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Harrison (Bernice) Collection
mssHarrisonb
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Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Bernice Harrison collection
Identifier/Call Number: mssHarrisonb
Physical Description:
1.75 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1947-1958
Abstract: Scrapbook and ephemera related to the life and career of Bernice Harrison, prima ballerina for the First Negro Classical Ballet,
including photographs, clippings, programs, and periodicals.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. Bernice Harrison collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Nareshimah Osei, May 2022.
Bernice Harrison was a dancer with the First Negro Classical Ballet Company (FNCB), founded in 1947 in Los Angeles by Joseph
Rickard. Rickard founded the company after seeing Harrison's daughter, Angela Harrison, turned away from a ballet school and
told that Blacks could not study classical dance. The FNCB was the first ballet school in Los Angeles for Black students.
Bernice Harrison enrolled her daughter and also began taking classes at the school, eventually becoming a central presence
in the company alongside other older students. She performed in several productions choreographed by Rickard, including Cinderella,
Raisin' Cane, and A Little China Figure, and is considered the first Black woman to dance en pointe.
The collection includes a scrapbook with photocopies of programs, photographs, and clippings about the First Negro Classical
Ballet Company and productions featuring Bernice Harrison. There is also an oversize portrait of Harrison. Ephemera includes
copies of contracts, clippings, publications, and collected programs from other ballets. Photographs are of Harrison and other
FNCB dancers, particularly Graham Johnson.
Processed at the time of accessioning by Kelly Kress in July 2022.
Arranged by type of material.
Joseph Rickard papers, mssHM 68942-69272
Subjects and Indexing Terms
African American dancers
Ballet dancing -- United States
Photographs-- United States -- 20th century
Photograph albums -- 20th century
Programs (documents) -- United States -- 20th century
First Negro Classical Ballet
Rickard, Joseph, -1994