Possessions of Golden Era’s Tap Dancing Legend Ann Miller at Julien’s Auctions

Ann Miller tap-danced her way onto the global stage and into people’s hearts. Part Cherokee, Miller was born Johnnie Lucille Collier in 1923 in Texas. As a kid, Johnnie or Ann was fond of dancing and even received tap-dancing shoes as a gift, which she nicked named Moe and Joe. Her tap dance routines caught the eye of many Hollywood and Broadway producers when she was just 13. Ann Miller was a stage name that the star acquired after her career took off. Miller became a megastar during the Golden Era of the MGM musicals. This December, Julien’s Auctions is bringing prized possessions from the star’s estate including her dance costumes. A one-piece royal blue silk ensemble worn by Miller is available at the auction. It is adorned with same-color sequins, has bishop sleeves, palazzo-style pants, an open back with spaghetti straps, a style that Miller loved.

The auction has a lot of vintage photographs, letters, scrapbooks, make-up items, corsets, perfumes, and more from Miller’s estate. Among photographs, an original print depicting the 18-year-old Ann is available in the auction. It was for her grandmother whom she promised to look after in the picture, a promise she kept. A note penned by Ginger Rogers for Miller is a notable lot in the auction. It is written on personalized stationery in black felt-tip ink. Dated Mar 16, 1994,  the letter in parts read, “To my darling Ann Miller /Just know I love you and am very proud of you. / My ever-present blessings to you dear!” Ginger Rogers was a close friend of Miller’s. The two legends met in 1937 when they danced together in an RKO drama called Stage Door. Their friendship would last 58years. Find the catalog on Julien’s Auctions and register to place a bid.