For many, the revelation that Grandma Shirley was once an exotic dancer might come as a surprise, but for me, it’s a cherished family legacy. Shirley Bates Johnson, now 101 years old, graced the stage as the lead dancer on the world-famous Harlem in Havana revue during the 1930s and 40s, and even got a chance to dance with Sammy Davis Jr in the 50s! With her radiant brown skin and unparalleled elegance, she became a star of the traveling show, captivating audiences with an array of dance styles—chorus, shake, modern, and the sultry exotic movements that made her legendary.
In her heyday, Harlem in Havana was more than just a carnival attraction; it was a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon. The show broke barriers, bringing together Black and Cuban performers and defying segregation norms. At the heart of it all were the Bates sisters—Shirley and her siblings Gwendolyn and Delores—who played a key role in shaping what became known as early Black burlesque. Inspired by iconic performers like Josephine Baker, venues like the Cotton Club and legendary dancers who pushed the boundaries of performance, Shirley innovated the art of exotic dance from the American carnival stage.
To preserve and celebrate this rich history, I’ve created an online class, My Grandma Was an Exotic Dancer?! as part of The Harlem in Havana Project: Burlesque Education Series. It’s more than a tribute; it’s an invitation to a global audience to explore early Black burlesque through the lens of Shirley Bates and her sisters. Through a blend of storytelling videos, discussion prompts, and educational content, the class delves into the lives of the Bates sisters, the cultural influences that shaped their performances, and the history of exotic dance itself. The class looks at the lives and legacy of Shirley and her sisters, three trailblazing showgirls who helped redefine the art of exotic dance.
You can learn about the vibrant world of the 1930s and 40s, from Harlem’s Cotton Club to the legendary dancers who inspired Shirley’s unique style. And, I dive into the history of Exotic Dance, where I take a journey through the evolution of burlesque and exotic dance, tracing its origins and the cultural contexts that shaped it. My grandma Shirley and her sisters left an indelible mark on Black and American entertainment, influencing the future generations of brown-skin dancers.
Visit harleminhavana.com to learn more and watch the documentary film free online at jigshow.com.
HARLEM IN HAVANA 