, Jacqui Malone, Andrew Nemr, Toes Tiranoff, Tina Arnett, Henry Chu, Ava Barbour, Mickey Davidson and Germaine Ingram.
The Silver Belles receive awards
At the conclusion of the panel, Dianne Walker presented the plaques on behalf of Tradition In Tap to Marion Coles, Geri Kennedy, Fay Ray, and Ava Barbour for Harriet Browne. Additional plaques were given in memory of the late Hazel Walker Rogers and Bertye Lou Wood. Cleo Hayes was unable to attend and Elaine Ellis accepted her plaque on Sunday.
Hank Smith and Henry Chu
present videos
On Sunday afternoon Hank Smith presented a video presentation of historic Silver Belles performances, and Henry Chu showed some of his film clips. One clip was the recent appearance of the Silver Belles on "Live with Regis and Kelly." Again, the room was packed with those wanting to see the films.
Lots of great dancing at the showcase
The Participants Showcase concluded the wonderful weekend for those who love and appreciate tap. A surprise artist was Ayodele Casel who is always amazing and offers the opportunity for others to be inspired by seeing her high level tap. Twenty-two numbers were presented with a closing Shim Sham. Special guests were Harold Cromer and Phil Black. The honored Silver Belles attended and enjoyed every dance moment.
Special thanks to "Avi Miller, Ofer Ben and Germaine Salsberg who are responsible for organizing all the "Tradition" events. It has grown to three classrooms and the panel and history events had the largest crowds ever. Thanks to all who attended and to those on the panel who shared their experiences with the honored Silver Belles. See the movie, "Been Rich All My Life." You will be richer after seeing it. They are indeed our National Treasures.
Read more of Melba's early columns www.melbasdance.com.