Anna Bailey
Dublin Core
Title
Anna Bailey
Subject
Source
Women in Nevada History: A Legacy Digital Project
Publisher
Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN)
Rights
This resource is available for education and research purposes. This collection is a collaboration and combination of various projects including, but not limited to; the Women in Nevada History: A Legacy Digital Project, the Nevada Women’s Archives, the Las Vegas Women Oral History Project and the Makers: Women in Nevada History Project, a co-production of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada and VegasPBS. The text, images, audio and video in this collection are under copyright by different repositories and may not be reproduced without express written consent of the appropriate entities.
Person Item Type Metadata
Work/Contribution
Dancer and businesswoman
Birth Date
August 26, 1926
Birthplace
Arrival in Las Vegas
1955
Interviewer
Date of Interview
March 3, 1997
(or February 17, 1997?)
(or February 17, 1997?)
Biographical Text
Anna Bailey moved to Brooklyn with her mother as a child, and began dance lessons at ten years old. At thirteen, she danced at the Apollo. By fifteen, she was a professional dancer. Her mother insisted she continue her education, so attended high school while dancing in large productions in New York. She travelled extensively as a dancer, going on tour to Europe and Los Angeles.
In 1951, she married fellow performer Bob Bailey, a singer and emcee. The couple lived in Anna mother’s basement. In 1955, the Baileys moved to Las Vegas, to open the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino.
Just six months later, the Rouge closed, leaving both Anna and her husband, Bob, without work. The couple continued to work in show business, with Anna dancing on the Strip and on tour, and Bob hosting talk shows.
Following the birth of her two children, Anna gave up dancing. The Baileys opened and operated several small nightclubs.
This interview covers Anna’s experience as a dancer extensively, with her earliest performances through her retirement. She also describes race relations in Las Vegas, and the development of the Westside.
In 1951, she married fellow performer Bob Bailey, a singer and emcee. The couple lived in Anna mother’s basement. In 1955, the Baileys moved to Las Vegas, to open the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino.
Just six months later, the Rouge closed, leaving both Anna and her husband, Bob, without work. The couple continued to work in show business, with Anna dancing on the Strip and on tour, and Bob hosting talk shows.
Following the birth of her two children, Anna gave up dancing. The Baileys opened and operated several small nightclubs.
This interview covers Anna’s experience as a dancer extensively, with her earliest performances through her retirement. She also describes race relations in Las Vegas, and the development of the Westside.
Collection
Citation
“Anna Bailey,” Makers Teaching Modules, accessed September 4, 2026, https://makersteachingmodules.sites.unlv.edu/items/show/3.