Ollie Burgoyne

Olga “Ollie” Burgoyne (June 13, 1878- April 2, 1974), also known as Ollie Burgoyne-Calloway, was an American dancer, actress and businesswoman who gained popularity during the Harlem Renaissance. Although history has established Burgoyne as one of the lesser known African American figures in entertainment, she made her mark as one of the eight most significant and influential African American dancers and choreographers during this time (other notable mentions include: Katherine Dunham, Hemsley Winfield and Edna Guy. Burgoyne started her stage career in 1901 at the early age of six when she began performing in minstrel shows. In 1903, she performed in Vaudeville with the Seven Creole Girls and in her later career, continued to perform in this genre with her own company, the Burgoyne Musical Company. As her career progressed, she explored her vaudeville talents and mastered oriental dances internationally in Germany, Turkey, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Hungary, Egypt and Sweden.Burgoyne continued to make a name for herself through song and dance during her eight year tour of Europe. She returned to the United States in 1909. Following 1909, she crossed the Atlantic 15 times before settling in Russia. There, she resided in St. Petersburg for 14 years. As she became a well known entertainer, she developed the reputation of a 'fire cracker". She was also given the opportunity to perform for the nobles of the country. While in Russia, she danced to earn a living. With her earnings, she purchased and owned an elegant lingerie shop called Maison Creole and employed 27 workers. Although famous for her performances, Burgoyne was also given the reputation of a stern business woman. In addition to this, other business credits include the management of Ward Calloway’s Hotel.

When she returned to the United States, her ‘exotic dancing’ such as The Snake Dance and the Brazilian and Spanish Dance trademarked as her most memorable movement qualities. As a result of the 'remarkable ease of her arm and hand motions as well as the gracefulness in her sways', theatrical critics have styled Burgoyne as “the peer of any dancer in the world regardless of color.