Bruce, Betty (1920–1974)

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Bruce, Betty (1920–1974)

American dancer and comedian. Born May 2, 1920, in Brooklyn, NY; died July 18, 1974, in New York, NY.

Trained at Metropolitan Opera Ballet's school as a child until she had to leave due to her exceptional height (5′7); toured with Albertina Rasch's concert troupe for tall dancers, performing a mixture of classical ballet and tap; appeared in numerous clubs throughout NY and across Europe as a popular theatrical and tap dancer; was a featured dancer in Balanchine's Boys from Syracuse (1938); danced in a number of Broadway shows, including Keep Off the Grass (1940), High Kickers (1941–42), Something for the Boys (1943–44), and Gypsy (1959), and appeared as Tessie Tura in the film version (1962); danced on tv and at Radio City Music Hall, Strand Theater Roof, and other NY performance houses.

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Bruce, Betty (1920–1974)

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