Jeni LeGon’s Legacy at Kits House

Jeni LeGon, a celebrated dancer and performer of the 1930s and 1940s, left a lasting mark on the entertainment world with her talent and charisma. In the later years of her career, LeGon also became a fixture at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. 

Known for her dynamic tap dancing and versatile performances, LeGon shared the stage with iconic figures such as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Cab Calloway, and Fred Astaire.  

In 1969, with the help of two former students, LeGon moved to Vancouver and made a new home at Kits House. Here, she established a dance school and formed a youth tap group called Troupe One. This group became known for performing in hospitals and senior homes throughout the area. 

LeGon’s commitment to the local community extended beyond teaching; she also led a jazz group in the mid-1980s called Jazz Cinq. This ensemble played classics by Duke Ellington and Cole Porter, as well as the blues, with LeGon herself singing, dancing, and playing various instruments, including conga drums and timbals. LeGon also participated in the Kitsilano Theatre Company (KTC), performing regularly in its productions. 

The contributions that LeGon made to the arts were recognized by prestigious institutions like the Black Film Makers Hall of Fame and the American Tap Dance Foundation. Her life and career were also immortalized in the National Film Board documentary Jeni LeGon – Living a Great Big Way, much of which was filmed at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. 

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