Purple Moon Dance Project Records, 1980-2012

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Summary

Title:
Purple Moon Dance Project records
Dates:
1980-2012
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
2.1 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Purple Moon Dance Project records. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the work of Purple Moon Dance Project, which was founded in 1992 by choreographer/dancer Jill Togawa with the goal of promoting visibility for lesbians and women of color through the medium of dance. The collection contains production, press and marketing files; brochures, programs and flyers; administrative records; a small amount of correspondence; materials related to the Community Healing Garden Festival; newsletters; posters; photographs and negatives; VHS videotapes, DVDs and mini-DVs. The A/V material includes performances and dress rehearsals, promotional materials and websites, project meetings, retreats and artist meetings. There are also several of Jill Togawa’s notebooks and calendars. Carton 1: records; Carton 2: A/V. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_004299; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_001601; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_006371; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000381

Biographical / historical:

Purple Moon Dance Project (PMDP) was founded by San Francisco-based dancer choreographer and dancer Jill Togawa in 1992 out of her desire to work with other lesbians and women of color. After putting out notices for an audition, Togawa connected with a small group of collaborators who worked together to produce the performance piece, “Overlapping Clothes,” in September 1992. The production's success led to the formation of the Purple Moon Dance Project Support Circle, which acted as the foundation for PMDP as a dance company. As detailed by Togawa in a 1995 interview, a core aspect of her work as Artistic Director of PMDP was informed by the blending of her formal training in Western dance techniques, her identity as a Japanese American woman, her deep connection to spirituality and Buddhist practice, and a growing knowledge of traditional Eastern cultural dance forms. From 1993 to 2012, PMDP performed regularly at dance showcases, cultural festivals, and headlining shows at performing arts venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally. Performances centered on themes such as lesbian romantic relationships, women in recovery, lesbian motherhood, cross-cultural traditions, and intimacy between women, while drawing upon various cultural movement and musical traditions, such as hula, Japanese folk, belly dance, West African dance, and capoeira. PMDP also produced dance/movement workshops and classes, often collaborating with local organizations providing support services, such as the Women’s Alcohol Center, New Leaf Outreach to Elders, and Alternative Family Project.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Jill Togawa on behalf of Purple Moon Dance Project on July 23, 2012. Additions in 2013.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1980-2012
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

Purple Moon Dance Project records. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
Website