This site features colour images from early footage made by Thomas Alva Edison's film production company during the pioneering years of the American Cinema.

As well as discussing the films' history, we aim to identify the key personnel involved in their production.

Identification of the dancers proved to be a challenge. We can state with some confidence that the first film features Loïe Fuller and her Serpentine Dance, the second Annabelle Whitford performing The Butterfly Dance.

Note that images and clips are taken directly from the original nitrate film. No colour has been added; some restoration and enhancement has been performed.