City - Chicago IL - Dancing girls 1941 - Side by Side
by Mike Savad
Title
City - Chicago IL - Dancing girls 1941 - Side by Side
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Colorized Photo
Description
Colorized photo from 1941
Original title: Negro Cabaret, Southside
Photographer: Russell Lee
Location: 343 East 55th Street, Chicago, IL
This location had a number of clubs in it, but very little info about each one. I guess none of them stood out for anything they did. When it became the Rhumboogie, they had record labels and I guess famous people as well (or became famous). But there are only a number of photos of this location and no references beyond a little bit of history.
I was trying to figure out what that round thing was on the wall. I thought it was some kind of conceptual art of some kind. But looking at other pictures of this location, the circle moved. So either there was an event of some kind and it opened. Or its a weird clock showing the passage of time. It was a night club. I guess we will never know.
I had a few themes for the outfits, originally I wanted a parrot theme, I wanted something bright, that would stand out easily. Then I thought maybe a flower theme, they sort of look like flowers. Then I came across a dress from 1940, that had 3-4 colors and went with it instead, and gave it a flame look. They sort of look like they are dancing some kind of volcano go away dance.
It is interesting that no one is really smiling, except for that one person. I can only assume they are either very tired, or are also the wait staff. They did a number of acts each one with a different dress.
The room itself is full of smoke, you can really see it on the right by the bleachers. I do think there was a spot light looking at their shadows, but there was also a camera flash confusing things. I also clone the broom and stick from that closet, I thought that looked ugly.
It's also interesting to note that even though this is a black owned business, the white people still have the front row tables.
Uploaded
May 17th, 2021
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