A multimedia documentary work exploring the legacy of Leon Claxton’s groundbreaking Black and Cuban traveling show that redefined entertainment and broke racial barriers.
Spanning the 1930s through the 1960s, the wildly popular revue introduced audiences throughout the United States and Western Canada to a dazzling world of music, dance, and spectacle—while its performers confronted, resisted, and transcended the confines of the Jim Crow era.
Developed by Leslie Cunningham ,this compact exhibition is designed for flexible installation in a variety of gallery and cultural spaces, providing a focused, immersive look at the performers who shaped the Harlem in Havana legacy. Read more.
The Brown Skin Showgirl Dolls
A signature feature of the exhibit is the Brown Skin Showgirl Dolls, a couture doll collection created by fashion artist and doll designer Traci Cunningham, founder of House of Bellaraci. Drawing from historic show photographs, Cunningham has reimagined performers as two exquisite 17-inch dolls adorned in newly designed, hand-drafted, and hand-beaded costumes inspired by the era’s original showgirl wardrobe. Read more.
We are actively seeking museum and cultural institution partners interested in hosting the Brown Skin Showgirls exhibit. Please email us at info@harleminhavana.com.
Your support helps preserve and uplift this vital history. Together, we can ensure that these performers—once hidden in the shadows of segregated America—are honored, remembered, and celebrated for generations. Donate here.
A film by Leslie Cunningham and produced independently through TRIBES Entertainment, “JIG SHOW” shines a long-overdue spotlight on Harlem in Havana—a spectacular Black and Cuban traveling revue that electrified state fair midways on Royal American Shows from 1935 to 1967. At the heart of the story is Cunningham’s grandfather, Leon Claxton, a trailblazing impresario who built a dazzling empire under segregation and Jim Crow.
Featuring Afro-Cuban rhythms, breathtaking brown-skinned showgirls, and an all-Black cast of dancers, comedians, and musicians,the revue shattered racial boundaries while celebrating unapologetic Black joy, artistry, and resistance. The cast includes Cunningham’s grandmother, Shirley Bates, one of the original “Brown Skin Showgirls,” whose elegance and boldness shaped the birth of Black burlesque.
From Hidden History to Cultural Celebration.
Each episode—8 to 15 minutes long—is a digestible, educational, and visually rich experience, perfect for cultural institutions and museums, HBCUs and university classrooms, Burlesque and dance communities, Entertainment media and Black history lovers worldwide. This is independent Black storytelling at its finest—funded by love, legacy, and a mission to reclaim what’s ours.
Why this series matters now.
Honors unsung Black and Cuban showgirls whose style, rhythm, and sensuality shaped American entertainment.
Gives overdue recognition to a Black showman who built an empire when the odds were stacked against him.
Free to stream on YouTube and perfect for museum screenings, and academic use.
This is a call to remember, reclaim, and rejoice in our collective brilliance.
Leon Claxton’s “Harlem in Havana” was a groundbreaking traveling revue that showcased Black and Cuban performers during the segregation era. It was part of the Royal American Shows, a popular traveling carnival, and became one of the most successful and influential shows of its kind. The revue featured a mix of music, dance, comedy, and burlesque, captivating audiences across the United States and Canada for several decades. Read the full blog post.
About Iona Fortune: Iona Fortune is a burlesque dancer and art historian. She has been performing as Iona around the country for the last 7 years. She is interested in the intersection between burlesque, costuming, culture and history. Read more.
From 1935 to 1967,Harlem in Havana captured audiences across North America with its singular display of Black excellence, becoming a symbol of pride and resilience for African American and Latino communities and reshaping entertainment during the Jim Crow era. Among these trailblazing performers wereCunningham’s foremothers, The Bates Sisters, and her grandfather, Leon Claxton, one of Tampa, Florida’s beloved showmen and first Black millionaires. Claxton transformed entertainment by promoting diversity and celebrating the intersections of Black and Cuban culture.
“Harlem in Havana is a story of resilience, cultural pride, and the power of performance to challenge societal barriers,” says Leslie Cunningham. “This exhibit is a tribute to the Black and Cuban artists who shaped American culture and whose contributions continue to inspire.”
The exhibit is also proudly supported by the New York School of Burlesque. “I have spent decades researching the marginalized histories of theater, burlesque, and women’s history, and I have yet to encounter a project as unique as Harlem in Havana,” said Jo Weldon, Headmistress of the New York School of Burlesque. “Leslie Cunningham’s groundbreaking multi-media documentary work brings forward a story that has remained largely untold.”
To help bring the Brown Skin Showgirls exhibit to life, doll collector and fashion artist Traci Cunningham, founder of House of Bellaraci, has recreated iconic show images in 17-inch doll form. Each costume is drafted and hand-beaded, staying true to the craftsmanship of the era’s designers. “Black children and collectors deserve dolls that represent them. I love bringing these little treasures back to life for all to enjoy,” she says.
Brown Skin Showgirls opens at the Burlesque Hall of Fame on April 18, 2025, and will run through November, 2025. A special presentation will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the annualBurlesque Hall of Fame Weekender, featuring a conversation with Leslie Cunningham plus a special performance from brown skin showgirl Aquarius Moon. The exhibition and the special event will be included with the price of admission.
The Harlem in Havana Project is a multimedia documentary initiative celebrating the history and cultural impact of Harlem in Havana, a groundbreaking traveling revue that broke racial barriers from the 1930s to the 1960s. Created by artist and filmmaker Leslie Cunningham, the project explores the legacy of Leon Claxton, the African American showman who pioneered this influential fusion of Black and Cuban entertainment. The project includes a documentary film, photography exhibitions, live events, and educational materials. Visit harleminhavana.com for more.
About Artist Leslie Cunningham
Leslie Cunningham is a Durham-based filmmaker, artist, and founder of TRIBES Entertainment. A graduate of Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies, her documentary work amplifies diverse voices and spotlights underrepresented narratives through compelling stories that highlight cultural history and social impact. Visit lesliecunninghamfilms.com.
About the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving, sharing, celebrating, and inspiring the art of burlesque. The museum is located at 1027 S Main St, #110, Las Vegas, NV 89101, and is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Admission $18 ($15 with Nevada ID; $12 for students, military, and seniors). More information about The Burlesque Hall of Fame can be found at burlesquehall.com.
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.
Dancinema is an international festival where dance meets cinema. Dancinema has been celebrating these art forms for over a decade through incredible productions, educational programs, and events. In July 2024, “Jig Show” is set to be the highlight film of the online festival! Witness the legend of the Harlem in Havana Revue—a sensational blend of Black and Cuban music, dance, comedy, and glamorous showgirls that left an indelible mark on Black, Burlesque and American entertainment history. Visit dancinema.co to learn more and get ready to be titilated!
The film Jig Show | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana is part of a larger work called the Harlem in Havana Project, a multimedia documentary by artist and filmmaker Leslie Cunningham that honors one of America’s most iconic traveling girl shows and the fearless African American showman (Leslie’s grandfather) Leon Claxton, who championed Black and Cuban entertainment during the Jim Crow era. Visit harleminhavana.com.
Capitol Dance & Cinema Festival– February 2024- In celebration of Dancinema’s 10th anniversary, we’re revisiting the archives by sharing awards & acknowledgements for some of the most memorable dancefilms, as voted by our programming panel. Today’s highlight is HARLEM IN HAVANA – Uncovering History Award! Congratulations to Leslie Cunningham and her team on this important look at Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana traveling jig show that broke records and boundaries during its 1940s-1960s run. We appreciate this uncovering of history to highlight the entrepreneurship, creativity, and groundbreaking success of Leon Claxton. Visit Capitol Dance & Cinema Festivalto learn more.
We’re excited to announce JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana has won best documentary filmat the 2024 Seoul International Short Film Festival. Seoul International Short Film Festival is a monthly online festival for films/web-series/scripts that explore new approaches to the world of narrative and form. They welcome submissions from all over the world and strive to connect filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, actors, editors, music composers and etc. through a shared platform. Learn more.
Cunningham’s odyssey into the heart of American entertainment history began over a decade ago with the launch of The Harlem in Havana Project, a captivating exploration of her family’s extraordinary Black and Cuban entertainment legacy. As the granddaughter of legendary African American impresario Leon Claxton, Cunningham meticulously crafted a multimedia documentary project that pays homage to her grandfather and one of America’s most triumphant traveling girl shows.
The project’s centerpiece, the documentary film “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana,” unveils the untold stories of the groundbreaking Harlem in Havana Revue, defying the odds and leaving an indelible mark on Black entertainment during the era of Jim Crow.
Also chronicling the life and lore of famed Tampa showman Leon Claxton, the educational film features exclusive interviews with past performers and patrons, never-before-digitized show photographs, and captivating historical clips that celebrate the legacy of Harlem in Havana, and urges descendants of African and Cuban-Americans to embrace their past.
The decision by Cunningham to circumvent traditional festival circuits and streaming services marks a pivotal moment in film history. Now, viewers worldwide can access this essential piece of our cultural heritage at absolutely no cost. This unprecedented move ensures that the film’s profound significance reaches every corner of the globe without barriers or restrictions, emphasizing the importance of its message. Watch the film now.
Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend + The Leslie Cunningham Burlesque Education Scholarship
The Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend, held in Atlanta, GA, marked the grand finale of The Harlem in Havana multimedia documentary work, shining a spotlight on elegance, empowerment, and the mesmerizing world of Black Burlesque. Produced in collaboration with The Atlanta School of Burlesque and Black Burlesque Atlanta, the electrifying weekend featured spectacular shows, riveting films, and an immersive dive into the richness of Black Burlesque History.
Highlighting the event was the announcement of The Atlanta School of Burlesque: Leslie Cunningham Burlesque Education Scholarship, aimed at removing financial barriers and nurturing the artistic talents of promising Black performers. Administered by The Atlanta School of Burlesque, the scholarship will directly impact the lives of talented Black burlesque dancers by providing them with the tools and resources they need to flourish.
Roula, the founder and owner of the school says, “We envision a future where burlesque represents a vibrant microcosm of diversity and inclusion, and where artistic opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their background.”
All donations from the Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend events supported the scholarship, reflecting Cunningham’s commitment to fostering the next generation of burlesque artists, a few who have already been selected as recipients of the scholarship. “Although I’ve officially completed the documentary project, I will continue to educate audiences about Harlem in Havana to ensure this incredible American entertainment legacy is remembered,” says Leslie Cunningham. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported me on this amazing journey.”
For more information about The Harlem in Havana Projectand upcoming events, visit harleminhavana.com.
Leslie Cunningham is a visionary artist and filmmaker dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Black and Latin entertainment. As the granddaughter of legendary African American impresario Leon Claxton, Cunningham’s work reflects a deep passion for storytelling and cultural preservation. Through The Harlem in Havana Project, she invites audiences to embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of American entertainment history. Learn more.
About The Harlem in Havana Project:
The Harlem in Havana Project is a captivating exploration of one of America’s most triumphant traveling girl shows, paying homage to the legacy of producer Leon Claxton and the groundbreaking Harlem in Havana Revue. Through a multimedia documentary project, featuring the film “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana,” Cunningham invites audiences to delve into the complexities of American entertainment, race history, and family.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of American entertainment history with artist and filmmaker Leslie Cunningham as she officially unveils The Harlem in Havana Project—a captivating exploration of her family’s extraordinary entertainment legacy.
Leslie, the visionary granddaughter of a legendary African American impresario, has meticulously crafted an expansive multimedia documentary masterpiece that she is ready for the world to see. The grand reveal of this extraordinary venture will be at Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend in Atlanta, GA during Black History Month 2024.
The Harlem in Havana Projectis a testament to Leslie’s passion for preserving her family’s rich entertainment heritage. Her mission is bold and imaginative—to tell the story of Harlem in Havana and honor the legacy of her grandfather Leon Claxton in ways that captivate and inspire. Bursting with awe-inspiring visuals and riveting narratives, this groundbreaking, and educational project offers an intimate glimpse into a bygone era that birthed music icons and left an indelible mark on Black and Brown entertainment.
At the epicenter of the project is Leon Claxton, an award-winning showman and one of America’s first Black entertainment moguls. Through Leslie’s artistic lens, Claxton’s groundbreaking and highly successful show comes to life in the documentary film, showcasing the spectacular journey that earned him millions and secured his place in history. An educational and immersive experience, this project resounds with wonder, paying homage to a pioneer whose influence echoes through time.
AttheBrown Skin Showgirls Weekend, Leslie’s documentary work will take center stage, offering a glimpse into the dazzling world of Brown-Skin Showgirls and the mesmerizing allure of Harlem in Havana. Come witness the culmination of years of dedication, research, and artistic prowess, as Leslie brings to light a legacy that deserves to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend | Atlanta | Feb 17-18, 2024.
Join theHarlem in Havana Project, The Atlanta School of Burlesque and Black Burlesque Atlanta for an electrifying weekend filled with glamour, history, and unbridled excitement in honor of Black History Month 2024! Get ready for a tantalizing showcase featuring spectacular shows, riveting films, and an immersive dive into the rich tapestry of Black Burlesque History. All are welcome 18+ to these free events, so gather your friends and mark your calendars for a weekend like no other. But beware, space is limited at the fabulous Metropolitan Studios, Inc. located at 1259 Metropolitan Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30316. This event promises to be a celebration of culture, history, and the indomitable spirit of African American showmanship.
Prepare to be transported to an era of glamor, talent, and groundbreaking showmanship that will leave you breathless and inspired. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this must-see cultural phenomenon. For more information, to register or grab show tickets, visit brownskinshowgirls.com.
HARLEM IN HAVANA 