TRINI REYES..From Ondara to Broadway.
You may have seen that I have some of her vintage clothes for sale, here is a little bit about Trini.
In the 1920’s, Trini’s parents left Spain separately. Originally from Ondara in the Valencian Community, they met, fell in love and wed in New York.
Josefa Terentí, who later adopted the stage name Trini Reyes, was born in 1930, she grew up speaking Valenciano and eating paella in New York.
At the tender age of sixteen she was already making a big impression in a small club in The Village, El Chico’s. Her sensual Spanish moves caught the eye of a Galician impresario Ángel López and she was soon performing in the Havana-Madrid night club at 51st Street and Broadway
She was always passionate about dancing and went on to become a star of stage and screen, certainly one of the greatest Spanish dancers of the time. In the US it was the “Golden Age” of The Show. She went on the road and performed alongside The Marx brothers, Sammy Davies Jr, Lena Horne and Carmen Miranda.
She was offered a starring role in a Stanley Kramer Movie but declined and in the late 1960’s retired to Benidorm in Spain.
Trini had a petite figure, well suited to the costumes she wore. High waisted Andalusian matador trousers with braces and bolero style jackets, in purple velvets and black silk, embroidered with gold and sequins. All made for her in New York at La Elegancia, a purveyor of fine Flamenco costumes.
Because she was so tiny she had her day and evening wear made for her as well. I have a few pieces of her clothing, some of which are for sale in the shop, some still have her name tag sewn into the neck.
If you would like to read more about her fascinating life, there is a book written by local author, also from Ondara, Jovi Lozano-Seser
D’Ondara a Broadway: L’excepcionalitat de Trini Reyes (L’entorn) ((Catalán)
