African-American tap dancing legend Jeni LeGon dies at 96

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African-American tap dancing legend Jeni LeGon died Friday at the age of 96 at her home in Vancouver.

From the south side of Chicago, Jeni LeGon was one of the first African-American women in tap dance to develop a career as a soloist.

According to the American Tap Dance Foundation, at the age of 13, she landed her first job in musical theater, and from there danced in different shows and clubs around the world.

LeGon was known for her unique tap style and wearing pants when other female dancers at the time wore skirts.

As an African-American woman in a white dominated Hollywood, LeGon scored roles in several films, including the 1935 musical Hooray for Love.

LeGon will be remembered as one of the greatest African-American dancers ever.  Performing lead roles in black films, dancing in a chorus line backed by Count Basie Orchestra, and teaching dance students, LeGon will forever be a pioneer for black performers.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.