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Linda Spinks Alverson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01748

Abstract

Oral history interview with Linda Spinks Alverson conducted by Nancy Hardy on August 15, 2003 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Alverson discusses her early life in Isleworth, England and early interests in dancing. She talks about becoming a part of the Bluebell girls in Paris, France at the Lido and showgirl performing across the world. Alverson remembers moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in in 1972, performing at the Stardust Hotel in the Lido de Paris, Hallelujah Hollywood!, Jubilee!, and Casino de Paris shows. Lastly, Alverson talks about the end of her career in dancing, transitioning into other fields of work, and becoming a cocktail server.

Archival Collection

Corrine Sidney oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01697

Abstract

Oral history interview with Corrine Sidney conducted by Claytee D. White on June 05, 2007 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Corrine Sidney discusses her life as an actress, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to work as a showgirl at the Sands Hotel and Casino, moving back to Los Angeles, California, marrying George Sidney, and moving back to Las Vegas with George.

Archival Collection

Corinne Entratter Sidney, Charlotte Nort, Mary Neivans, Judy Jones, and Joy Blaine Garner oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01899

Abstract

Oral history interview with Corinne Entratter Sidney, Charlotte Nort, Mary Neivans, Joy Blaine Garner, and Judy Jones conducted by Su Kim Chung on January 11, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Sidney, Nort, Neivans, Garner, and Jones discuss their early lives and recall their memories as members of the Copa Girls at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. They describe the audition process to become a Copa Girl, showgirl costumes, and the choreography that was created for their performances. The group recalls performing along famous singers, including Frank Sinatra, and the entertainment in Las Vegas during the 1950s and 1960s.

Archival Collection

Virginia James oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-00936

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Virginia James conducted by Claytee D. White on various dates in October and November 2004, and March and July 2005 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the interview, James describes her experiences as a dancer with the Texas Copa Girls at the Sands Hotel and Casino, and with the Jayne Mansfield Show and Folies Bergère at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. She recalls her early life in Texas, learning how to dance, and applying to be a dancer at the Sands in 1957. James details the audition process, her first impressions of Las Vegas upon arriving, and memories of her performances. Other subjects James covers include her marriages, her children, and other occupations she held later in life.

Archival Collection

Fiona Kelley oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00997

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fiona Kelley conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on March 21, 2009 for the Heart to Heart Oral History Project. Kelley discusses being a cover dancer in Hallelujah Hollywood at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses becoming licensed in massage therapy and becoming an acupuncturist and a herbalist.

Archival Collection

Valda and Esper Esau oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01058

Abstract

Oral history interview with Valda and Esper Esau conducted by Su Kim Chung on February 20, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Espers discuss their careers in entertainment. Valda Esper begins by describing her upbringing in Australia, learning to dance, and later going on to perform in various productions in Paris, France, as well as other European countries, before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1958 to perform as a showgirl at the Stardust Resort and Casino. Esper Esau then describes his personal history, how he developed stage hand experience, moving to Las Vegas in 1954, and working shows with prominent performers, such as Liberace, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Esper continues, describing his specific job duties and why he transferred to the Stardust from the Sands Hotel & Casino. Valda discusses the life of a Las Vegas showgirl, the amount of work the position required, and how they were required to present themselves in public. The Espers recall how they met, life in Las Vegas during the 1960s, and opening a bed and breakfast after retiring from show business.

Archival Collection

Charles Nur Fernald oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00583

Abstract

Oral history interview with Charles Nur Fernald conducted by Claytee D. White on May 31, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Charles Nur Fernald discusses permanently moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in January 1968 to perform with Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. He discusses auditioning for the Lido de Paris show at the Stardust Hotel and Casino. He talks about how he remained there for sixteen years and how he is the only male dancer who performed with Lido through five different consecutive productions. Fernald also discusses meeting his partner, Aquiles Garcia in 1969.

Archival Collection

Fluff LeCoque oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-01091

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Fluff LeCoque conducted by Joyce Marshall on May 05, 1992 and May 21, 1992 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In these interviews, LeCoque discusses her early life in Montana and her career as a dancer. She talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947, singing at the Last Frontier Hotel with the Chuck Gould Orchestra, and traveling around the world in a dance troupe. LeCoque remembers performing at the Moulin Rouge in Los Angeles, California and working with Donn Arden. Later, LeCoque recalls dancing in Lido in Paris at the Thunderbird Hotel and becoming a theater company manager for Hallelujah Hollywood! at the MGM Grand Hotel-Casino. Lastly, LeCoque talks about integration of African American dancers in production shows.

Archival Collection

Norma de la Cerna Tolbert oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02886

Abstract

Oral history interview with Norma de la Cerna Tolbert conducted by Claytee D. White on June 25, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Tolbert discusess her career as a professional dancer from the age of fifteen. She begins by describing her early childhood in Houston, Texas, moving to Chicago, Illinois where she began to study dance, and leaving home at fifteen years old to go to Atlantic City, New Jersey to dance in professional productions. Tolbert then discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955, performing at the Moulin Rouge, and living in the Berkley Square community where they built new housing for the dancers. She also discusses performing at the Dunes Hotel and Casino, the African American community of Las Vegas, and the closing of the Moulin Rouge.

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