The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Shirley Green (left) and Shirley Dawson (right) tap dancing in their black sequin suits and white satin vests, designed and made by Norman (Paddy) Patton. Their dance performance, known as "The Two Shirleys" was choreographed by Dawson's sister Lorraine. Miss Lorraine Dawson trained a dancing troupe known as the "Dancing Darlings" who performed at concerts and fundraising functions as well as entertaining troops based in Sydney during the Second World War. Shirley Dawson's costume is held in the Memorial's collection; see REL34109.001-.005.
Green, grey and blue blended wool blanket with a basic striped pattern. Printed cotton maker's label sewn to one corner stating 'V239 MADE IN AUSTRALIA 1943'. Blanket used by sisters Lorraine and Sh
Pair black sequinned shorts with centre back hook and bar, and press stud, fastening. Lined throughout the black polished cotton. The 70mm wide waistband is separately attached and lined with black sa
Black sequinned tailcoat with black satin revers. The body of the coat is lined with black polished cotton and the tails with black satin. This costume was worn by Shirley Dawson in a tap dance rout
Lorraine Dawson's "Dancing Darlings" performing the can-can at a function pre-planned for the 15 August 1945 which, with the news that the war had ended, was renamed the Lady Mayoress' Victory Ball to
Shirley Green (on the left) performing the sailor's horn pipe at a concert with her partner Shirley Dawson, choreographed by Miss Lorraine Dawson. Their costumes have captured the nautical style with
Informal portrait of Miss Shirley Dawson, wearing her Australian Womens Flying Club (AWFC) uniform. The AWFC was formed in 1938 and was the forerunner to the Women's Air Training Corps (WATC) and the
Pair of black leather tap shoes with quarter heels and instep straps fastening with a single black button. The metal toe pieces are stamped 'OMEGA TAP', while the metal heel pieces are stamped 'SALOME
White satin waistcoat with stand collar and small, heavily top-stitched, turn back 'wing' collar. The waistcoat is lined with white cotton and fastened down the front with fifteen concealed hooks and
Lightweight wooden cane with a flat knob on the top. The knob and upper part of the cane, together with the tip is painted in white high gloss paint. The body of the cane is painted in high gloss blac
Black sequinned tailcoat with black satin revers. The body of the coat is lined with black polished cotton and the tails with black satin. This costume was worn by Shirley Dawson in a tap dance rout
Lightweight wooden cane with a flat knob on the top. The knob and upper part of the cane, together with the tip is painted in white high gloss paint. The body of the cane is painted in high gloss blac
Pair black sequinned shorts with centre back hook and bar, and press stud, fastening. Lined throughout the black polished cotton. The 70mm wide waistband is separately attached and lined with black sa
Pair of black leather tap shoes with quarter heels and instep straps fastening with a single black button. The metal toe pieces are stamped 'OMEGA TAP', while the metal heel pieces are stamped 'SALOME
White satin waistcoat with stand collar and small, heavily top-stitched, turn back 'wing' collar. The waistcoat is lined with white cotton and fastened down the front with fifteen concealed hooks and
Lorraine Dawson, dancer, in a sequined costume used for one of her dance routines. Many of the costumes she wore were made by herself or her sister, Shirley Dawson. Miss Dawson trained a group of girl
