Shirley began dancing at Mrs. Meglin’s Dance Studio in Los Angeles when she was 3 years old. It was here that she was seen by two producers from Educational Films Corporation, Jack Hays and Charles Lamont. The year was 1931, and they were making a series of one real short film called Baby Burlesks, parodies of famous films of the day but with all child casts. Shirley was chosen as the star and was paid $10 a day.