Penrod (James W.) papers, 1950-2016, bulk 1966-1995

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Summary

Title:

James Penrod papers

Dates:

1950-2016, bulk 1966-1995

Abstract:

James Wilford Penrod (1934-2019) was a dancer, choreographer, and Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts. Collection materials include teaching materials, manuscripts, programs, clippings, correspondence, photographs, audiovisual materials, and posters.

Extent:

7.3 Linear Feet (6 record cartons, 1 half-width document box, 1 18" flat box, and 1 oversize folder)

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

James Penrod papers. MS-P081. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California. [Date accessed].

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of materials produced and collected over the years from Penrod's time as a dance student to his time as a faculty member at UC Irvine. Materials include teaching materials, manuscripts, programs, clippings, correspondence, photographs, audiovisual materials, and posters.

Biographical / historical:

James Wilford Penrod (1934-2019) was a dancer, choreographer, and Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts. He received his B.A. in English Literature from the University of Southern California (USC), his M.F.A. in Dance from UC Irvine, and his Certified Movement Analyst certificate from the Laban Institute of Movement Studies. Penrod was a founding member of UCI's Department of Dance, where he began his career in 1966 at the invitation of Eugene Loring. Together with Loring they helped establish a model for American university dance programs, for which UCI is now recognized for its dance practice, theory, and choreography. Penrod served as Department Chair (1980-1989) and Associate Dean (2003, 2005). He is the author of Movement for the Performing Artist and co-author of The Dancer Prepares with Janice Plastino. He taught Movement Analysis, Laban Studies, and choreography.

Acquisition information:

Gift of Rita Marks, 2020, 2022, 2024.

Processing information:

During processing the collection was reduced from 10 linear feet to 7.1 linear feet by discarding duplicate materials and materials outside of the scope of the collection. General posters not related to Penrod were moved to other collections.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized in the following order:

Manuscripts, 1975-1996. 0.13 linear feet
Presentations, 1984-1990. 0.08 linear feet
Teaching Materials, 1963-1998. 0.29 linear feet
Research Materials, 1978-1997. 0.5 linear feet
Professional Files & Awards, 1971-2006. 0.19 linear feet
Scrapbooks, 1982-1995. 0.58 linear feet
Correspondence, 1960-2008. 0.21 linear feet
Photographs, 1980-2000. 0.21 linear feet
Programs, 1956-2015. 0.6 linear feet
Clippings, 1958-2000. 0.19 linear feet
Audiovisual, 1959-1997. 1 linear feet
Memorabilia, 1968-2010. 0.8 linear feet

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:: Dance -- Archives
Choreography -- United States -- History -- Sources
Dancers.
Modern dance -- History -- Sources
Choreographers.
Dance teachers.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid prepared by Alice He, 2022; updated by Charla DelaCuadra, 2026.
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-02-02 09:07:54 -0800 .

Access and use

Restrictions:: The collection is processed and open for research. Access to original audiovisual materials is restricted; researchers may request listening/viewing copies.
Terms of access:: Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the University Archivist.