2 3 Throwback Thursday and the Rooneys | Ballet Webb

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Throwback Thursday and the Rooneys





Throwback Thursday and the Rooneys

The Rooney family, Pat Sr., Pat Jr., and Pat Rooney III were dancers in vaudeville. They performed until vaudeville faded away forever.

Pat (senior) (1848 — 1892) came to the U.S. from Ireland in 1867 when he was 19. He began performing in the theaters of the Bowery. He sang and did a clog dance. He died at age 44, leaving four children who followed in his performing footsteps.

Pat Jr. (1880 — 1962) performed with his sisters until all of them married, when he developed a solo act. His style was unique: a soft shoe type of dance done with his hands thrust into his pockets. Later, he appeared in musicals and movies.

Pat III (1909 — 1979) grew up in the theater and learned the trade early. He appeared with many partners, including his father (see today’s Link). 

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Dance History Factoid #189:
“Three generations of the Rooney family performed in vaudeville, movies and on Broadway.”

Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:


“The beauty of collaboration between older and younger generations is that we combine strength with wisdom.”


                Help expand the knowledge base!
 Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!

My latest books are coloring books! They are available on Amazon.

Want to know more about me? Read my interview at Ballet Connections:

Or "Like" me on my Facebook Author Page:

Or visit my Pinterest page:



No comments:

Post a Comment