Today we devote our blog to Doris Eaton Travis, the last surviving Ziegfeld Girl who passed away yesterday at the age of 106. She was part of dance history having been part of the most famous US dance show in the 20s. These dancers were the sex symbols of the time, dancing big show numbers in beautiful dance costumes
Doris Eaton Travis was the youngest dancer in the Ziegfeld Follies, starting her career there in 1917 at the age of 14. The Follies was a big production with music, dancing and comedy – a cross between Broadway and Vaudeville. The Dancers wore elaborate and sexy dance costumes, some very revealing. Doris danced in the Follies until the early 20’s and even made a few silent movies.
Her career began to decline in the 30s so she became an instructor at an Arthur Murray school, eventually opening 18 of her own Arthur Murray Dance Studios. Dance was a lifelong passion she held until her passing yesterday.
Dance costumes were a big part of the Follies. They were often designed by the famous designers of the time such as Erte and Lady Duff Gordon. 20’s costumes and costumes that have a Cabaret, Flapper or Burlesque style were popular at the Ziegfeld Follies. They also loved showgirl costumes with sheer fabrics, sparkles and lots of feathers.
With Doris Eaton Travis’ death we say good bye to an era. At least those days can live on in spirit and costume.