Bessie Clayton

Bessie Clayton
Bessie Clayton, ca. 1910.png
Bornc. 1878
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DiedJuly 16, 1948(1948-07-16) (aged 72–73)
Long Branch, New Jersey
Occupation(s)Dancer, choreographer
Spouse(s)Julian Mitchell 1894-1923 (divorced)
Bert Cooper 1924-death

Bessie Clayton (c. 1878 – July 16, 1948) was an American Broadway and Vaudeville dancer and choreographer. She was an influential bridge between classical ballet and stage dancing.[1] [2]The New York Times called Clayton America’s first native-born prima ballerina.[3]

  1. ^ Shields, David S. "Bessie Clayton". Broadway Photographs. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  2. ^ Stewart, Bob. "Weber and Fields: When Burlesque Meant Burlesque". goingplaces.streetcarmysteries.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  3. ^ "Miss Bessie Clayton, Retired Ballerina". The New York Times. New York, NY. July 17, 1949. Retrieved March 18, 2024.