Phyllis Brown
Photographs of girl dancers practicing from the 1930s capture a captivating slice of history. These images, brimming with energy and determination, offer a glimpse into the past where young women honed their craft with grace and passion.
Each old photo tells a story of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of artistic excellence during the Great Depression.
While many pictures showcase the grace and skill of dedicated dancers, one truly stands out. The image of women boxing on a rooftop has sparked curiosity among viewers.
What the image captures
Look at the picture, we can see all the women wearing dance shoes so they might be performers likely part of a variety show.
Back in those days, decent air conditioning was a luxury, so practicing their acts outdoors on the roof would have been preferable to the stifling atmosphere inside a theater.
In the photo, the blonde girl appears to be hitting another, but her punch is more likely a staged stunt than a real one. Even if it is staged, it’s still historical.
Though it’s believed to be staged, the photo captures a memorable historical moment.
It also showcases a unique theme: young, attractive women who are dancers, participating in exercises traditionally associated with men, notably boxing, which was unconventional for women at that time.
The making of the photo
Many might not know that the original caption of this intriguing photograph reads: “Radio Pictures Chorus Girls”.
Due to its background, we can determine that the photo was taken on the top of the Ball Building, Paramount lot, Hollywood. Before it became Paramount, the studio was known as Desilu, famously associated with television classics like “I Love Lucy.” Even earlier, it belonged to RKO (Radio-Keith-Orpheum), a significant player in early Hollywood.
When it comes to the identity of the photographer, we don’t know exactly who shot this photo but the person must have thought it’d make a good candid photo.
Insights into RKO Radio Pictures Inc.
RKO Radio Pictures Inc. was one of the Big Five studios during the Golden Age of cinema. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, RKO produced several memorable films that have left an indelible mark on movie history.
Among its notable contributions were the beloved Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musicals, which enchanted audiences with their dazzling dance sequences and timeless charm.
Additionally, RKO played a pivotal role in launching the career of Katharine Hepburn, showcasing her early films like “Morning Glory” (1933) and “Alice Adams” (1935) that highlighted her talent and charisma on screen.
One of RKO’s most iconic films, “King Kong,” released in 1933, set new standards in special effects and storytelling, becoming a masterpiece in cinema techniques.
In 1948, businessman and producer Howard Hughes purchased RKO, but his lack of focus and care led to the studio’s eventual closure in 1953.
