BBC: Last Ziegfeld Folly dies aged 106

[tuvor]

Doris Eaton Travis, the last surviving dancer from the Ziegfeld Follies troupe, has died in the US aged 106.

Travis first performed in the legendary Broadway show famed for its elaborate costumes and dance routines in 1918 aged 14.

At the age of 101 the dancer performed in a charity gala at the New York theatre where she made her debut.

Broadway is due to dim its lights on Wednesday evening as a mark of respect for the veteran performer.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10110611.stm

[KittyWampus]

1. Thanks so much for sharing this. I wouldn't have seen it otherwise. One of themes my heart gravitat

gravitates to is the leap humans took in such a short time and how it must be to have been born in the early 20th century and see things today.

It amazes me we can watch stuff like the first cars, airplanes on ancient film. The Archduke is even on film.

We can notice the qualities of film advance. And sound.

Entertainment has changed so much and yet not at all.

Theater-going is diminishing these days.

[KharmaTrain]

2. The Life That Lady Experienced...

In 1918 there was no television...or radio for that matter. Movies were still silent. Performing meant five shows a day, six days a week and riding trains from one city to the next. On Broadway it was the heyday of George M. Cohan and the best years were just about to begin. Then there's the glamour and fame of working with Zigfield. As the Chinese proverb says "may you live in interesting times", this lady sure did.

[proudohioan]

3. Wow, 106!!!!

Amazing what she's seen in her lifetime! And being able to dance at 101? Hell, I wouldn't be able to do it at 48, ha!

[AllentownJake]

4. As a person who works now in the arts

Godspeed.

[FSogol]

5. Thanks for posting. n/t

[Sparkly]

6. Wow!!

And what an awesome photo!!!

Thanks for posting this.

Edited to add this one, too:

[RaleighNCDUer]

7. she looks pretty damn good for 106. nt