Vintage Josephine Baker

BY: PROVOKR Staff

Ernest Hemingway described Josephine Baker as “the most sensational woman anybody ever saw. Or ever will.” In the 1920s, Baker—who moved to Paris from the US to escape racism—used her singing, dancing and acting talents to become one of the most popular (and highest paid) performers in the world. Her erotic dance routines and outrageous costumes especially wowed European audiences. In this rare video from 1927, Baker shows off the sexually liberated performance skills that brought her so much acclaim.