Buddy Bradley Biography Restores Legacy of Overlooked Jazz Choreographer
Buddy Bradley, a jazz choreographer born in Alabama in 1905, significantly influenced dance in the 20th century despite often being overlooked. He taught prominent performers like Irene Delroy in a Times Square studio and earned impressive sums for his work in the 1920s. Although he choreographed for Broadway, he frequently lacked proper credit, with figures like Busby Berkeley receiving recognition instead. In 1930, he became the dance director for Charles B. Cochran's 'Ever Green' in London, where his contributions were acknowledged. Maureen Footer's biography, 'Feel the Floor,' shines a light on Bradley's legacy, marking the first comprehensive account of his life and work.
Key facts
- Buddy Bradley was born in Alabama in 1905.
- He taught white starlets like Irene Delroy Black dance steps in a studio near Times Square.
- Bradley earned up to $1,000 a week in the 1920s.
- He choreographed for Broadway shows but was often denied credit, with white choreographers like Busby Berkeley receiving it.
- In 1930, Charles B. Cochran hired Bradley as dance director for 'Ever Green' in London, where he received credit.
- Bradley collaborated with Noël Coward, George Balanchine, and Frederick Ashton in London.
- He choreographed British film musicals starring Jessie Matthews.
- Bradley ran a dance school in London for nearly 40 years.
- He died in 1972 with little recognition.
- Maureen Footer's biography 'Feel the Floor' is the first full-length book about Bradley.
Entities
Artists
- Buddy Bradley
- Irene Delroy
- Adele Astaire
- Fred Astaire
- Noël Coward
- George Balanchine
- Frederick Ashton
- Jessie Matthews
- Busby Berkeley
- Leonard Harper
- Eddie Rector
- Clifton Webb
- Earl (Snakehips) Tucker
- John Bubbles
- Henry LeTang
- Gregory Hines
- Lionel Blair
- Langston Hughes
- Marshall Stearns
- Jack Buchanan
- Seymour Felix
- George White
- Charles B. Cochran
- Maureen Footer
Institutions
- Connie's Inn
- Cotton Club
- New York Times
- Dance Magazine
- Variety
- Twentieth Century Fox
- Ballets Russes
- New York City Ballet
Locations
- New York
- Times Square
- Harlem
- Alabama
- London
- Broadway
- West End
- Hollywood
- United States
- Britain