Josephine baker biography for children

World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker. One of the most successful African American performers in French history, Baker’s career illustrates the ways entertainers can use their platforms to change the world.

On June 3, , Freda Josephine McDonald was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents, both entertainers, performed throughout the segregated Midwest often bringing her on stage during their shows. Unfortunately, their careers never took off, forcing the young Baker to look for odd jobs to survive. If she was unable to find work she would often dance on the streets, collecting money from onlookers. Eventually, her routine caught the attention of an African American theatre troupe. At the age of 15, Baker ran off and began to perform with the group. She also married during this time, taking her husband’s last name and dropping her first name, becoming Josephine Baker.

Baker flourished as a dancer in several

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Josephine Baker Facts

On October 2, Josephine Baker opened in La Revue Negre at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees. She was Josephine Baker became popular for her exotic dancing style. She often appeared in very little clothing. Once Josephine's first tour was over she broke her contract and starred at the Folies Bergere in Paris. Josephine Baker often worse a costume made of artificial bananas as a skirt, performing the 'Danse Sauvage'. Josephine had a pet cheetah that she often took on stage with her. It was common for the cheetah named Chiquita to escape and bother the musicians which added to the show's excitement. Ernest Hemingway referred to Josephine Baker as 'the most sensational woman anyone ever saw'. Josephine Baker appeared in three successful European films including Siren of the Tropics, Zouzou, and Princess Tam Tam. In she starred in Fausse Alerte. Josephine kept the last name Baker, from her second marriage, for the rest of her care