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Chicago Theater Collection-Dance Programs

 Collection
Identifier: spe-t00170

Scope and Contents

The collection includes more than 100 programs, and is particularly strong in material on the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, especially in its earlier incarnations as Col. W. De Basil’s Ballet Russe, the Original Ballet Russe and the Monte Carlo Ballet Russe.

In addition to the loose material there is a bound volume programs, predominantly for Ruth Page’s Chicago Opera Ballet.

Dates

  • 1914 - 1969
  • Majority of material found within 1955 - 1965

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection

Biographical / Historical

The theater archive in Special Collections includes a collection more than 100 dance programs and souvenir books. Their source is not known, although there is some suggestion they were donated by Chicago dance teacher, Edna McRae. The collection is particularly strong in material on the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, especially in its earlier incarnations as Col. W. De Basil’s Ballet Russe, the Original Ballet Russe and the Monte Carlo Ballet Russe. There are also lavish souvenir books for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe and Anna Pavlova, although these do not document specific Chicago performances.

In addition to the loose material there is a bound volume of Ruth Page programs, predominantly for Ruth Page’s Chicago Opera Ballet. This volume was donated to the Library by dancer and choreographer, Ruth Page in 1972 and transferred to Special Collections at an unknown date.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (in 4 boxes, plus 1 scrapbook)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Special Collections holds over 100 dance programs and souvenir books. Collection includes material on the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, especially in its earlier incarnations as Col. W. De Basil’s Ballet Russe, the Original Ballet Russe and the Monte Carlo Ballet Russe, as well as a scrapbook of programs donated by Ruth Page.

Arrangement

The Chicago Theater Collection-Dance Programs collection is arranged in two series:

  • Series 1: Programs and Souvenir Books, 1914-1966, undated
  • Series 2: Ruth Page Scrapbook, 1954-1969, undated

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Programs found in collection; no documentation concerning the provenance of these materials exists. The Ruth Page scrapbook was donated to Chicago Public Library by Ms. Page in 1972

Related Materials

  • Chicago Theater Collection-Historical Programs
  • Chicago Theater Collection-Miscellaneous Programs
  • Chicago Dance Collection

Separated Materials

Programs that document named performances at specified theaters have been removed and interfiled with the appropriate theater in the Chicago Theater Collection programs collections.

Title
Guide to the Chicago Theater Collection-Dance Programs
Status
Completed
Author
Original author unknown. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Sarah Zimmerman, 2021
Date
circa 1990s
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2021: Edited by Sarah Zimmerman in preparation for upload into ArchivesSpace. Series descriptions added

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository

Contact:
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875