Sylvia De Sylva Frank, 1920-2016

Sylvia De Sylva Frank was a professional dancer, entrepreneur, photographer, and philanthropist. She began her career as a sixteen year-old during the 1930s, dancing with her brother in cities across North America, in places such as the Rumba Casino in Chicago, Hotel Frontenacin Quebec, the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles and Radio City Music Hall in NewYork. They were called Jon and Sylvia de Sylva or the de Silva Twins. The Hollywood columnist Walter Winchell annointed them the “best Latin dancers ever to hit Miami.” Later, she turned her attention to photographing Carnival and weddings, working alongside noted designer Kathryn Dyer. Still later, she designed jewelry and owned and managed, with her partner Pat Skelly, Le Petite Enfant in the French Quarter, a store that sold handmade French infant clothing.

Sylvia De Sylva Frank, with Carnival designer Kathryn Dyer, ca. 1975. Louisiana State Museum.