Images of the Texas Tommy

The following articles feature images of dancers performing variations of the Texas Tommy:

SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, THURSDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 29, 1912.

The photographs likely feature dancers Dutch Mike, Frank Hale and Marie Tolmon. According to the article, “In the first figure the dancers face each other in a catch-as-catch-can position, dancing individually, neither a two-step nor a waltz, but a step known as a ‘Straight Texas.'” The article also references the “Texas verse swing,” where the dancers turn quickly and slide to arms length in opposite directions.”

The sun., December 27, 1914, FOURTH SECTION MAGAZINE SECTION, Page 12, Image 42

This peculiar article from 1914 examines a vaudevillian who had been performing in Belgium at the outset of World War I, when the Germans invaded the country and occupied Brussels. The Sun interviewed dancer Frank Warren, who spoke on behalf of his Texas Tommy performance group. Mr. Warren appears to be highly impressed by the efficacy of the German military. Presumably, he was spared from witnessing some of the greater atrocities of occupation. Two members of the vaudeville troupe are pictured in the article, doing a dip and a lift. The lift is particularly notable because it resembles a lift common in swing dance to this day.

The Salt Lake tribune., February 25, 1912, Magazine Section, Image 42

The above article is promoting an upcoming vaudeville performance where one of the acts will be a group of Texas Tommy dancers. It contains a drawing of several Texas Tommy positions. I have seen this drawing used elsewhere, similarly accompanying short articles about the Texas Tommy.

The San Francisco call., January 19, 1912, Image 11

The above article in The San Francisco Call shows two society ladies (center, bottom) doing the Texas Tommy. Their version appears to have a Big Apple trucking’ vibe to it.

San Francisco Call, Volume 112, Number 86, 25 August 1912