On December 31, 2021 Betty White, beloved and trailblazing actress from the US died at age 99. (CNN)
Of course most of us know her from television shows (in the US and abroad) as actress and comedian.
“Betty White was noted for her vast work in the entertainment industry. And being one of the first women to work both in front off and behind the camera. She was the first woman to produce a sitcom (Life with Elizabeth) in the United States, which contributed to her being named honorary Mayor of Hollywood in 1955. She is often referred to as the “First Lady of Television”, a title used for a 2018 documentary detailing her life and career.
White earned a Guinness World Record for “Longest TV career by an entertainer (female)” in 2014 and in 2018 for her lengthy work in television. She received eight Emmy Awards in various categories. Also three American Comedy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was a 1995 Television Hall of Fame inductee.” (Wikipedia)
But what many might not know is that she was also a keen dancer. Betty White appeared on the Arthur Murray Party dancing the Cha-Cha-Cha in 1959.
The Arthur Murray (Dance) Party ran 10 Years (1950 -1960) on several different networks. CBC, NBC, DuMont and ABC television featuring many celebrities popular at the time.
Quote from Ballroom Icons:
“Of particular historical interest is Arthur Murrays innovative approach to “this dance business”. And how to advertise dance lessons. He was first to do many groundbreaking things like broadcasting live music, creating infomercials, franchising, and starting mail-order dance lessons.”
Brigitt Mayer, Canada, author of Ballroom Icons©
All rights reserved. No part of this book/piece may be reproduced in any form, by print, microfilm or any other means without written permission from the author.
See the full YouTube reel on Betty dancing below
Find out more about Arthur Murray here
