Chapter 1: Temple Learns Tap

Shirley Temple was born April 23, 1928 in Santa Monica, California.  Shirley’s father George was a bank manager, her mother Gertrude a housewife. (typical for the time period)  Her parents met at a “dancing cotillion” for adults in 1910.  Gertrude and George welcomed two sons back-to-back before Shirley: George Jr. and Jack.

Gertrude made it her life’s mission to instill performing in Shirley from birth. (her own mother Maude was not supportive in her pursuit of becoming a ballerina)  From Shirley’s memoir Child Star: An Autobiography: “Long before I learned to stand, Mother instituted… artistic endowment… The radio was turned up to music, and around the living room she swooped, rattling a tambourine and silently mouthing accompaniment to her own private dancing demonstration.  It looked like something fun to do, if only I could walk.” (Temple, 5)

In 1931, Gertrude enrolled Shirley at Mrs. Meglin’s Dance Studio in Santa Monica.  The primary reason Gertrude chose this studio was due to Mrs. Meglin being a customer at George’s bank.  Shirley describes the fit with Mrs. Meglin: “Mrs. Meglin and I were a perfect match.  I wanted to learn, and she wanted to teach.” (Temple, 6)  Shirley learned many types of dance at Mrs. Meglin’s, including the waltz, clogging, Charleston (how fitting for the time period), tango, rhumba, and the one that would eventually make her famous: tap.  While Shirley admitted she felt frustrated at times trying to get the movements right, she enjoyed herself too much to quit.

In late November 1931, Gertrude took Shirley to her dance lesson as usual, however after the lesson Gertrude was requested by the studio’s music teacher to keep Shirley on site as two directors were present seeking children for films.  Almost a week later, Gertrude received a call to take Shirley for a screen test; a few days after the screen test, Gertrude would receive another call offering Shirley a two-year contract with Universal Studios to be the “pretty little leading lady” in a series of films.  Gertrude agreed to sign the contract.  Shirley Temple’s illustrious film career is taking off… at just three and a half years old!