Throwback Thursday and Gaby Deslys
Gaby Deslys
was born on November 4, 1881, and her real name was Marie-Elise-Gabrielle
Claire. She was an actress, singer and dancer whose popularized a step that
became known as the Gaby Glide. During the early 1900s she was a popular
entertainer worldwide, and it is said she earned $4000 a week in the United
States. She also performed on Broadway and in a show with a young Al Jolson.
Known for her
beauty and her manner of extravagant dress, she was wooed by several well-known
men of the day: the King of Portugal; J. M. Barrie (who wrote the play Rosy
Rapture for her); and Gordon Selfridge (who gave her a strand of pearls as long
as her height). It is also said that she worked as a spy for the French
government during WWI.
As many
entertainers did during this time period, she made the transition to silent
films, but her only U.S. movie was Her
Triumph (1915). She made a few other films in France before contracting the
1918 (Spanish) flu. She had several operations to cure a throat infection
caused by this flu, but she died in Paris in 1920. She was only 38.
From the Big
Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Dance History Secret #220:
“The Gaby Glide was named for Gaby Deslys.”
Links of the Day:
Quote of the Day:
“Most
people are resistant to ideas, especially new ones. But they are
fascinated by character. Extravagance of personality is one way in which
the pill can be sugared and the public induced to look at works dealing
with ideas.”
― Paul Johnson
fascinated by character. Extravagance of personality is one way in which
the pill can be sugared and the public induced to look at works dealing
with ideas.”
― Paul Johnson
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:
For interesting articles involving mental health:
No comments:
Post a Comment