Burrows-Fontaine, Evan (1898–1984)

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Burrows-Fontaine, Evan (1898–1984)

American dancer. Name variations: Evan Fontaine; Evan Burroughs Fontaine. Born Evan Burroughs Fontaine, Oct 3, 1898, possibly in Virginia, though she claimed Jan 1, 1900, in London, England; died Dec 1984 in Virginia; dau. of Florence Fontaine; children: at least 1 son.

Claimed to have been trained by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, but little can be verified about her education or background; danced solo performances Dance Egyptienne and Syvillia on Denishawn tour across US, and performed in numerous Ted Shawn works, including Ta-Toa, Chinese Minuet, Dance Modern and Waltz-Al Fresco and Lu-Lu Fado; appeared in vaudeville for many years and gained popularity dancing on a movable sphinx in Broadway's Ed Wynn Carnival (1920); credited as Evan Burroughs Fontaine for films Madonnas and Men (1920) and Women Men Love (both 1920); sued Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney for $1 million, alleging breach of promise of marriage and that he fathered her child.