The Spence Twins
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Jean and Joyce Spence were identical twins who were born in Memphis, Tenn and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. They were exotic dancers that performed together as a sister act in night clubs and theatres throughout the country during the 40s and 50s.
Early Years
The Spence Twins got their start dancing in schools and amateur shows before turning professional. The girls were 'shapely and statuesque' according to the Washington Afro American newspaper, and provided a shot of femininity in revues that were heavy in masculine performers. They always wore identical costumes designed by themselves. They began dancing professionally in 1947. From then on they traveled the country with different shows and companies as exotic dancers, leading them to Hollywood. When they began, they were paid $75 a week ($1,024.48 today).
Exotic Dancers
The Spence Twins brought the bump-n-grind of exotic dancing to every stage they could. Not only were they known for gorgeous costumes, they stripped with gyrations and uncanny muscular control as a team. By 1952, the Spence Twins were raking in $300 a week ($3,530.06 today). Both sisters had dark brown hair, brown eyes, and were 5 foot 6 inches and weighed 138lbs. They were acclaimed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia for their 'whirlwind dancing styles'. They even performed in Anchorage, Alaska to a packed theater.
Spence Twins in Omaha, NE - 1955
On February 12, 1955, the Spence Twins performed in Omaha at the Civic Auditorium Music Hall as a part of Lou Krefetz's 'Top Ten Rhythm and Blues Review of 1955'. Audiences also saw Joe (Boss of the Blues) Turner and the Moonglows in the 2 hour long show.
Sources
- Jimmy Rushing Dancing with the Spence Twins. Jet Magazine. Jan 26, 1956
- Omaha World Herald. "Review Headliners." January 30, 1955
- Unknown. "The Spence Twins...Answer Terpsichore's Muse." C. 1958
- Washington Afro American. "Jean and Joyce Dance Theatre Audiences Limp." Page 17. September 20, 1952
- Washington Afro American. "It's Double or Nothing for Spence Twins; Illness almost ended career of Spence Twins." Ralph Matthews. Page 14. April 11, 1959
- The Omaha Star. "Top Ten Review." Advertisement. February 4, 1955
- Buffalo Courier Express. Advertisement. Buffalo, NY. Page 4. May 29, 1953
- The Spence Twins. Washington Afro American. Page 14. April 11, 1959
- The Evening Independent. Massilion, Ohio. Advertisement. Page 15. April 4, 1952
- Rhythm and Blues Review; https://dumboozle.com/randb/rbdex.html
- The Plain Dealer. Advertisement. Cleveland, Ohio. Page 136. April 18, 1954
- Sheridan, Phil. "More About Those Wonderful Old Downtown Theaters" 1984