Basil was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother was a vaudevillian and her father was an orchestra leader.

Toni Basil appeared in the 1964 concert film The T.A.M.I. Show and was quite prominent in the film as one of the go-go dancers. Basil's recording career began in 1966 with a single for A&M Records, the title song from the film Breakaway (an early form of a music video in black and white of this song with Antonia Christina Basilotta aka "Toni Basil" undressing and dancing was made by artist Bruce Read more...

Basil is a prolific choreographer who began as assistant choreographer on Shindig! an American music variety show which aired on the ABC network from September 16, 1964 to January 8, 1966. In addition, she is frequently credited with bringing street dance to prominence with The Urban Campbellocking group, The Lockers. She choreographed David Byrne's memorable, marionette-style dance from the music Read more...