Book Review: ‘Tanqueray’ Dances Across Our Hearts

When Humans of New York posted a story series about Stephanie Johnson, aka Tanqueray, I was hooked from the beginning. Her life of being a go-go dancer to a costume designer is endlessly fascinating. Now her autobiography is available in book form so it can be revisited at leisure, and includes many fun photos.

Johnson, born in the 1940s, had a difficult childhood and was forced to fend for herself from an early age after being kicked out of the house by her mother. She made her way in New York City as one of the first Black go-go dancers on the scene. Racism was everywhere, but she charmed and calculated her way into lucrative dancing gigs and side hustles. She had tumultuous relationships with men but was always able to look out for herself. Despite living a life from one day to the next, she has persevered and maintained her indomitable spirit throughout her long life.

There are many delightful tales from her dancing career in this book, like the time Alfred Bloomingdale paid her $300 to act like a maid for an hour, the time she served a mean burn to James Brown, and all the times she teased Dennis Edwards (from The Temptations). The most shocking and interesting were when she got revenge on another dancer, and her signature move that brought in the big bucks. Also not to miss is the sweet story about how she got her stage name Tanqueray.

Johnson is truly a role model in self-reliance and resilience. She knew that she could only rely on herself to put food on the table and a roof over her head, so she always found a way to make it through. She has never been afraid of what people might think of her, knowing that she always kept her dignity and being proud of what she accomplished. Her attitude is to work hard and enjoy the blessings life brings along the way; appreciate what you have and work for what you need.

The book is entirely in first person narrative, written down just as Johnson narrated it to Brandon Stanton of HONY. There are photos of the clubs where she danced, newspaper clippings of her act being advertised, and the men who romantically chased her. There are also some lovely watercolor drawings by Henry Sene Yee.

Tanquray is available now.