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HARLEM IN HAVANA

A multimedia documentary work exploring the legacy of Leon Claxton’s groundbreaking Black and Cuban traveling show that redefined entertainment and broke racial barriers.

  • Home
  • Show
    • Show: 1930S-1940s
    • Show: 1950s
    • Show: 1960s
    • Show Performers
      • Lead Dancer Shirley Bates
      • Mercedes Valdés and the Cuban Dancing Dolls
    • Show Music
    • Royal American Shows
    • Cities Played
  • Leon Claxton
    • Tampa Influence
    • Claxton Manor Motel
  • Poems
  • Song
  • Photos
  • Film
    • Film Series
    • Film Study Guide
    • Screenings
    • Cast & Crew
    • Film Music
    • More Videos
  • Books
  • Exhibit
    • Exhibit: Calendar
    • Exhibit: The Dolls
    • Exhibit Bookings
  • Screenplay
  • Events
    • Harlem in HAVANA NYC 2026
    • Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender, 2025
    • Brown Skin Showgirls Weekender 2024
  • Educate
    • Film Study Guide
    • Burlesque Education Classes
      • Class 1: My Grandma Was an Exotic Dancer
      • Class 2: Girl Shows
    • Burlesque Education Scholarship
  • About
    • Creator
    • In the Press
    • Media Kit
    • Harlem in Havana Facts
  • News
  • Support | Donate
    • Supporters
  • Shop
    • Collector’s Magazine
  • Contact & SM
    • YouTube
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    • SubStack

Support Us

Love the Show? Tip the Performers Here.

Learn About the Traveling Exhibit – Support the Legacy!

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.

  • View a list of our Supporters
  • Donate to the Project
  • Learn about Harlem in Havana
  • Contact us to learn more.

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“Harlem in Havana™” is a trademark of Leslie CunninghamTRIBES, representing documentary films, cultural exhibits, and educational programs. © 2012–2025 Harlem in Havana Project. All rights reserved. Contact: info@harleminhavana.com

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