Belle Davis was a recording pioneer who toured extensively throughout Europe during the early 1900s. Davis was a prominent dancer artist, entertainer, and director. She also appeared in film.

Davis’ career began in the 1890s, she performed in the chorus girls in the Chicago revue ‘The Creole Show.’ On June 5, 1901, she sailed out of New York Harbor, headed for England. She was booked at the time, on a tour of Britain’s Empire music hall theaters.

Davis traveled to Britain before this trip with the revue ‘Oriental America.’ After arriving in Europe, Davis worked on the Empire circuit and traveled throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland. She often delivered her songs surrounded by three or four young boy dancers as “Belle Davis and her Pickaninnies.”

In January 1902, she recorded for Gramophone Records in London, and in 1906 they appeared in a short film in Paris. Black variety acts, particularly dance, remained in demand. Davis never returned to the United States to live.

source:

https://philadancehistoryjournal.wordpress.com/tag/belle-davis/