Description
This collection contains the papers of dance studio founder and
choreographer Joseph Rickard (1918-1994), and includes manuscripts, printed
material, ephemera, music scores, production files, and photographs related to the First Negro
Classical Ballet and Negro Classical Ballet, which Rickard founded, and local
ballets in San Gabriel, California. The papers are especially strong as a visual
record with a large number of photographs, publicity material, costume sketches, and
printed posters. including
Background
Joseph Rickard (1918-1994) was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, September 17, 1918. He
moved to Los Angeles in the 1930s to study ballet with Bronislava and Irina Nijinska
but his real gifts lay in teaching (especially adults) and choreography. In 1946, he
overheard an African-American woman being turned away from a dance studio where she
sought lessons for her daughter; Rickard, from that moment, became determined to
start his own dance studio where he could train African-American dancers in
classical ballet.
Extent
2,513 pieces in 34 boxes
Restrictions
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.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services
Department. For more information, contact Reader Services. The audiovisual material is uncataloged and not available for paging
until reformatted; please contact Reader Services for more information. Please note: the audiovisual material does not include
any material relating to the First Negro Classical Ballet.