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Fluff LeCoque oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02269

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fluff LeCoque conducted by Joyce Marshall on May 05, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. LeCoque discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada’s entertainment industry. LeCoque recalls her dance experience in Las Vegas including work at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino, and performing as a principal dancer for Arden-Fletcher Productions at the Desert Inn. LeCoque retired from dancing in 1970 but recalls being lured out of retirement by Donn Arden to become company manager of Jubilee at the new MGM Grand Hotel (later renamed Bally's). Finally, she talks about the economic, social, and political changes that occurred in Las Vegas after World War II.

Archival Collection

Rene de Haven oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00375

Abstract

Oral history interview with Rene de Haven conducted by Nancy Hardy on August 2, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Rene de Haven discusses his career as a dancer in shows in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Los Angeles, California as well as acting in movies and being a choreographer.

Archival Collection

Jillian Hrushowy oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-00901

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Jillian Hrushowy conducted by Joyce Marshall on October 11, 1995 and October 26, 1995 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. In this interview, Hrushowy describes her dance career, which started in Paris, France. Hrushowy then goes on to describe how her career moved her to Las Vegas, Nevada and the shows she performed in. Further, Hrushowy describes her performance schedule and experiences as a young dancer. Lastly Hrushowy discusses recreation activities in Las Vegas in the 1960s and 1970s.

Archival Collection

Judith Ann Allaire oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00022

Abstract

Oral history interview with Judith Ann Allaire conducted by Tracye Ann Collins on March 10, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Allaire discusses her education, growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and politics in Nevada. Allaire also discusses the various job titles she has held, such as medical social worker, secretary, cocktail waitress, drug counselor, dancer, and teacher.

Archival Collection

Carol Baker oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00062

Abstract

Oral history interview with Carol Baker conducted by Nancy Hardy on May 29, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Baker talks about her life as an entertainer on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip, including backstage life, parties, and relationships amongst other dancers.

Archival Collection

Aquiles Garcia oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02250

Abstract

Oral history interview with Aquiles Garcia conducted by Claytee D. White on January 10 and February 20, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Garcia discusses the political atmosphere and risks of being gay in Juan Perón’s Argentina in the 1940s, Las Vegas, Nevada life in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and his dual Las Vegas careers as a dancer and a casino dealer throughout the second half of the twentieth century.

Archival Collection

Audrey (June) Taylor Henry oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00842

Abstract

Oral history interview with Audrey Taylor Henry conducted by Claytee D. White on February 26, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Audrey Henry discusses her early childhood, going to the prestigious New York School of Performing Arts, and becoming a dancer. She then talks about dancing around the world and in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses having to leave dance to have more time with her family, becoming an on-air radio personality, and earning her undergraduate and master's degrees.

Archival Collection

Keena Smith oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02197

Abstract

Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for The Lion King. Lastly, Smith talks about teaching dance courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Nancy Williams oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01993

Abstract

Oral history interview with Nancy Williams conducted by Joyce Marshall on June 13, 1996 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Williams talks about her early life and career as a dancer. She describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1948, organized crime in Las Vegas casinos, and segregation of African American entertainers at the time. Williams remembers riding horses to and from casinos, the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) union, and early showgirl costumes. Lastly, Williams talks about retiring from dancing and establishing a school of dance in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Carolyn MacMullen oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-02117

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Carolyn MacMullen conducted by Su Kim Chung on April 21, 2014 and July 07, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In these interviews, MacMullen discusses being a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands, Desert Inn, and Sahara throughout the 1950s. She recalls working as a dresser and describes what it is like to be backstage during a show production. MacMullen then talks about changes in showgirl costumes, the Texas Copa Girls, and her decision to stop dancing. Lastly, MacMullen discusses living in the West Charleston area and changes in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection