Dancer in "Ziegfeld Follies"

140033   Prob. Alfred CHENEY JOHNSTON 
Dancer in "Ziegfeld Follies", New York, ca. 1920 
print on paper
dim.: 25,3x 20,3 cm/39x45 cm (framed)
photo studio stamp "White Studio 6951-114. N.Y."

 Alfred CHENEY JOHNSTON [1885-1971] An American photographer worked in NY, mainly known of Ziegfeld Follies dancers, actresses, actors and photos of other movie world personalities. In 1908 he finished studies of painting and illustration at National Academy of Design. He worked early as a portrait painter, but without success. At the instigation of his friend and famous illustrator Charles Dan Gibsonhe become a photographer. From 1917 he was applied as a contract photographer by Florenz Ziegfeld. He also had a few commercial photo studios.

Photography shows an actress, probably Lilyan Tashman in ‘’Ziegfeld Follies’’ revue. Performances in ‘’Ziegfeld Folies’’ was a beginning of her Hollywood carreer . She worked as a model earlier and her first steps on stage was in vaudeville. The actress was involved to supported roles. She performed in silent cinema, and later Hollywood productions. She cooperated for example with Paramount movie studio. Her movie and theatre performances was highly rated by  reviewers of industry periodics.

Tashmans performances with ‘’Ziegfeld Girls’’ (Group of Ziegfeld’s revue dancers) on Broadway was a crucial moment in her stage activity. The creator of the revue was Florenz Edward Ziegfeld , an American theatre producer. Performances of ‘’Ziegfeld Follies’’ was performated on Broadway in years 1907-1931 and was very popular.