Cansino, Elisa (b. 1895)

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Cansino, Elisa (b. 1895)

Spanish dancer. Name variations: Dancing Cansinos. Born 1895, probably in Andalusia, Spain; dau. of Antonio Cansino (dance master) and Carmen Cansino (dancer); sister of Eduoardo, Angel, Paco, José, Antonio II, and Rafael Cansino (all dancers); aunt of Rita Hayworth (actress); children: Gabriel Cansino (1913–1963, dancing teacher).

Toured US on Keith circuit with brother Eduoardo (c. 1910); returned to Spain to teach; danced with brothers Eduoardo and Angel as The Dancing Cansinos, probably in and around New York City; toured extensively throughout life, moving back and forth between US and Spain; played a major role in introducing Spanish and other ethnic dance forms to US.