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Howle Fisher Collection of Denishawn School of Dancing Choreography

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 0149

Scope and Contents

The Howle Fisher Collection of Denishawn School of Dancing Choreography dates from 1924 to 1933 and contains notation and choreography for performing dances of the Denishawn School.

Dates

  • circa 1924-1933

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information. Please see our Sensitive Materials Statement.

Biographical or Historical Information

Ruth St. Denis (1880-1968) grew up on a farm in New Jersey and began vaudeville dancing in 1906. She was intrigued by the cultures of Egypt, Arabia and India, and many of her dances reflected this interest. Her scanty costumes and sensual dancing shocked her audiences. In 1914, she married one of her disciples, a young dancer from Denver named Ted Shawn (1891-1972). Until their separation in 1931, the couple conducted the Denishawn School of Dancing in California, created new pieces and toured with their own troupe, the Denishawn Dancers.

The original source of these notes was Howle Fisher, former member of the Denishawn Dancers. Fisher joined the group in October 1924, and performed in such trademark numbers as "Vision of the Aissoua" and "Cuadro Flamenco." He received certification to teach Denishawn dance techniques at the university level and performed with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. In 1933 he opened The Loft, his own dance studio, in Richmond, Virginia.

Extent

0.20 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Ruth St. Denis (1880-1968) was one of the founders of the Denishawn School of Dance; Howle Fisher was a former member of the Denishawn Dancers. This collection dates from 1924 to 1933 and contains notation and choreography for performing dances of the Denishawn School.

Method of Acquisition

Transferred to University Archives by Sue Stinson, faculty member in the Dance Department, November 1998.

Offensive Language Statement

The UNC Greensboro University Libraries collects, preserves, and makes accessible unique and historical materials for learning and research. The nature of historical materials is such that some material may represent positions, norms, and values that are offensive and objectionable. These materials represent the opinions and actions of their creators. By providing access to these records in our reading room and through our digital collections, we recognize that archives and rare books can play a vital role in holding those creators accountable and in helping us learn from the past.

Our finding aids and other collection descriptions may occasionally re-use language provided by creators or former holders of the materials, but we strive to place outdated or offensive terminology in context. That said, we recognize that we may not always make the right decision and welcome feedback from all sources so we can learn and adjust our practices. Please contact us at scua@uncg.edu if you encounter problematic language in our finding aids or other collection description. We will review the language and, as appropriate, update it in a way that balances preservation of the original context with our ongoing commitment to describing materials with respectful and inclusive language.

Processing Information

Processed by Archives staff.

Title
Howle Fisher Collection of Denishawn School of Dancing Choreography
Author
Archives staff
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
P.O. Box 26170
320 College Ave.
Greensboro NC 27402-6170 US
336-334-5246