Willa Mae Ricker
Willa Mae Ricker (née Briggs; 7 April 1910 - June 1978) was a prominent American Lindy Hop and jazz dancer and a performer during the 1930s and 1940s with the Harlem-based Whitey's Lindy Hoppers. Ricker was known for her fashion sense, dependability and business acumen.
Willa Mae Ricker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Willa Mae Briggs April 7, 1910 |
| Died | June 1, 1978 (aged 68) |
| Occupation | Dancer |
She and partner Leon James were featured in a photo essay in the August 23, 1943 issue of Life, demonstrating aerials.[1]
During World War II, Ricker managed the Harlem Congaroos, a sub-group of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers formed from the premiere dancers. According to Norma Miller, Ricker was the first dancer to stand up to Herbert "Whitey" White, demanding fair pay.
Filmography
External links
References
- Swing Dancing. ABC-CLIO. April 7, 2011.
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