The Ziegfeld girls were a product of the famous impresario Florenz Ziegfeld (3/21/1869-1932.) Dubbed as the "Most beautiful girls in the world" (not even one ugly one.) Many of the women who

worked with the Ziegfeld shows moved on to become well known stars and actresses. They were famous for their tambourine and cane routines used in many of the shows. 1907 was the first "Follies" Ziegfeld produced and featured the Anna Held Girls. However he was producing shows prior to this. His first successful production was in 1899 entitled "Papa's Wife" starring Anna Held and another in 1905 entitled the Parisian Model.

    Showgirls, as they were often called were and are basically a girl in the revue or musical comedy who did not generally dance or sing in the chorus. It was her figure or beauty that when in costume would lend glamour to the production or dress up the Stage. Florence Ziegfeld's Girls were the main exponents of this usage. Today however, they usually will dance or sing and are usually found in Cabarets.

    During these times there were also the "Gold diggers" looking for a rich husband as well by being in the revues (not all of them they say,) this was very well known and capitalized upon as it brought playboys from all around the world to spend big money. Most of the women however ended up with nothing in the form of stardom or riches by the use of these tactics (the men were not - very stupid,) however many of these ladies did became well respected over all. The "Follies" lasted from 1907-1931.

    The Follies would also utilize dance acts such as Hal Leroy, Ann Pennington, Gilda Gray, Marilyn Miller, Nicholas Brothers, Josephine Baker, Buck and Bubbles Vilma and Buddy Ebsen etc. Some of the Ziegfeld Girl dancers below were also in other groups such as the Goldwyn Girls, and Gold diggers.

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