![]() However, it experienced a resurgence after her performance as Salome in 1912 at Hammerstein’s Victoria Theatre. Eventually it evolved into a huge thing where the walker who performed the best or had the most entertaining steps would be awarded a large cake for their talents.Īfter the death of her husband, Aida’s career lagged for a bit. Of course, the cakewalk was a dance from the 19th century that started on slave plantations and mocked the movements of White people. She Was Called the “Queen of the Cakewalk”Īida was known as the “Queen of the Cakewalk” for her moves, helping to make popular the cakewalk dance. ![]() While they might have occasionally performed in blackface, the group danced and sang songs in a way that weren’t demeaning and objectifying. They were a very popular Black vaudeville act in the late 1800s, and when Aida joined them to be the female lead, she became part of one of the few all-Black acts allowed to showcase their talents in front of White folks on stage. While working for the company, she met her future husband, George Walker, and his partner in performing, Bert Williams. ![]() While performances included operatic singing and ballads, Aida also witnessed the prevalent blackface performances and minstrel “coon” songs that the company also did. After receiving a great deal of musical training, she started working as a chorus member for Black Patti’s Troubadours, a vaudeville company led by singer Sissieretta Jones. She Was Part of One of the Few All-Black Vaudeville Acts in the Late 1800sīorn in 1880 on Valentine’s Day, Aida Overton grew up in New York City where her talents were nurtured and flourished. ![]()
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