Like all other subdivisions of Midwest Manuscripts Collection, the dance section concentrates on documenting regional events with an emphasis on Chicago dance history. The collection was begun in 1981 and continues to grow with additions of personal papers as well as studio and company archives.
Contributions from a variety of dancers (including classic ballerina Harriet Lundgren, jazz dancer Gus Giordano, tapper Dean Diggens, belly dancer Djalaal, and show dancer Dean Badolato) and of studios (such as the experimental Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble and MoMing Dance and Arts Center) illustrate the rich range of dance styles practiced in Chicago. The 400-box Ann Barzel Research Collection adds an international element by offering clippings, correspondence, photographs, press releases, posters, scrapbooks, magazines, and videotapes covering worldwide dance events. Some 1200 dance books of reference, history, biography and technique complete this useful research collection.
Brief abstracts of the Newberry's dance manuscript collections may be found here.