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Estelle and Julia Elliott oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03821

Abstract

Oral history interview with Estelle and Julia Elliott conducted by Vanessa Concepcion and Stefani Evans on December 2, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.

Twins Estrellita "Estelle" and Julieta "Julia" Elliott share their personal histories growing up in Cebu City, Philippines with their grandparents. They discuss moving to the United States to live with their parents after the death of their grandfather, and how they preserved their "tricultural" Castilian Spanish, Filipino, and American identities. After graduating from Stevens College, an art and academic school in Missouri, Estelle recounts marrying her husband and moving to Las Vegas where she gave birth to her daughter. Julia shares how she followed Estelle a few years later to Las Vegas, and the two women share their experiences as entertainers on the Las Vegas Strip. Both Estelle and Julia joined Minsky's Burlesque before becoming a permanent act in Siegfried and Roy's show at the Frontier Hotel. They also discuss their performances with Kirby VanBurch at the Aladdin's Abracadabra Show, dancing at the Playboy Mansion, and how Siegfried and Roy helped to diversify Las Vegas entertainment by incorporating dancers and performers of color, like the King Charles Troupe, into their shows.

Archival Collection

Betty Francisco oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03575

Abstract

Oral history interview with Betty Francisco conducted by Joanne Goodwin on August 12, 2002 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Francisco opens her interview by discussing her early life in Arizona and California. Francisco then talks about her dance career in Las Vegas, Nevada, starting with her work at the Dunes Hotel. Francisco also discusses working for choreographer Harold Minsky. Finally, Francisco describes common dancer experiences, such as getting injured or sick.

Archival Collection

Kim Krantz oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01046

Abstract

Oral history interview with Kim Krantz conducted by Joyce (Marshall) Moore on February 26, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Krantz begins her interview discussing her transition from an east coast dancer to a Las Vegas, Nevada dancer. Krantz discusses the performing scene at the time and the general distaste dancers had for showgirls. Krantz goes on to discusses the details of nudity in performances and the relationships show directors like Harold Minsky and Donn Arden had with their performers. Krantz also discusses her experiences as a dancer and her opinions about the treatment of African American dancers.

Archival Collection

Photograph of Harold Minsky, 1970-1979

Date

1970 to 1979

Description

Harold Minsky making a phone call in a hotel room. One bed is covered with posters and photographs.

Image

Photograph of Harold Minsky, 1970-1979

Date

1970 to 1979

Description

Harold Minsky seated in front of a stone wall taking a phone call.

Image

Photograph of Harold Minsky at the Fairmont Hotel, New Orleans (La.), February 1971

Date

1971-02

Description

Harold Minsky posing next to a poster advertising Minsky's Follies appearing in the Blue Room. Site Name: Fairmont Hotel (New Orleans, La.) Street Address: 123 Baronne Street

Image

Photograph of Gordon Beck, Madame Kamarova, and Harold Minsky at the Dunes Hotel, Las Vegas (Nev.), 1970-1979

Date

1970 to 1979

Description

Pictured from left to right: Gordon Beck - Dunes Hotel; electrician; Madam Kamarova, and Harold Minsky during rehearsal at Dunes Hotel. Site Name: Dunes Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.) Street Address: 3600 South Las Vegas Boulevard

Image

Photograph of Eddie Lynch and Harold Minsky at the Dunes Hotel, Las Vegas (Nev.), 1970-1979

Date

1970 to 1979

Description

Pictured left to right: Eddie Lynch, producer and director, and Harold Minsky hold a fur costume piece backstage at a rehearsal at the Dunes Hotel. Site Name: Dunes Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.) Street Address: 3600 South Las Vegas Boulevard

Image

Photograph of Harold Minsky and a showgirl, 1970-1979

Date

1970 to 1979

Description

Harold Minsky talking with a topless showgirl.

Image

Photograph of Harold Minsky and a showgirl, 1970-1979

Date

1970 to 1979

Description

Harold Minsky standing in front of an art print as a topless showgirl wearing a white lace bikini bottom poses for the camera.

Image