Finding Aid for the Charles James Miller papers
0333
Finding aid prepared by Jacqueline Morin
USC Libraries Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California, 90089-0189
213-740-5900
specol@usc.edu
2008
Title: Charles James Miller papers
Collection number: 0333
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
6.5 linear ft.
12 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1945-1989
Abstract: Correspondence, ephemera, and photographs related to Russell Meriwether Hughes ("La Meri")-- ethnic dance icon, instructor,
friend (and one-time lover) of Charles Miller who saved the materials which comprise this collection. The collection also
includes Miller's own research material and dissertation on Edward Gordon Craig, published in 1957.
creator:
Craig, Edward Gordon, 1872-1966 -- Correspondence
creator:
La Meri, 1898-1988 -- Correspondence
creator:
Miller, Charles James -- Archives
Acquisition
Purchased from Golden Legend, Inc., Beverly Hills, CA, April-May, 2006.
Biography/History
Charles James Miller was a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and close friend of Russell Meriwether Hughes, better known as
La Meri--the "Queen of Ethnic Dance." In the early 1940s (during World War II), Miller served in the Army as an interpreter
in French and Spanish for the Arabs; he was also director and choreographer for Army Red Cross shows in Algeria. After the
war, Miller became a dance-dramatist and instructor with the La Meri Ethnological Dance Center in New York City where he met
Hughes and became one of her students. At the time, Hughes was 47 and Miller 24; they had a short-lived love affair which
developed into a life-long friendship as attested by the volume of correspondence which Miller saved, including the carbon
copies of his own letters to Hughes.
In the late 1940s, Miller moved to California where he continued his involvement in ethnic dance (he referred to himself as
an "ethnic dance dramatist" and often went by the name "Chet Milar") while pursuing his interest in theatre arts, which led
him to write his dissertation on Edward Gordon Craig-- the British actor, director, and scenic designer. Miller received his
Ph.D. from USC in 1957 on the subject of Craig's contributions to modern theatre art. In addition to teaching and demonstrating
dance, Miller spent a great deal of time traveling around the world; many of his trips are described in his correspondence
to Hughes and other friends.
Russell Meriwether Hughes ("La Meri") was born in Kentucky in 1898, but moved with her family to San Antonio, Texas in 1910
and made her professional stage debut at the Rialto Theatre in 1923, dancing prologues to silent movies. Her interest in dance
led her to tour the world in the 1920s and 30s, studying and performing in South and Central America, Europe, Africa, Australia,
India, Burma, Java, and many other regions. Among the ethnic dances at which Hughes excelled were those of India and Spain;
she was the first Western dancer to be accepted for study in India. (Hughes claimed to have coined the term "ethnic dance."
To her it always meant culture, regardless of race, creed or color.)
In 1925, Hughes met Guido Carreras, an Italian baron who had managed the great dancers Nijinsky and Pavlova, traveled with
Hughes as her manager and in 1931 became her husband. They separated in 1944, leaving no children; Hughes never remarried.
In 1940, Hughes founded and taught dance at the School of Natya with Ruth St. Denis in New York City, where they also presented
such guest lecturers as Pearl S. Buck, Coomaraswamy, Lin Yutang, and Ted Shawn. (The institute was located in a studio built
for Isadora Duncan). Two years later, the school became absorbed into the Ethnologic Dance Center which continued until 1956
when Hughes retired to Cape Cod where she became involved in dog shows, but she was quickly lured out of retirement by members
of the local theatre. Her summers were spent teaching and performing at Jacob's Pillow, Ted Shawn's prestigious dance colony
outside New York City, where she gave many dance performances for author Pearl S. Buck's "East and West Evenings." Hughes
also taught at Columbia University, Connecticut College, New York University, and the Juilliard School of Music. Hughes retired
a second time in 1970, at which time she established the non-profit Ethnic Dance Arts, Inc. in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Each
year Hughes would present an ethnic dance festival and awards.
In 1972, Hughes received the Capezio Dance Award. The following year, Hughes was given a citation by Texas Governor Dolph
Briscoe for artistic achievement.
In 1984, Hughes returned to San Antonio where she attended dance performances regularly, even as she struggled with the tribulations
of old age including worsening eyesight and cataract operations. She continued with a busy social life and correspondence
until her death in 1988 at age 89.
Hughes wrote six volumes of poetry and five books on dance esthetics, technique, and composition. Her book,
Spanish Dancing, is considered by many to be the definitive text on Spanish dance. Her extensive collection of material on ethnic dance,
given to the New York Public Library in 1948 and 1962, is a major holding of the library's Dance Collection.
Organization
Organized by series: I. Charles James Miller; II. La Meri. Series I is further broken down into subseries: 1. Correspondence,
2. Ephemera, 3. Photographs, 4. Edward Gordon Craig, 5. Dissertation. Series II consists of three subseries: 1. Correspondence,
2. Photographs, and 3. Ephemera.
Related Materials
Related USC Materials
Hughes, Russell Meriwether.
The gesture language of the Hindu dance. 1964.
Hughes, Russell Meriwether.
Spanish dancing. 1948.
Hughes, Russell Meriwether.
Dance as an art-form: its history and development. 1933.
Miller, Charles James.
An analytical and descriptive study of the contributions of Edward Gordon Craig to modern theatre art. 1957.
Related Materials at Other Institutions
La Meri Papers, 1912-1992. New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival Archives. Jacob's Pillow. http://digilib.nypl.org/dynaweb/dhc/findaid/pillow/@Generic__BookView
Papers of Moya Beaver, 1918-1973. [Portrait of La Meri in costume for
Goyesca dance, c.1940(?)]. http://nla.gov.au/nla.ms-ms9803-1-145. [Lyndon Dadswell working on his sculpture of La Meri, posing in
costume from the
White Peacock, Royal Academy (picture), ca. 1936] http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn3292424. National Library of Australia.
Edward Gordon Craig Collection. Northwestern University Library. Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections.
Edward Gordon Craig Collection. Yale University. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
Donald Oenslager Collection of Edward Gordon Craig. Yale University. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Charles James Miller papers, Collection no. 0333, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California
Scope and Content
Correspondence, ephemera, and photographs related to Russell Meriwether Hughes ("La Meri")-- ethnic dance icon, instructor,
friend (and one-time lover) of Charles Miller who saved the materials which comprise this collection. The collection also
includes Miller's own research material and dissertation on Edward Gordon Craig, published in the late 1950s.
Conditions Governing Access
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. -- Archives
Bailey Films (Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.). -- Archives
Balasaraswati -- Archives
Blom, Benjamin -- Archives
Briscoe, Dolph -- Archives
Buck, Pearl S., (Pearl Sydenstricker), 1892-1973 -- Archives
Carrick, Edward, 1905-1998 -- Correspondence
Code, Grant Hyde -- Archives
Collett, Dorothy -- Archives
Craig, Edward Gordon, 1872-1966 -- Archives
Goya, Carola -- Archives
Holder, Geoffrey, 1930- -- Archives
La Meri, 1898-1988 -- Archives
Limon, Jose -- Archives
Miller, Charles James -- Archives
Miller, Charles James -- Correspondence
Mumaw, Barton, 1912-2001 -- Archives
Newcomer, Lilian Hughes, 1892-1965 -- Archives
Newcomer, Lilian Hughes, 1892-1965 -- Correspondence
Shawn, Ted, 1891-1972 -- Archives
St. Denis, Ruth, 1880-1968 -- Archives
St. Denis, Ruth, 1880-1968 -- Correspondence
Terry, Ellen, Dame, 1847-1928 -- Archives
Terry, Walter -- Archives
University of Southern California. -- Students
Choreographers--United States--20th century--Archival resources
Choreography--United States--20th century--Archival resources
Clippings
Correspondence
Dance--United States--20th century--Archival resources
Dancers--United States--20th century--Archival resources
Drawings
Ephemera
Folk dancing--United States--20th century--Archival resources
Letters
Modern dance--United States--20th century--Archival resources
Negatives (photographic)
Notes
Photographs
Programs (documents)
Typescripts
Charles James Miller
Physical Description:
8.0 boxes
Edward Carrick and Charles Miller
Box 1, Folder 1
15 Apr 1953
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter. Miller introduces himself to Carrick as a "concert ethnic
dance-dramatist turned scholar." He explains that he is pursuing his doctoral dissertation in Drama at USC and, in particular,
wishes to focus on Edward Gordon Craig's contribution to the theatre of today. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 2
4 May 1953
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on paper embossed with "Cutler's Orchard." Carrick tells Miller that it would be unwise
to ask his father about his contributions to modern theatre because he would expect anyone really interested to already know.
He recommends that Miller read his father's books as well as William Gaunt's
The March of the Moderns to understand why the artistic revolution took place. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 3
14 Sep 1953
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten note on postcard of Paris. Carrick thanks Miller for his letter and will try to answer all
his questions soon. 1 item.
Box 1, Folder 4
15 Oct 1953
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Typed letter on onionskin. Carrick replies to a list of questions regarding his father (Edward Gordon Craig).
Comments on Craig's opinions of Max Reinhardt, Lee Simonson, Ellen Terry, and various aspects of the theatre. 5 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 5
17 Nov 1953
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Carrick for all his help with his thesis on Craig.
He mentions other books on Craig by Catherine Valogne and Edith Rose-Enid. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 6
14 Dec 1953
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Typed letter on onionskin. Carrick gives his opinions of good poetry recitation, his father's ideas on
theatre production, and comments on Craig's book,
Towards a New Theatre. 3 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 7
3 Jan 1954
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Craig tells Miller he will answer his long letter later, but has a few
comments. He suggests that Miller write to him asking definite questions. There is a clipping which shows a photograph of
Craig on the cover of a book by Catherine Valogne. 1 leaf plus clipping. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 8
15 Mar 1954
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller says that he has heard from Craig and that the latter
has requested a series of questions that he could answer for Miller's thesis. Mentions that Sheldon Cheney sent him a copy
of Craig's replies to an essay Cheney had written in 1914. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 9
12 Oct 1954
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten note on half sheet of plain paper. Carrick thanks Miller for his letter and tells him not to
worry about writing except when he has plenty of time. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 10
5 Nov 1954
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller mentions that his thesis is progressing slowly and
that he has been going over issues of
The Mask and wonders which pseudonyms Craig used in his articles. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 11
5 Nov 1954
Scope and Content
Miller to Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Craig for his interest in his project and says
that he is sending out about 200 questionnaires to notables in modern theatre including Craig himself. Miller mentions
The Mask and asks Craig if he used any pseudonyms while writing for his publication because many of the articles sounded like his
own writings. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 12
23 Nov 1954
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on paper embossed with
Cutler's Orchard. Carrick suggests that Miller shorten his questionnaire and also suggests persons to whom to send the questionnaire. Some
comments on Edith Craig, Edward Gordon Craig's sister. 1 leaf, folded.
Box 1, Folder 13
9 Jul 1955
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick misses Miller's long letters but has been busy with his film
work. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 14
17 Oct 1955
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick provides some detail regarding his father's family background--his
wives, children, etc. He mentions some of the people who influenced his father's thinking, i.e. Isadora Duncan. 2 leaves.
Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 15
29 Oct 1955
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick mentions family members: Nellie (his sister), Elena Meo (his
mother), Gaetano Meo (his grandfather, an artist). Comments on art and theatre during the first decade of the twentieth century.
3 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 16
6 Dec 1955
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Carrick for the biographical information on
Craig. He mentions that he would like to get photos of productions of
Macbeth and
Hamlet from the era prior to 1900 and for the era 1920 to 1935. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 17
20 Jan 1956
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick states that the studios which he works in have all gone over
to television, so everyone is looking for new jobs. Much discussion on his father's ideas of acting, stage scenery, etc. 2
leaves.
Box 1, Folder 18
1 Feb 1956
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Carrick for loaning him the Irving program
of
Macbeth. He is hoping to complete his manuscript by Easter and getting it edited and revised by June by which he would get his Ph.D.
in June. He would like very much to go to Europe and deliver his thesis to Craig in person. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 19
3 Apr 1956
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Typed letter on airmail paper. Carrick discusses his father's ideas of play production and advises Miller
to emphasize in Chapter 7 of his manuscript Craig's revolution in the production of plays rather than visual comparisons between
settings. 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 20
5 Nov 1956
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on paper embossed with
Cutler's Orchard. Carrick mentions his recent travels, and he is looking forward to reading Miller's work on his father. He says that Craig
is "part Hamlet, part Macbeth, and a great deal of Lear." 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 21
10 Feb 1957
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller is planning his trip to England during which he will
give Carrick a copy of his dissertation. His manuscript is being typed up in its final form and he will take his final oral
examination on April 5th. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 22
9 Oct 1957
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller comments on his trip to Europe where he visited both
Carrick and Craig. In addition to England and France, Miller also traveled to Germany, Switzerland, Ceylon, and Japan. He
is anxious to receive feedback on his dissertation from both Carrick and Craig. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 23
15 Oct 1957
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick mentions that his father has moved to a hotel in Vence (France)
and is still reading Miller's book. Craig's books have been sold to the French government. Carrick has sent a report to the
Guggenheim Foundation regarding Miller's work. 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 24
16 Oct 1957
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Typed report on plain paper. This is Carrick's report to the Guggenheim Foundation in support of Charles
Miller's studies in the Dance-Drama of the Orient. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 25
29 Oct 1957
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick.. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Carrick that he has written to Craig regarding
getting copies of his book and The Mask if possible. Most of the rest of the letter is an account of his recent trip around
the world, noting that his experiences in Paris were not that pleasant. Miller details his visit with Craig in Nice, at which
time he had presented Craig with his dissertation. He mentions that when he flew from Nice to Rome, his seatmate was Merle
Oberon "who I found to be perfectly charming." Miller's perspective of the peoples of Greece, Rome, Turkey, India, Ceylon,
and Cambodia was that they were "basking in the reflected glory of what their ancestors had contributed to civilizations...they,
themselves were merely parasites living on the past and not contributing anything currently." 3 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 26
11 Dec 1957
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller comments on his hopes for a foundation to offer him
enough money for his proposed study on Ceylon. He mentions in particular the Rockefeller Foundation which has offered him
a sum of money that would not be sufficient for a year. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 27
20 Mar 1958
Scope and Content
Miller to Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller informs Carrick of his new address. He has corresponded
with Hatfield House regarding the possible publication of his book on Craig. His book is also under consideration at University
of California Press at Berkeley. His study proposals were turned down by UNESCO and the Rockefeller Foundation; he is still
waiting to hear from Ford and Guggenheim. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 28
14 May 1958
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Typed and handwritten letter on air mail stationery. Carrick says that he has sent his copy of Miller's
thesis to Hatfield and had to write to him in order to get it back. He is also thinking of selling off most of his collections
of theatre books. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 29
28 Jan 195[?]
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick explains to Miller how to travel to England via Italy and invites
him to visit and stay with him in his bungalow near Oxford University. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 30
195[?]
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten note on plain paper. Carrick has just returned from Austria and wants to know whether or not
Miller has received his last letter and the books he sent him. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 31
195[?]
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick mentions going to Austria on two different occasions and has
just finished working on a film. Interested in knowing how Miller's thesis is progressing and would like to see a copy of
the questions and answers from Craig. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 32
195[?]
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on lined notebook paper. Carrick mentions writing to his father in which his father
wrote back describing which men in the theatre today have tried to follow his ideas. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 33
195[?]
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on lined notebook paper. Carrick provides suggestions for revising Miller's questionnaire
on Craig and includes a revised copy of it. 6 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 34
17 Feb 1960
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on paper embossed with
Cutler's Orchard. Carrick is looking forward to Miller's visit and advises using a Volkswagen rather than a Citroen. Carrick's father hasn't
been well; a visit from Miller isn't advised. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 35
26 Oct 1960
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick has read Miller's dissertation and is impressed by the amount
of work it represents. Recently visited his father in France when he, Carrick, was on his honeymoon. Their trip also included
several cities in Italy. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 36
5 Jan 1965
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter. Miller thanks Carrick for his Christmas card and mentions
that he has recently purchased an old Victorian house that he is fixing up. He inquires as to the health of Carrick's father,
Craig. Finally, Miller asks Carrick if he will write him a note some time regarding his dissertation on Craig. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 37
15 Jan 1966
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Carrick thanks Miller for his personal letter and sympathizes with the
trials he and his wife are going through renovating their house. Also, his father (Craig) almost died in December, but has
pulled through. 2 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 38
13 Sep 1966
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Carrick. Carbon copy of a typed letter. Miller has just returned from an extended vacation in Canada
and found out about Edward Gordon Craig's passing. He expresses his condolences and his expectations that Craig's work will
remain alive through people who respond to his creativity. Miller also urges that if his dissertation cannot be included in
the theatre arts collection at the British Museum, that it be returned to him so that he could find a suitable place for it
in the United States. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 39
10 Oct 1966
Scope and Content
Carrick to Miller. Handwritten letter on Edward Gordon Craig stationery. Carrick thanks Miller for his nice letter and is
glad that he and his wife have happy memories of their last visit to his father. Carrick will make an effort to get Miller's
dissertation into the rest of Craig's collection at the Bibliotheque National in Paris. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 40
Various Dates
Scope and Content
16 envelopes addressed to Charles Miller from 1953 to 1967.
Edward Gordon Craig and Charles Miller
Box 1, Folder 41
19 Mar 1953
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller addresses Craig as "Guru" and introduces
himself as an "ethnologic concert dance-dramatist turned...academics." He explains that he is pursuing his doctorate at USC
and is interested in studying Craig's influence on modern theatre. He is looking forward to hearing from Craig himself regarding
his views on the theatre at the present time. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 42
23 Dec 1953
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Miller wonders whether Craig ever received the letter
that he wrote last March and explains his project again. He describes the topic of his dissertation and mentions some of the
people whom he plans to interview regarding Craig's influence in the theatre. 5 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 43
27 Jan 1954
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Craig for the response he
finally received to his previous letters. Most of the remainder of the letter consists of a list of questions which Miller
hopes Craig will answer--questions regarding Craig's own opinions of the state of the theatre today. 3 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 44
25 Jun 1954
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Craig thanks Miller for his kind words regarding his book, and for his
letters. Most of the short letter is very difficult to decipher. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 45
1 Aug 1954
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Craig for his last letter
and again asks Craig if he will answer questions regarding his opinions on twentieth-century theatre. He re-types the same
list of questions that he had included in his letter of January 27. 3 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 46
20 Sep 1954
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Craig is anxious to see Miller's list of questions and tells him to "hurry
up" because "in another year or so" he may be dead. He mentions that next year (1955) will be the 50th anniversary of his
essay, "On the Art of the Theatre." Handwriting is very difficult to decipher. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 47
[1954]
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten note on a postcard which has a photo of Craig on the front. Craig refers to an intended visit
from Miller and would like more details as the time approaches. 1 item.
Box 1, Folder 48
[1954?]
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Craig comments on some of the questions that Miller has sent him and apologizes
for not being more helpful. Handwriting is very difficult to decipher. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 49
13 Jan 1957
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller says that his dissertation has
been revised some seven or eight times and is now almost ready for the final typing. Four of the five committee members have
approved it and he is awaiting the approval of the fifth member for typing the final draft and re-submitting it. He plans
on being awarded the Ph.D. degree in June. Miller also plans on visiting Craig during the summer and would like to discuss
his manuscript with him. He also plans on next writing a book on Indian and Singhalese dance-drama, since he has been doing
work in the Ethnic theatre for quite a while. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 50
21 Jan 1957
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain folded paper. Craig mentions theatres that Miller should visit when he travels
to Europe and has drawn a small map of Italy and France with the cities on them that Miller should visit. He tells Miller
that if he is coming in the summer, to drop by and visit him [Craig] in Vence. He also says that it was a real delight to
meet Dr. Butler recently. 1 leaf, folded. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 51
24 Apr 1957
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller informs Craig that his dissertation
has been accepted by USC and that he has earned his Ph.D. He plans on visiting Craig during the summer in Vence [France] and
is eager to discuss his work with him. He also plans on visiting Scotland and England, and will probably be in Vence sometime
between July 4th and July 14th. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 52
9 Oct 1957
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Craig how much he enjoyed
visiting him and is anxious to hear Craig's reaction to his dissertation. He mentions the other countries that he visited
during the summer, particularly enjoying England, Vence, Germany, Ceylon, and Japan. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 53
22 Nov 1957
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain index card. Craig has not been feeling well and has enlisted the help of his
son, Edward [Carrick] in helping him pack and move as he is hoping to be able to move to a small house or flat in the spring.
1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 54
11 Dec 1957
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Craig for his last letter
and expresses consolation for Craig's recent illness. He mentions that he has been applying to various foundations for financial
support to assist him in returning to Ceylon to study the dances of Kandy. He feels that there is much to be learned in studying
Eastern theatre, but that it takes an Occidental rather than an Oriental mind to present knowledge and information in such
a way as to "aid in a greater understanding of the particular art form." Miller also asks Craig for the name of the publisher
who might be interested in publishing his dissertation. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 55
3 Mar 1958
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain blue index card. Craig says he will write more when he gets settled in his new
apartment which he hopes to be the early weeks of June. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 56
20 Mar 1958
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller is worried he hasn't heard from
Craig since December, though he sent him a letter in January. He is anxious to know what Craig thinks of his dissertation
and has been endeavoring to get it published. He has heard from Mr. Hatfield who said he would contact Craig's son [Edward
Carrick] about borrowing his copy of Miller's manuscript. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 57
21 Jan 1966
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Edward Gordon Craig. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Craig that he hopes his health
has improved and congratulates him on his 94th birthday, wishing him many, many more. Miller says that they [he and his wife]
have been restoring an old Victorian home which they have bought and which he describes in detail in a mimeographed letter.
[The mimeographed letter is not included in the Charles James Miller Collection.] Miller continues to ask Craig whether he
has had a chance to go over his dissertation and make comments on it and especially wonders if some of his attitudes or points
of view may have changed since then. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 58
Various Dates
Scope and Content
Craig to Miller. A note referencing "Life Is a Dream" by Pedro Calderon de la Barca and Shakespeare's sonnets, a small hand-drawn
map on grid paper indicating various buildings, roads, and the sea [Craig's home?], and two envelopes addressed to Miller.
4 items.
Charles Miller and Others [Arranged alphabetically by author]
Box 1, Folder 59
Aiyagari, Nalini
1970 December 12
Scope and Content
Nalini Aiyagari to Charles Miller. December 12, 1970. Handwritten letter on personalized stationery. Aiyagari introduces herself
as the granddaughter of India's president, Mr. V.V. Giri. She says that she is enclosing some literature pertaining to her
dance training and lists several American universities where she has performed. She tells Miller that if he is interested,
she would like to come to the State College and give a lecture or demonstration and performance. 2 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 60
Bose, Monoj
1970 December 6
Scope and Content
Mrs. Monoj M. (Anima)Bose to Charles Miller. December 6, 1970. Typed letter on onionskin. Mrs. Bose introduces herself as
an Indian teaching at Stephens College and is interested in a Dance Drama position at California State College. She is writing
to Miller as she has heard that he is starting a course of Dance Drama in the Asian Studies Department. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 61
California State Board of Dental Examiners
1956 March 27
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to the California State Board of Dental Examiners. March 27, 1956. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper.
Miller is reporting an incident regarding his mother's dentist and dental plates made for her which did not fit. Miller is
questioning whether he should sign a statement requested by the dentist in which case the dentist's insurance company would
refund the money to Miller. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 62
Craig, Ellen
1963 July 27
Scope and Content
27 Jul 1963. Ellen (Nelly) Craig to Miller. A scrap of paper with Ellen's name and address on it. The other item is a short
note dated 27 July 1963 from Ellen Craig to Miller asking if he could come and visit Father around 3:30? There is no indication
that the two items belonged together or were written during the same time period. 2 items.
Box 1, Folder 63
Dharmawara
1959 December 4
Scope and Content
Ven'ble Dharmawara to Dr. Dorothy Collett and Dr. Charles Miller. Typed holiday greeting on onionskin. Short note written
in poem format sending best wishes for Christmas and the new year. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 64
Gaudette, Harolyn
1972
Scope and Content
Harolyn Gaudette to Charles Miller. March 20, 1972. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Gaudette introduces herself to Miller
as a student of La Meri and asks him if he knows who the best authorities on ethnic dance are in the Los Angeles area or Orange
County. This file also includes a draft of a letter which Miller wrote to Gaudette in response to hers, as well as a carbon
copy of a typed letter which he presumably sent to her in April 1972. Miller says that he would like to know a little more
about Gaudette and her background before being able to give her any advice. 3 items.
Box 1, Folder 65
Guye, G.
Scope and Content
Gilbert Guye to Charles Miller. 1964-1966. Two letters from Guye to Miller; one letter from Miller to Guye. The second letter
from Guye is handwritten; the others are typed. All of the letters are in French and consist primarily of descriptions of
travels including Tchad [Chad], the Canary Islands, Abeche, and Europe. 3 items.
Box 1, Folder 66
Henson, Robert E.
2001 August 26
Scope and Content
Pictorial notecard from Charles Miller to Robert E. Henson, apparently returned as "no such address." The typed note from
Miller is dated August 26, 2001 and is an inquiry regarding the Robert Henson he knew many years ago in World War II. Miller
is curious to know if this Robert Henson is the same as his old army buddy. Envelope included.
Box 1, Folder 67
Kublin, Hyman
1960-1961
Scope and Content
Hyman Kublin to Charles Miller. Four typed letters on Brooklyn College stationery. Kublin discusses travel grants and fellowships;
he says that he will look into A.C.L.S. and S.S.R.C. announcements regarding this. 4 items.
Box 1, Folder 68
Nesher, Arieh
1965-1969
Scope and Content
Two handwritten letters from Arieh Nesher to Charles [and Dorothy] Miller; three carbon copies of typed letters from Charles
Miller to Arieh [and Hadassah] Nesher. News regarding family, travels, studying in Israel, etc. 5 items; 6 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 69
Pandey, Ila
circa 1970
Scope and Content
Ila Pandey to Charles Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Pandey states that he is a resident of Jaipur, India and
that he is interested in joining Miller's course on Indian dance and drama. He has experience acting, dancing, and singing
and would also be interested in scholarships or travel grants. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 70
Rajsulochena, Mrs.
1970 December 16
Scope and Content
Mrs. Rajsulochena to Charles Miller. Handwritten letter on personal letterhead. Rajsulochena introduces herself as an Indian
dancer and teacher and is interested in joining Miller's Indian Dance-Drama course as a teacher. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 71
Roosevelt, Eleanor
1957 May 28
Scope and Content
Charles Miller to Eleanor Roosevelt. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller explains that he has recently received
his Ph.D. from USC and is seeking financial assistance with a project documenting and describing the dances of Ceylon. Miller
will be leaving soon for a round-the-world trip which includes visiting Gordon Craig in Vence and Dr. Sarathchandra in Ceylon,
with whom he would be working on the planned project. Miller asks Roosevelt if she might know of an agency or persons that
he might contact, since he understands that the United States is interested in strengthing its ties with Ceylon [and Asia].
2 leaves.
Box 1, Folder 72
Sheikh, Faith Schmitter
1965 February
Scope and Content
Faith (Vangie) Schmitter Sheikh to Charles Miller. Typed letter on plain paper addressed to "Friends-- Near and Far" with
some personalized handwritten notes in the margins. Sheikh writes from Karachi, Pakistan, where she is now living with her
husband and new twin babies. Much news of their travels, polo tournaments, searching and finding a house, servants, and launching
their import/export business. 1 leaf.
Box 1, Folder 73
Various
1958-1971
Scope and Content
28 letters to and from Charles Miller and various personal and business correspondents between 1958 and 1971. The letters
give an overview of Miller's personal and professional life, particularly his academic activities and travels.
Box 1, Folder 74
Envelopes
1940s-1983
Scope and Content
Six envelopes addressed to Charles Miller, spanning approximately forty years. Various sources. Four of Miller's residential
addresses are represented; one envelope was apparently hand-delivered (no address), possibly from La Meri since the envelope
is Natya School stationery. Though the envelopes are empty, their contents may be filed in other folders of correspondence
since most of the letters in the collection are without envelopes. 6 items.
Box 1, Folder 75
Dissertation
1953-1958
Scope and Content
Correspondence to and from Charles Miller regarding research for his dissertation on Edward Gordon Craig. Much of it is from
libraries and special collection departments of museums which may have photographs and other materials related to Craig and
his works. 41 items.
Box 1, Folder 76
Publication of Craig manuscript
1957-1967
Scope and Content
Correspondence between Charles Miller and various editors, publishers, etc. concerning the possible publication of Miller's
dissertation on Craig. Other parties include Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, Lincoln Kirstein, Edward Hulton Book Publishers,
UC Press, Benjamin Blom, Theatre Arts Books, Pageant Press, etc.
Box 1, Folder 77
Christmas Cards
Scope and Content
Nine Christmas cards to Charles and Dorothy Miller, most from Edward Carrick, dating from 1953 to 1966. Some envelopes included.
Box 1, Folder 78
Clippings
Scope and Content
Miscellaneous notes, newspaper articles, and photocopies of articles related to dance, Ted Shawn, E. Gordon Craig, etc.
Box 1, Folder 79
Dance Instruction Notes and Lectures
Scope and Content
Charles Miller's own typewritten notes as well as those of other dance teachers regarding specific dances and dance in general.
One particular typed manuscript represents either a lecture or an essay by Miller regarding the nature of dance especially
in America and is dated 28 June 2002.
Box 1, Folder 80
Performances and Recitals
1950s-1980s
Scope and Content
Charles Miller's typed introductions to dance performances as well as ephemera related to dance programs and recitals in general.
Box 1, Folder 81
Photographs
Scope and Content
Six photographs of Charles Miller (and others); one photograph of G. Guye in 1966. One negative, undetermined subject.
Box 2, Folder 1
Questionnaires--Drafts
Scope and Content
Drafts of a questionnaire Miller prepared to send colleagues regarding their experiences with Edward Gordon Craig.
Box 2, Folder 2
Questionnaires--Letters--Drafts
Scope and Content
Drafts of a letter Miller prepared to send with the questionnaires regarding Edward Gordon Craig.
Box 2, Folder 3
Questionnaires--Critics and Historians
Scope and Content
Completed questionnaires from drama critics and theatre historians. Miller's typed list of drama critics and theatre historians
is included in the file, with names such as Brooks Atkinson, Sir Max Beerbohm, and John Gassner. Accompanying correspondence
and notes are attached to the questionnaires. Arranged alphabetically by last name.
Box 2, Folder 4
Questionnaires--Directors
Scope and Content
Completed questionnaires from film and theatre directors. Miller's typed list of directors is included in the file and includes
some notable names such as Elia Kazan, George Cukor, and Charles Coburn. Many of the questionnaires have correspondence or
notes attached. Arranged alphabetically by last name.
Box 2, Folder 5
Questionnaires--Producers
Scope and Content
Completed questionnaires from producers. Miller's typed list, included in the file, includes names such as Jose Ferrer, Sir
John Gielgud, and Sir Lawrence Olivier. Accompanying correspondence and notes are attached to the questionnaires. Arranged
alphabetically by last name.
Box 2, Folder 6
Questionnaires--Scenic Designers and Art Directors
Scope and Content
Completed questionnaires from scenic designers and art directors. Miller's typed list includes names such as Eugene Berman,
Lucinda Ballard, and Nicolai Remisoff. Accompanying correspondence and notes are attached to the questionnaires. Arranged
alphabetically by last name.
Box 2, Folder 7
Questionnaires--Uncompleted
Scope and Content
Uncompleted questionnaires and related correspondence. This file contains a few questionnaires that were pre-addressed to
people such as Fritz Lang and William Meinitz, but never filled out.
Box 2, Volume
Broom Magazine Excerpts
Scope and Content
A bound volume consisting of several carbon copies of an article by E. Gordon Craig for
Broom Magazine titled "Dedicated to the Enemy," published in several installments in 1922.
Box 3, Folder 1
Dissertation--Scopecontent
Box 3, Folder 8
Drafts--Chapter 3: Part 1
Box 3, Folder 9
Drafts--Chapter 3: Part 2
Box 6
Research Articles
Scope and Content
Three three-ring binders containing carbon copies of theatre magazine articles regarding E. Gordon Craig.
Box 7
Photo Reproductions
Scope and Content
A box of 8" X 10" of photographs depicting theatre stages and scenes designed by E. Gordon Craig "...and his followers" according
to the label on the box. There are many small typed captions in the box also which have become separated from their respective
photographs.
Box 8
Dissertation
Scope and Content
Two drafts of Miller's final dissertation titled,
An Analytical and Descriptive Study of the Contributions of Edward G. Craig to Modern Theatre Art. Both copies have been signed by the dean and the five members of the Guidance Committee, dated June 1957. The dissertation
fulfills in part the requirements for Miller's Ph.D. in Speech. Both copies bound in red buckram.
La Meri
Physical Description:
2.0 Linear feet
General Physical Description note:
4 boxes
Box 9, Folder 1
24 Feb 1946
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on stationery from the John Sevier Hotel in Johnson City, Tennessee. Hughes addresses
the letter as "Dearest," and expresses disappointment that a letter was not awaiting her. She says she has nothing to write
about except that she has thought a lot about him [Miller] the last two days and that he means a great deal in her life. She
says that he has given her back her confidence in herself and taught her to love her country again "and I think you are going
to help me find God!" 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 2
26 Feb 1946
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on stationery from the Jefferson Davis Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama. She mentions being
"lonesome" even though she has been away only four days. She describes the spring-like weather in Alabama and the fact that
the dogwoods and jonquils are in bloom. 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 3
7 Mar 1946
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on stationery from the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, although Hughes was actually
writing from the Southern Hotel in Denton, Texas. Hughes gives a romantic description of "southern living" in the spring and
feels nostalgic for Texas for the first time in fifteen years. But she feels even stronger about the love "that warms me again
into a life to which I was so long dead." 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 4
10 Mar 1946
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter (pencil) on stationery from the Hotel Adolphus in Dallas, Texas. Hughes wonders how she
will look [to Charles] when she gets back, whether the enchantment during her absence will have worn off. She is tired of
her "vacation" and longs for "ugly, dirty, noisy New York & all it holds for me." She had wanted to write a longer letter,
but is sharing a room with Sylvia. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 6
15 Mar 1946
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on stationery from the Hotel Tampa Terrace in Tampa, Florida. She is disappointed not
to have received a letter from Miller here [in Tampa] and that she will notify him about when she will arrive on Monday. She
expresses the thought that she does not want to see him first "with all the gang around," but would rather wait and "gobble
you up as soon as I see you. Do wait for me in the enchanted cottage." 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 7
1946?
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain stationery. She addresses the letter to "Best Beloved" and says that "this is
it--the proof of how much you love me" because she has to break her dinner date with him tonight. She promises to tell him
all the next time they meet. She includes a drawing of a chipmunk with "me" written next to it and an arrow pointing to the
chipmunk. 1 leaf. Envelope included, addressed only to "Chuck."
Box 9, Folder 8
1947?
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
School of Natya stationery and onionskin. Hughes urges Miller to follow his artistic convictions and says that he needs more drive and focus.
She tells him that "if you had liked and admired Hughes she would have been a good teacher for you. You didn't, so she wasn't."
Later she says that she does not think he has lowered and degraded himself by his attentions to her and that "I am quite good
enough to be loved, whatever you or your mother may think to the contrary: & no one has ever been in any way degraded by any
association with me." In reply to what Miller wrote in his letter, Hughes states that she is indeed thoughtless and never
remembers anyone's birthday or holidays, but that "those who know me (& some who love me) just put up with it." Hughes tells
Miller that she is no good for him and that there is no future for them. She has always told him that she could never marry
him, but she has never seduced him or willfully played with his love. She feels hurt at "being assigned the role of the designing
female." 6 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 9
1947?
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
School of Natya stationery. Hughes is grateful to Miller for his recent letter because she has been sad and lonely and feeling a lack of self-respect.
She is happy that they can be friends and wants him to know that the year with him was one of the happiest of her life. She
has put his personal things in a box for him and "ventured to give back the real jewelry you gave me." She urges Miller to
be true to himself and not lay all his happiness "in the hands of any woman" because they "are all calculating and egoistic.
And very few are as 'cricket' as I am." The last page of the letter contains the lyrics to "Go 'Way from My Window" which
Hughes says is "one of Sylvia's and my new gesture-songs. Somehow the words to me seem very appropriate." 4 leaves. Envelope
included, addressed only as "Chuck."
Box 9, Folder 10
194[?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Hughes is writing while aboard a train in Texas. She misses Miller and
expresses her love for him, while also expressing her hate for her husband "more awful than the fury I felt against him two
years ago." 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 11
194[?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
La Meri stationery. In this letter presumably written in the late 1940s, Hughes reminds Miller that they need to make a break and
"make it stick;" that more than anything she wants freedom which is why she left her husband. She has realized that [being
with Miller] she has "all the disadvantages of being married and none of the advantages." Hughes urges Miller to plan for
a future in which she has no part and ends the letter with "I cannot help it if I do not love you." 1 leaf. Envelope included,
addressed only as "Chuck Miller."
Box 9, Folder 12
194[?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on
La Meri stationery. She tells Miller that she is "awfully sorry I forgot this" and asks him to forgive her "for everything." 1 leaf.
Envelope included, addressed only as "Chuck."
Box 9, Folder 13
194[?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on a scrap of paper consisting of only one sentence, "This time, Darling, it really is
good-bye." 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 14
194[?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Milt. Handwritten letter on
La Meri stationery. Letter has been torn in half. A photocopy of the letter is in the folder along with the original. In this letter
to "Milt," La Meri asks him to "tell him I didn't mean all those tough things I said in the car" presumably referring to Charles
Miller. She says that if she had been ten years younger, things may have turned out differently. She signs the letter "Dickie"
as she does in her letters to Miller. Two pieces, plus photocopy.
Box 9, Folder 15
[Jan?] 1962
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on
RMH notecard. Hughes thanks Miller for shopping for her in Europe and says she would like to have him visit the Cape. 1 item.
Box 9, Folder 5
11 Mar 1946
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on stationery from the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Hughes is looking forward
to being with Miller "one week from tonight" and asks if she "may have a date" with him the night she arrives in New York.
She ends the letter with, "Thank god I shall see you again____& no___I can't consign such beautiful but chaotic thoughts to
paper!!" 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 16
15 Sep 196[2?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain stationery. She mentions remembering Gordon Craig and states that [Miller's]
dissertation on him must have been very interesting research work. She also says that she and Lil [her sister] moved into
their own house last May. They are so sure of staying there forever that "we are having the old family furniture shipped up
from San Antonio (after 23 years in storage!)" She spent three weeks at "the Pillow" [Jacob's Pillow] during the summer; Ted
Shawn is looking poorly due to a slight stroke last spring. Enjoyed meeting Balasaraswati ("India's greatest for 25 years!")
2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 17
21 Nov 1962
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller describes his last trip to Europe and the Middle East.
He mentions that whenever he is in Europe he always visits Gordon Craig who is now ninety years old and seems to be more like
his mother every day [Ellen Terry]. He says that one of Craig's "legitimate" sons [Edward Carrick] is an art director for
the J. Arthur Rank Organization in England and that they have become close friends due to the correspondence they shared when
he [Miller] was writing his dissertation on Craig. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 18
11 Jan 1963
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
La Meri stationery. Hughes tells Miller that she will be going to New York City in February for a dance symposium and will be on
a panel with Walter Terry. She is enclosing a snapshot of herself with her dog and her '51 car in front of their house. 1
leaf plus photograph.
Box 9, Folder 19
21 Jan 1963
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller says that this summer he plans to buy a Citroen and
visit the French, Spanish, and North African coasts. Also mentions that the Zeckendorf Corporation is now developing Century
City, former home of 20th Century-Fox. Miller describes in detail the courses he is teaching in Asian Studies [at La Verne
College]. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 20
25 Mar 1963
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes is writing a book on dance composition. She talks about a Walter Terry symposium that she participated
in. Also, now that she doesn't care about jobs anymore, she keeps getting job offers that she must decline. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 21
17 Apr 1963
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller comments on Hughes's book project. Also talks about a
trip he took up north (California and Oregon) to see the redwoods and is interested in researching the dances of the northern
California Indians. He is interested in contacting Grant Code. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 22
12 May 1963
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She is working on her manuscript [
Elements of Dance Composition]. A few comments on old friends; i.e. Richey lives in Deland, Florida; Aldo, who is a priest now, is in Mexico City. She
gives the address of Grant Code who is an expert on the American Plains Indian, particularly the Blackfoot Tribe. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 23
31 May 1963
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller makes some comments about Aldo, a former dancer who became
a priest and moved to Mexico. Miller is getting ready to leave on a trip where he will pick up his Citroen in Amsterdam. 1
leaf.
Box 9, Folder 24
20 Sep 1963
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She mentions that Lil gives a class in Spanish dancing once a week. She reminds Miller that "Papa" Shawn [Ted
Shawn] had a stroke last year and looks very drawn and tired. She had a discussion with him about Miss Ruth [St. Denis] of
whom he is no longer jealous. Adelphi College gave her [St. Denis] an honorary doctorate last year. This month Hughes has
been teaching a weekly dance class in Boston which she regrets because this "group of dancers are the arty and couch-confessionists
whose idea of a class is to writhe on the floor for forty-five minutes, as 'exercise,' and then rise up and be 'creative.'"
Box 9, Folder 25
27 Sep 1963
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller describes his summer in Europe where he bought a Citroen
and visited Spain, France, Luxembourg, etc. He visited Gordon Craig in Vence, France and noted that at 91 1/2, he looks more
and more like his mother, Ellen Terry, since his hair is long and white. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 26
30 Nov 1963
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Enjoyed reading about his European trip. Her book is now in the hands of the publisher. News of friends and recent
visitors. Lil still loves Manhattan and goes down periodically. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 27
17 Jan 1964
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller asks Hughes if she has ever met Sujata and Asoka; he
says that they are slick and have beautiful costumes but their programs are constant repetitions of the same theme. Also,
Miller has left his position at La Verne College to spend more time as a consultant for public schools in speech and foreign
languages. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 28
13 Feb 1964
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes comments on some photos Miller sent of himself in dance costumes; also mentions [Agnes] DeMille's new
book ("got irked and could not finish the silly tome.") Her dog, Micki Mi, has had a litter of five male puppies. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 29
9 Mar 1964
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on
National Office Management Association stationery. Miller philosophizes on how modern America is becoming a "standardless nation of robots, rooted in ordinary,
smug, complacent materialism." Recently, Miller has seen Jean Erdman's version of
Finnegan's Wake but could not make heads or tails of it. Miller describes a paper he will be presenting on the Natya Sastra and Bharata for
the American Oriental Society in Berkeley. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 30
21 Apr 1964
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She mentions that she fell downstairs in March (trying to wear high heels) and fractured her left elbow. She
says that she enjoys his [Miller's] letters so much and agrees with him on the unoriginality of the "so-called seeking modern
dance." She also mentions a review on Sujata-Asoka that she did for
Dance Magazine. She has five puppies now, one of which she is keeping. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 31
27 Apr 1964
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller comments on British India as well as the characteristics
of Indian drama. He then asks Hughes whether she has read Betty Friedan's
The Feminine Mystique as it seems to "have aroused all the females militantly-speaking, out here." Miller then speaks at length of a program given
by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre which he thinks was overrated because the troupe was Negro and the audience was possibly
trying to make amends for racial inequality, etc. He believes that nowadays in any one of the performing arts it is of great
advantage to be black. 3 leaves plus photograph.
Box 9, Folder 32
5 Aug 1964
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She mentions that Jo has married a sculptor named Cristoloveneau who is Rumanian and whom she [Hughes] suspects
is trying to get his citizenship. She also replies to Miller's past comments on the "negro-artist" situation and calls Geoffrey
Holder a "great pain in the neck." She feels that there is much in what Miller says about "the guilt-complex of white folks
in this country" and that is why [Ted] Shawn is pressured to "engage at least one all-negro company every summer." Her last
comment on this issue is that all of this "does the negro-artist more harm than good, in the long run." She mentions a recent
trip to Cedar Rapids to appear in Edna's version of
Swan Lake. She later went up to "the Pillow" for a week's performances of
Swan Lake. Hughes says that some folks get irked at her when she says she is getting old, but "when, in a woman's luggage, the pills
outweigh the cosmetics, the writing is on the wall." She is getting ready for the Coonamessett Dog Show for her two dogs,
Micki and Lobo. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 33
12 Oct 1964
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller mentions that Miss Ruth [St. Denis] performed at Schoenberg
Hall, UCLA last July. He asks if Lucille Peters is still married to Jose Greco and imagines that by now they would have split
up. Miller, in responding to Hughes's comments on cosmetics, pills, etc., wonders what has happened to the most essential
sanitary ingredient--the bidet. He says that it is the bidet alone which "stamps the French as being highly civilized!" Miller
is also housetraining a puppy whose "mother was a spaniel and whose papy [sic] was an evident itinerant salesman." He was
supposed to have gone to Europe last summer, but the trip was cancelled when he found out that he had received a National
Defense Education Act award to attend an institute at UCLA on the teaching of English as a second language. He mentions that
this is a hot topic in California due to the large illiteracy rate amongst the Spanish-speaking in the U.S.A.--in particular
California and Texas. In addition, he is also teaching speech pathology and is the coordinator of foreign language instruction.
Miller says that he has bought a 75-year-old house that he is attempting to restore "to its pristine elegance." Miller speaks
of how therapeutic dance has been for him and how much he admires Asian dancers especially. He signs his letter "Chet" [for
Chet Milar, his "stage name."] 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 34
[Dec?] 1964
Scope and Content
Hughes to a general audience. Mimeographed note explaining that Hughes has not had the energy or heart to send Christmas greetings
because her sister has been in the hospital since September and is not expected to recover. To personalize the note for Miller,
Hughes has crossed out the signature "La Meri" and signed "Dickie" next to it. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 35
4 Jan 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller has been working on his old Victorian house. He asks
Hughes whether she has been to the New York World's Fair yet. Miller mentions the new Music Center in Los Angeles. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 36
18 Jan 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller tells Hughes that since she is such a poor correspondent,
he has decided to write Lil who answers much more promptly. He hopes that Hughes's manuscript will be accepted soon for publication.
He is still spending a lot of time restoring his Victorian house. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 37
12 Feb 1965
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. This letter mentions the illness (cancer) of Hughes's sister, Lil, who went into the hospital in September and
died in January. Hughes describes the military funeral and Lil's burial in Arlington Cemetery, as well as her [Hughes's] job
of settling Lil's estate. Around Christmas Aldo called Hughes on his way to the Holy Land and wanted her to meet him in New
York but she couldn't due to Lil's illness. Hughes is planning to go to the Pillow [Jacob's Pillow] next August to teach a
course from her new book. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 38
18 Feb 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on ruled paper. Miller offers condolences regarding Lil's passing. He mentions
that both the mother and grandmother of a friend died in 1963 and, since the friend now lives in Pakistan with her husband,
Miller has inherited all their furniture which was part of the reason he bought such a large old house. Some of the furniture
comes from India and some is early American ("quite ornate and gingerbready, but still usable.") He asks Hughes if she might
be interested in collaborating with him on a revision of his dissertation of Edward Gordon Craig who was featured in the January
1965 issue of
Vogue magazine. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 39
4 Apr 1965
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She comments on Edna's version of
Swan Lake as being "too jazzed up;" mentions trying to settle Lil's estate. Also describes a trip to Toronto for a dog show. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 40
19 Apr 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. He describes the work he is doing on his new "old house;" comments
on Indian aesthetics and hypercriticism; tells Hughes that he will send her a copy of his dissertation for her perusal and
her comments. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 41
16 Jun 1965
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She asks Miller if he took lessons with Balasaraswati when she was in Berkeley. Mentions that she is anemic and
takes weekly shots and daily pills. She went to New York last month and spent one day at the [World's] Fair. 1 leaf. Envelope
included.
Box 9, Folder 42
30 Jun 1965
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She has lost Miller's address and will wait for him to send it to her before mailing the two books he ordered.
She has lost many things in the past six months including her two diamond rings. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 43
16 Sep 1965
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on the back of
Mrs. Lilian A. Newcomer stationery. She mentions visitors that she had over the summer (Marilyn and Buddy, Leah Dillon and her husband, Cousin Sam,
etc.). Her two dogs had a litter of puppies which has taken up a lot of her time; the last puppy leaves today. 1 leaf. Envelope
included.
Box 9, Folder 44
28 Sep 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Hughes for sending him her two books and inscribing
them. He says he feels a lack of contact with ethnic dancers out in California and that most of them are shams and frauds.
He is looking forward to seeing a production of "The Deputy" at UCLA because UCLA's theatrical productions are usually of
high quality, unlike most professional ones. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 45
3 Nov 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Hughes that he has just mailed her a copy of his
dissertation. He has also written to Dr. Lois Ellfeldt of the University of Southern California about an ethnic dance lectureship
at UCLA as he would like to be introduced to Dr. Alma Hawkins. Miller will be doing a dance program at the Beverly Hilton
Hotel and finds that it is usually the women's groups who appreciate things of a cultural nature. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 46
15 Nov 1965
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Plain postcard. Hughes lets Miller know that she has received his dissertation in fine shape and that she
is going to New York for a week. 1 item.
Box 9, Folder 47
22 Nov 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller mentions that he has had Dr. Alma Hawkins of UCLA write
a letter of introduction for him to Dr. Lois Ellfeldt of USC about his dance background. Miller would like Hughes to critique
his dissertation of Gordon Craig for him as he would like to get it published and Craig is now almost 94 years old. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 48
6 Dec 1965
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller apologizes to Hughes for sending her money as a Christmas
present but wants her to get something that she would like and pamper herself. He remembers the old days of Christmas parties
at the Ethnological Dance Center and wishes Hughes a happy holiday. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 49
[?] Dec 1965
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note in a "Thank You" card for his gift. Mentions that she will buy a large bottle of Chanel
No.5 (her old-time favorite) from him and soak herself in it. 1 card, folded. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 50
13 Jan 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Hughes about his house painter and handyman who
live day to day and spend their money on alcohol. He has many comments on what Negroes spend their money on and admits that
there must be "psychological reasons for that too." Miller is involved in a Spanish instruction program for teachers and another
program on the teaching of English as a second language. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 51
24 Jan 1966
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes is revising her Spanish dance book which is taking up a lot of her time. She has also been reading Miller's
dissertation and wonders if he can get it published. Becky [Harris?] and Mary Emerson spent part of the holidays with her.
2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 52
3 Feb 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller has spoken to Dr. Alma Hawkins at UCLA about an Ethnic
Dance position in the spring and wants to know if Hughes would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for him. He
is also interested in publishing his book which was turned down by Alfred A. Knopf and welcomes other suggestions. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 53
11 Feb 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller is sorry to learn of Hughes's condition [ulcer] and wants
to know what kinds of goodies she can eat if he wants to send her something. He is also appreciative of the advice she gave
him on revising the Craig manuscript. Miller describes Gordon Craig as being "very adept with the ladies" and, that in addition
to siring Isadora Duncan's two children, he sired at least two legitimate children (Nelly and Edward Carrick), as well as
five or six children with May Gibson and a "variety of offspring via assorted maids, students, clerks, et cetera." 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 54
8 Mar 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller is worried about Hughes's health since he hasn't heard
from her in a while. His house is progressing at a snail's pace, particularly since one of his painters got picked up for
drunk driving with a revoked license and is spending "65 days at government expense at a government health resort." 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 55
8 Mar 1966
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes tells Miller that she has mailed [her] book off to him. She also describes a recent trip to New York and
many of her upcoming teaching engagements and performances. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 56
1 Apr 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Hughes for the letter of recommendation. He also
asks her to inscribe a copy of
The Gesture Language of the Hindu Dance for him, as she did for him the first time in 1944. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 57
8 Jun 1966
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She talks about a recent slipped disk in her back and a fractured hand. Some mention of commuting to "the Pillow."
Says that Buddy Magni is doing choreography for the Clark Center production of
Carmen. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 58
16 Jun 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller says that he will be involved in an eight-week program
at UCLA teaching English as a foreign language. Miller is thinking of sending his manuscript to Theatre Arts Books even though
they are already publishing a book on Craig written by Denis Bablet in 1962--- which Miller feels might be partly based on
his own manuscript because Craig has a copy of Miller's manuscript and has been letting various writers use it since 1957.
1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 59
3 Nov 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller says that he has conferred with Alma Hawkins at UCLA,
but does not know what will come of their meeting. He will be teaching a summer workshop in ethnic dance at USC next June
and July, and will be teaching a special teacher's course at California State College at Los Angeles. Miller describes at
length the sporting of his new beard and public reaction to it. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 60
3 Nov 1966
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Most of the letter discusses several visitors that Hughes had during the fall: Leah Dillon, Betty Poindexter,
Mary Emerson, MacCullough and his wife, Ruby Cunningham, etc. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 61
8 Nov 1966
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Hughes that he would like copies of tapes, movies,
etc. for the workshop he will be teaching at USC--a workshop that will be confined to Indian and Ceylonese dance. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 62
17 Nov 1966
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on folded note stationery. Hughes thanks Miller for the dates he sent her and says it has
been a long time since she has had a "date." 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 63
7 Dec 1966
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on plain paper. Hughes thanks Miller for the note while he was on vacation. She is working
on two books now. With the note Hughes has enclosed a typed Christmas poem about her Christmas holidays in the past, and a
snapshot of herself and her two dogs. 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 64
5 Jan 1967
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on holiday thank you card. Hughes thanks Miller for the check with which she bought herself
a sweater. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 65
25 Jan 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller asks Hughes for advice and suggestions for a two-week,
thirty-hour course he will be teaching in ethnic dance--primarily the dances of India and Ceylon. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 66
28 Jan 1967
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. The entire letter consists of suggestions for Miller's new 30-hour course that he is teaching on Indian dance.
Much of it pertains to topics for lectures such as "History of Natya," "Religious Background," etc. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 67
31 Jan 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Hughes for her suggestions regarding his class.
He asks Hughes what book she is working on now--a new one or a revision of an old one? Miller also sent his dissertation off
to Benjamin Blom but has not yet heard from him. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 68
2 Feb 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Hughes for her letter and the notebook materials
she sent him for his class. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 69
10 Feb 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Hughes again for the teaching materials and asks
for a list of book titles. He mentions that next month he will be attending a conference on the problems of teaching the California
Indian and wonders how this country's administrative officials can call these problems "new." 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 70
28 Apr 1967
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on note card with Indian scene. Hughes asks Miller if his course is over and, if so,
would he have time to look over the material she has? 1 card, folded. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 71
5 May 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Hughes which books he will be using for the course
he is teaching in the summer. He also comments on the book on Spanish dance that Hughes is writing. Miller has not yet heard
from Benjamin Blom regarding the publication of his dissertation. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 72
14 May 1967
Scope and Content
Handwritten letter on plain paper. Hughes tells Miller that she has enclosed some announcements for his students [regarding
the possibility of getting college credits for working with her, as a student from Smith College did last winter]. She is
also recovering from the extraction of her last wisdom tooth and "stuffed with pain pills." 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 73
18 May 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller mentions Lois Ellfeldt and the course announcement which
was just sent out announcing Miller's course. Miller also talks about a movement that is being started to train males in dance
beginning in elementary school. Miller comments on the fact that while dance training for both girls and boys is part of the
regular school curriculum in other countries, it is seen as an "unmanly form of recreation" in America. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 74
10 Sep 1967
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes mentions the Spanish [dance] book she has been
working on as well as commenting on the field of ethnic dance today ("...jazzing it up 'a la Greco' for applause-jerking...").
1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 75
25 Sep 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Hughes about the class he taught during the summer
at USC. He comments on the revision of the Spanish dance book which Hughes had sent him. Miller heard from Blom who was in
Europe, but who had told Miller that he would get back to him in June. Instead, he just returned his book without any kind
of note. Miller spent most of the summer after the workshop up in Canada and when he returned in September he found out that
his mother had just passed away. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 76
24 Oct 1967
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She comments on Miller's summer classes, and on the death of his mother. Mention of a new book out called
Classic Dances of the Orient by Xenia Zarina. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 77
14 Nov 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Hughes for her condolences regarding his mother's
passing. Miller explains in detail the renovation of his house which is progressing very slowly, due mostly to expensive and
incompetent labor meaning Spanish speakers and Negroes. Miller encourages Hughes to produce films on ethnic dance and suggests
contacting the Bailey Film Company in Hollywood. Miller then launches into a long comment on women's clothing styles and how
mini-skirts are flattering to so few women. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 78
12 Dec 1967
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Hughes that he will be teaching a three-week class
in ethnic dance next summer--a course geared to P.E. personnel on how to teach ethnic dance to boys in elementary and secondary
schools. He is amazed and excited by the whole prospect and asks Hughes for suggestions on what to include in the course.
1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 79
10 Jan 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes comments on Miller's proposed summer institute of ethnic dance for children and offers many suggestions
on records, tapes, books, etc. to use for the class as well as particular ethnic dances well-suited for children (Mexican,
Amerind, Basque, Polynesian, etc.) 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 80
11 Jan 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller says that the "Lobo Says" missive was a real treat.
Miller talks more about the course he will be teaching during the summer, directed at dance and P.E. teachers of boys. Lucas
Hoving will be teaching a section on modern dance, as Jose Limon will not be able to do it after all due to an impending operation.
1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 81
16 Jan 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller thanks Hughes for all her suggestions on materials to
use for his summer course. He provides her with a short outline of countries and dances he would like to cover in the course.
He is also trying to find out where he can get some films on ethnic dance. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 82
8 Feb 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller mentions that the teachers he will be teaching are
required to be Physical Education majors but do not have to have any background in dance. He wonders whether they could learn
to do a Jota and whether Hughes might have any sheet music for it. Much of the letter is spent commenting on the antics of
Miller's cat, Shaitan. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 83
19 Feb 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. The entire letter answers questions that Miller had regarding the course he will be teaching in July. She gives
advice on dances to teach and tells him she can send him sheet music and tapes along with the bibliography she used at Columbia
University. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 84
21 Mar 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller refers to the press in Illinois which has denounced the
dance Institute for men as being "both outrageous and stupid." He also asks Hughes what her opinion is of the National Dance
Guild as he has received a membership application from them. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 85
25 Mar 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes offers more suggestions of specific music and choreography for Miller's summer institute of ethnic dance
for children. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 86
1 Apr 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Hughes for the copies of the choreography she
sent him. He asks her for choreography for the Joropo and the tamborito, as well as advice on which Mexican dances to use.
1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 87
3 Apr 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typewritten note on a postcard. Short message about an announcement in the March issue of
Dance Magazine. She also gives the address for ordering a copy of the Directory of Dance on Film. 1 item.
Box 9, Folder 88
19 Apr 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller asks Hughes if she is familiar with Indonesian dancers
Benedictus Suharto and Senik Suharto. He comments on Alma Hawkins who was written about in the
Saturday Review of Literature and has been credited with being the founder of Dance Therapy and dance as an art form in the public schools. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 89
17 May 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller lets Hughes know that he will be leaving soon for Illinois
[for the dance institute he is participating in.] He gives the address at which he can be reached at Illinois State University.
1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 90
3 Jun 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller again gives Hughes the address at which he can be reached
in Illinois, should she have anything else to send him. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 91
5 Jun 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Russell M. Hughes stationery. She tells him she is sending him sheet music and books (Jarabe, Vira, Philippine music and dances, Swedish polskas,
etc.) She will also make and send him some tapes (Jota, Basque, etc.) 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 92
11 Jun 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller apologizes to Hughes for asking her to do so much work
as he hadn't realized that she was ill during the spring. He said that he will not be teaching until July 8th. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 93
28 Jun 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on plain paper. She has mailed him a tape and a package containing Basque sheet music, Polska
sheet music, book of Philippine games and dances, etc. She is eager to know what he managed to teach those who attended [his
course]. Wants to live long enough to get the new "Ethnic Art-Dance Center off the ground." 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 9, Folder 94
19 Sep 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller describes at length the course he taught during the summer
in Illinois. One of his complaints was that the director, Miriam Gray, included a paid professional performance of Lucas Hoving's
group in modern dance at the end of the first week's instruction, but neglected to have a similar set-up for Miller's ethnic
dance group. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 95
30 Oct 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She tells Miller she has joined the American Society for Eastern Arts. Apologizes for the tape she sent him which
did not work out, and would like the pages of Mexican dance and Basque music sent back. Mention of Ruth [St. Denis's] sudden
death. Visited Shan-kar in Boston but he is almost blind. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 96
5 Nov 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller is trying to sell the USC dance department on the idea
of developing a dance institute for the culturally deprived and/or disadvantaged. He is returning all of Hughes's materials
except for the Philippine book. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 97
5 Dec 1968
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on onion skin. She received the packet of music he sent, but he can keep the Philippine book
for as long as he needs it. She is busy mailing Christmas cards and gifts. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 98
18 Dec 1968
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller tells Hughes that he has been asked by the director of
the dance institute at Illinois State University if he would like to return next summer. Miller has more comments about the
institute, the director, and teaching in general, but does plan on doing it again and asks Hughes for more suggestions. He
mentions that many people have recently contracted the Hong Kong flu. 2 leaves.
Box 9, Folder 99
9 Jan 1969
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on plain paper. Hughes has more suggestions for Miller's workshop, including materials for
"oriental dances." She is also sending him some tapes made by "Bob" rather than herself. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 100
10 Mar 1969
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes asks about Miller's summer workshop and says that she has more material he can use--Alarippu, Klana, etc.
and she will have a tape made professionally this time. Buddy (Magni) and Lester (Richey) have come up to the Cape with the
idea of moving there permanently. Mentions the loss of her dog, Lobo, last month at four-and-a-half years old. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 101
14 Mar 1969
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller asks Hughes for tapes on various Indian, Japanese,
and Spanish dances. He asks Hughes if she has heard from Buddy, Les Richey, or Richey Cressey. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 102
14 Apr 1969
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller comments on a San Francisco Ballet program he attended
recently. He reminds Hughes that he will be leaving for Normal [Illinois] on June 6th and wants to know whether she will have
time to send him the materials he requested. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 103
28 Apr 1969
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Hughes for her letter and gives her some suggestions
on making audiotapes. He describes UCLA's Institute of Ethnomusicology which presents every year an International Festival
in Music and Dance; he is in the process of viewing all of the presentations. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 104
? Apr 1969
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on plain paper. She tells him that the tapes have arrived, but she has "lost" the man who used
to do her tapes and needs to find someone else. She can send the choreography but "it seems futile unless I can send the appropriate
music." She mentions upcoming performances in "Orleans" as well as a Barnstable date in June. Also that Buddy (Magni) and
Lester (Richey) have moved to the Cape [Cod] and are appearing in her show. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 105
26 May 1969
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller thanks Hughes for the tape and dance notes and asks
her how the May 15th show went. He says that he belongs to an organization called the Associates of Ethnomusicology of UCLA.
1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 106
4 July 1969
Scope and Content
>Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller describes this year's institute as being better than
last summer's partly because they have limited the participants only to junior high school teachers and teacher-trainers.
He tells Hughes that they have two hours of modern dance with Nona Schurman in the morning and two hours of ethnic dance in
the afternoon with Miller. 1 leaf. [Second page may be missing.]
Box 9, Folder 107
23 Sep 1969
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Russell M. Hughes stationery. Mention of Matteo Vittucci and his partner Carola [Goya]. Hughes is planning a summer (1970) season of ethnic
dance. Much commenting on how so many ethnic dance teachers have no background in it. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 108
24 Nov 1969
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on
Institute of Asian and African Studies, California State University at Los Angeles stationery. Miller comments on Hughes's new address and wonders whether she has moved. He mentions that he is to teach a
new course in ethnic dance at USC in the spring of 1970. 1 leaf.
Box 9, Folder 109
6 Oct 19[6?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Hughes thanks Miller for his "patronage check." She met some of her old-time
friends from E.D.C. one weekend at the Cape: Marilyn, Becky, Lois, Buddy, and Lester. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 1
15 Feb 1970
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller asks Hughes if she has received a box of dates he had
shipped from Indio. He describes all of the activities he is involved in including the USC course he will be teaching in ethnic
dance, which he says he is obviously not doing for the money. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 2
21 Feb 1970
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. Hughes comments on the art of teaching dance, i.e. style being more important than steps. She commiserates with
Miller's heavy schedule and says that she is "rooting" for him "from another field of combat." 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 3
24 Apr 1970
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on notecard stationery. Hughes thanks Miller for his generous contribution. 1 leaf. Envelope
included.
Box 10, Folder 4
17 May 1970
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller mentions the USC class he is teaching in ethnic dance.
Also that both USC and Cal State L.A. (both at which he teaches) were closed for five days last week because of student protests
and unrest. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 5
21 Mar 1971
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller is preparing an ethnic dance program for the annual
convention of A.A.H.P.E.R. [American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation]. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 6
[?] Apr 1971
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on the back of a photocopy of newspaper article from the
Worcester Sunday Telegram about La Meri. Hughes asks Miller how the Detroit conference went last month. She comments on a company of five dancers she
has now, proteges who are mentioned in the newspaper article. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 7
5 Jun 1971
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on
Ethnic Dance Arts stationery. Hughes thanks Miller for his generous contribution. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 8
27 Oct 1971
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller tells Hughes that he spent the summer in Canada and
some time in Montana and enjoyed being "far from the ethnic tensions and the harsh realities of the big American city." 1
leaf.
Box 10, Folder 9
4 Feb 1972
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on plain, brittle paper. Hughes tells Miller that she is bedridden for a while due to
the "cures" for her ulcer. Meanwhile, she has read his dissertation again and provides comments and a recommendation for a
publisher. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 10
15 May 1972
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on onionskin. Miller congratulates Hughes on winning the Capezio Dance Award.
He describes a car accident that he was in on Christmas Eve and was incapacitated for four months, but is getting back into
form again. Miller says that he will be in Staten Island during the summer, so they [presumably he and his wife] may drive
up to the Cape to say hello. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 11
2 Jun 1973
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Ethnic Dance Arts, Inc.stationery. Hughes talks about her heavy teaching schedule and that dancers just cannot work together, that it "is useless
to hope that common good will ever replace professional jealousy." She has decided that when she leaves this world she would
like to find Heaven like a rolling country inhabited only by animals; that she doesn't want to see any people for several
centuries "and no dancers for several more!" 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 12
9 Jul 1977
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Hughes Ethnic Dance Corporation stationery. She thanks Miller for his check to EDA and says that she enjoyed their phone chat. She mentions that she has
dogs (to love) and something to hope for--that "financial success will follow upon the heels of artistic success." 1 leaf.
Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 13
23 Apr 1978
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
La Meri stationery. Hughes thanks Miller for his contribution to their ninth festival. She asks what he has been up to and says that
all of her life is in the "newsletters" because dance is her whole life and she has no personal life. The only personal things
she can mention is that she has been suffering from emphysema and that one of her dogs died recently. She says that she feels
lucky that she has friends who correspond with her and who visit her. 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 14
28 Jan 1980
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
La Meri Ethnic Dance stationery. She has received a letter from Buddy who has been depressed since Lester's death; she never hears from Edna Dieman.
She gives one class a week now, but is asked a lot for interviews because "I am now somewhat famous for having lived so long..."
1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 15
28 Aug 1980
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
La Meri Ethnic Dance stationery. Hughes mentions that she has sent her collection of "for-real" costumes to Walter Kolar at Duquesne University,
and a couple of non-ethnic costumes to the college in Denton, Texas which she attended in 1917. She has also given the Kentucky
Historical Society about $16,000 worth of Hughes memorabilia--furniture, photos, flat silver, etc. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 16
2 Oct 1980
Scope and Content
Walter W. Kolar to Miller. Typed letter on stationery from
Duquesne University Tamburitzans Institute of Folk Arts. Kolar tells Miller that his name was given to him by La Meri who donated much of her collections to their Library/Museum/Archives.
Kolar invites Miller to possibly donate collections likewise and says he is enclosing some material that explains the story
of the Tamburitzans. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 17
22 Jul 1981
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
La Meri Ethnic Dance stationery. Hughes went to New York last month to be the keynote speaker at the Dance Critics Association annual convention.
While she was there, she caught up with old friends and lets Miller know all the news about them. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 18
6 Oct 1981
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on
La Meri stationery. Hughes comments on the 25th anniversary of the closing of the Ethnologic Dance Center and includes an invitation
to the reunion and presentation of the fifth St. Denis Award, to be held in New York City. 2 items. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 19
6 Feb 1982
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on back of
Ethnic Dance Arts press release. Hughes thanks Miller for his check and says that since EDA has moved from the Cape [Cod] to New York City,
she is finding the commute tiring. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 20
2 Mar 1982
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on plain paper. Hughes thanks Miller for his check and says that she has been busy getting
out flyers [for the St. Denis Award for Creative Choreography in the ethnic field competition]. 1 leaf. Flyer attached. Envelope
included.
Box 10, Folder 21
[1?] Jun 1982
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on plain paper. Hughes tells Miller about the last St. Denis Award competition, decrying
the lack of dancers with "ideas" these days. She also includes a general newsletter about the 1981 Award in New York City
(which was won by Nala Najan). Also that the E.D.A. received generous funds from the Owen Cheatham Foundation and the Capezio
Foundation which will enable them to hold auditions in New York (rather than in Cape Cod) and to give the award to young choreographers
to assist in their future work. 3 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 22
14 Dec 1982
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Short handwritten note on a holiday greeting letter which has a photocopied photo of La Meri and the recipients
of the seventh annual St. Denis Award for Creative Choreography. 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 23
14 Jan 1983
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
La Meri stationery. Hughes thanks Miller for his check for EDA and names him "West Coast Representative" for the 1983 St. Denis Award.
Also mentions that she lost her Belgian sheepdog during the holidays, but now has two new dogs to keep her company. 1 leaf.
Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 24
29 May 1983
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
La Meri stationery. She mentions the outcome of the 1983 St. Denis Award competition in which she was sure a group from UCLA would
win first prize, but she was mistaken. The trip to New York is getting more and more difficult now that she is eighty-five
years old and not up to such an exhausting schedule. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 25
9 Dec 1983
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Short handwritten note on a holiday greeting letter consisting of a poem titled "Christmas--1983." With
the holiday letter is also a photo holiday postcard of Hughes with two dogs. 2 items. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 26
3 Feb 1984
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
Miss Russell M. Hughes stationery. She gives Miller suggestions on books he might useful for his course and where he might find them. She is also
working on a new edition of Spanish Dancing. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 27
29 Nov 1984
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on
American Dance Therapy Association stationery. Miller mentions that he had been worried after not hearing from Hughes for so long, but now understands since
she has moved back to Texas from Hyannis. He asks her about her cataracts and whether or not she will be having surgery. He
also asks her what will be happening to the Ethnic Arts Council in Barnstable now that Hughes has left. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 28
21 Jan 1985
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on
La Meri Ethnic Dance stationery. Hughes is back in San Antonio which is in the midst of a snowstorm which her friends say that she brought from
Cape Cod. She tells Miller that the E.D.A. folded up and "died of malnutrition." But she is getting more attention as a dancer
in San Antonio than she ever did in Cape Cod. 3 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 29
9 Feb 1985
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes Carbon copy of a typed letter on
American Dance Therapy Association stationery. Miller comments on Hughes's last letter regarding the closing of the E.D.A. and the disappearance (and return)
of her dog, Barkus. In regard to her failing vision, he talks about cataract surgery and lens implants which his wife will
be undergoing next month. 2 leaves.
Box 10, Folder 30
7 Apr 1985
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on paper which is illustrated with drawings of her two dogs, Barkus and Wendy. Her failing
eyesight is causing her consternation because she misses her independence and being able to drive. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 31
[?] Jul 1985
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Photocopied letter with "Dear Chuck" added in handwriting at the top. Hughes says that it has been approximately
one year since she moved into her new house on Cave Lane. She apologizes for the Xeroxed letter and says that her eyesight
is progressively failing, but that she is enjoying all of the dance concerts in San Antonio. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 32
21 Apr 1986
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on
American Dance Therapy Association stationery. (Miller adds extra paragraphs on April 24th and May 26th.) He comments on Martha Graham turning 91 and planning
a performance for her 60th anniversary. He says that his sister was disappointed in the Vancouver B.C. Exposition and that
the Chernobyl nuclear disaster actually affected western Canada including the Vancouver area. Miller talks about the aerobic
dance craze and how it is just making money for orthopedists and chiropractors. 2 leaves.
Box 10, Folder 33
30 May 1986
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on
La Meri Ethnic Dance stationery (with her San Antonio address added on). The letter is a general newsletter to unspecified friends regarding a
big birthday Bill gave her on May 14th (her 88th). Handwritten addition to Miller apologizes for a not more personal letter,
but her eyes are worse and she welcomes his letters. 2 leaves.
Box 10, Folder 34
2 Jun 1986
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Letter is missing from the envelope, unless it is one of the partially dated or undated ones below. Attached
to the envelope is a color snapshot of two dogs. Envelope and photo.
Box 10, Folder 35
8 Dec 1986
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Christmas card with note saying that she has one eye working again and will write a longer letter as soon
as she can re-learn to type. A photo of Hughes in San Antonio is glued to the inside of the card. 1 item. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 36
198[6?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller [and Dorothy, his wife]. Handwritten letter on
Russell M. Hughes stationery from San Antonio. She thanks them for their Christmas note and talks about her recent eye surgery. She talks of
her present dogs, Wendy and Morganita, and her past dogs--and where they are all buried [on the Cape]. 2 leaves.
Box 10, Folder 37
198[6?]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Typed letter on plain paper. First page is missing. She has received an award from the San Antonio Folk
Dance Society of San Antonio College. She also mentions that Saeko Ichinohe and Victor Tello, former St. Denis Award winners,
are giving a concert in July which they are dedicating to her. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 38
18 Feb 1987
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Short handwritten note letting Miller know that she has a new, unlisted telephone number and that he should
"file it somewhere and use it some time." With the note, is
La Meri's calling card with her San Antonio address and her revised telephone number. 2 items. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 39
6 Aug 1987
Scope and Content
Miller to Hughes. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller tells Hughes that he tried to phone her a few weeks
ago but was told that she had not been feeling well. He is enclosing a newspaper clipping regarding the renovation of Jacob's
Pillow and La Meri is mentioned in the article. Miller says that he has written to Barton [Mumaw] about his book and thinks
that he and Jane Sherman have done an important job in the area of dance history especially as it pertains to Ted [Shawn's]
male group from 1933 through 1940. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 40
13 Aug 1987
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on bunny stationery. She tells Miller that Bill told her that he, Miller, had called
and she is sorry that she did not get to talk to him because she was taking her afternoon nap. Hughes makes some comments
about today's modern dance presentations, and says that a writer has been coming over twice a week to write Hughes's biography.
1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 41
26 Jan 1988
Scope and Content
Miller to Barton Mumaw. Carbon copy of a typed letter on plain paper. Miller lets Mumaw know that he has given his address
to one of his former students at the "Pillow," Bill Adams, so that Adams can send Mumaw a memorial card about La Meri. (La
Meri died on January 7, 1988.) Bill Adams was La Meri's "man Friday" for several years after La Meri left Cape Cod and returned
to San Antonio.
Box 10, Folder 42
16 Apr 1988
Scope and Content
Bill Adams to Miller. Copy of an announcement regarding a costume sale consisting of costumes from the wardrobe of La Meri's
Ethnic Dance Repertory Companies, some of the costumes even belonging to Ruth St. Denis. Attached is a photocopy of an article
on La Meri from
Cape Cod Illustrated, 20 Sep 1973. 2 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 43
1 Sep 1989
Scope and Content
Bill Adams to Miller. Typed letter on plain paper. Adams is letting Miller know that he is in the process of selling off La
Meri's personal jewelry and would like to notify her close friends and acquaintances before advertising to strangers. He includes
two photocopied pages of photos of the jewelry with descriptive and price information. 3 leaves. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 44
6 Apr 1994
Scope and Content
Miller to Bill Adams. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Miller inquires about Adams's writing and whether or not he has heard
from any of the Natyas. He mentions Buddy Renato Magni and Becky [Rebecca] Harris. Miller also asks if Adams knows whether
"Josie--the young lady in San Antonio" has started writing her book on La Meri. Miller comments on surviving the January and
March earthquakes. 2 leaves.
Box 10, Folder 45
Undated
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten letter on folded stationery depicting an illustration of an old mill in Cape Cod. Hughes apologizes
for not writing but the book she is working on is taking up all her writing energy. Hughes lets Miller know what Becky's present
address is and mentions a woman who teaches physical education at UCLA. The latter comment was in regard to Miller's mention
of an ethnic dance opening at UCLA. 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 46
Undated [probably 1944-45]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Jack Cole. Handwritten letter on plain paper. Hughes is writing from Jacob's Pillow and introducing Charles Miller
to Cole who is casting for a new show. Hughes mentions that Miller has been studying with her since he was released from the
Army last October. She mentions that Miller has "pretty snaky hips which ought to be good in Brazil." 1 leaf.
Box 10, Folder 47
Undated [probably 1944-45]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Ruth St. Denis. Handwritten letter on
La Meri stationery. Hughes is introducing Charles Miller to St. Denis and says that he has been studying with her [Hughes] for a
year-and-a-half--ever since his discharge from the Army. He is now moving to California and could use any advice or support
from St. Denis. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 48
Undated [probably 1944-45]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Jack Cole. Handwritten letter on
La Meri stationery. Hughes is introducing Charles Miller to Cole and says that he has been studying with her since his discharge from
the Army. He is now moving to California and Hughes has told Miller that Cole is the one with the "hottest tips" on the dance
world on "the Coast." 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 49
Undated [probably 1944-45]
Scope and Content
Hughes to Mme. Philippini. Handwritten letter on
La Meri stationery. Hughes is introducing Charles Miller to Philippini and says that he will be moving to the Coast and wants to
break into dancing or acting out there. 1 leaf. Envelope included.
Box 10, Folder 50
Undated
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on
Ethnic Dance Arts postcard. Hughes thanks Miller for his generous contribution and promises to write in September. 1 item.
Box 10, Folder 51
Undated
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Handwritten note on
La Meri note paper. Hughes apologizes for not planning something wonderful for Miller's birthday, but is sending him a little down
payment for "those Spanish zapatos." 1 item. Envelope included (with only "Chuck" written on it.)
Box 10, Folder 52
Undated
Scope and Content
Hughes to Miller. Four small notes regarding dance class suggestions and other miscellany. 4 leaves.
Box 10, Folder 53
Various Dates
Scope and Content
13 envelopes without contents. All hand-addressed to Charles Miller from La Meri. Postmark dates range from the mid-1960s
to 1987. Addresses on envelopes reflect two residences for Miller and three for La Meri.
Box 11, Folder 2
[Charles Miller?] in Oriental Costume
Scope and Content
Color photo of [Miller?] posing in colorful costume. Undated.
La Meri, Dances of All Races
December 1, 1944
Language of Material: English
Physical Description:
1.0 item
Box 11, Folder 1
Beatrice Kraft, Andor Czompo, Carlos
Scope and Content
8" X 10" black and white photograph of the dancers in costume. Note on back of photo includes "Feb 1947" and "Colonial Inn,
Hollywood, Fla."
Box 11, Folder 3
La Meri--Hand Gestures
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photograph comprised of six smaller photos of Hughes and her hands in various gestures. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 4
La Meri--Latin-American Dance, 1946
Scope and Content
Glued onto scrapbook page; back side of page has the program for
Swan Lake (undated) attached, plus a program from Jacob's Pillow for 1946.
Box 11, Folder 5
La Meri Performing Overseas
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of Hughes in costume in an outdoors setting with onlookers behind her. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 6
La Meri and Charles Miller
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of Hughes and Miller posing in dance costumes. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 7
La Meri and Charles Miller
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of Hughes and Miller posing in dance costumes. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 8
La Meri and Her Ensemble
Scope and Content
Small snapshot glued onto scrapbook page which includes a newspaper clipping depicting Hughes and Carlos showing a Venezuelan
dance, 1946. The back side of the page includes the program for Hughes and Dance Ensemble, 1946.
Box 11, Folder 9
"First Lady": Tea Scene
Scope and Content
Wallet-size photograph of Hughes glued onto scrapbook page with a small group photo. Also a postcard of a performance with
a note on the back identifying it as the "Tea scene from 'First Lady'" and a list of the cast. The back of the page has a
newspaper clipping of a photo of a scene from a play, dated August 26, 1940.
Box 11, Folder 10
La Meri at a Party, Oct.8, 1946
Scope and Content
Snapshot of Hughes, Pravini, and Nataraj Vashi at a party or reception, 1946. Charles Miller is in the background.
Box 11, Folder 11
La Meri at a Party, Oct.8, 1946
Scope and Content
Snapshot of Nataraj Vashi, Walter Terry, Hughes, and Pravini at a party or reception, 1946. Charles Miller is in the background.
Box 11, Folder 12
La Meri on Stage
Scope and Content
Small snapshot of Hughes and the cast of a play on stage. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 13
La Meri on Stage with Dance Ensemble
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of dancers posed on stage with Hughes in the center. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 14
La Meri on Stage with Dance Ensemble
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of dancers posed on stage with Hughes in the center. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 15
Povoa do Varzim-- Danca do Mastro
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of dancers outdoors in Povoa do Varzim [Portugal]. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 16
Santa Marta de Portuzelo-- Danca Regional
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of dancers outdoors in Sta. Marta de Portuzelo [Portugal]. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 17
Rancho Do
Scope and Content
8" X 10" photo of Ta-Mar da Nazare [Portugese folk dancers]. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 18
La Meri with Dogs, 1966
Scope and Content
Holiday photo greeting card depicting Hughes and her two dogs at home. Postmarked 8 Dec 1966.
Box 11, Folder 19
La Meri (Photo in Christmas Card)
Scope and Content
Photo of Hughes glued inside Christmas card. Undated.
Box 11, Folder 20
Oriental Dance, 1945-1946
Scope and Content
Glued onto scrapbook page; back side of page has several performance programs from 1945 and 1946. Two additional copies of
the photo included.
Box 11, Folder 21
Oriental Dance, 1946
Scope and Content
Scene is on stage with another performer. Note on back: "Miller."
Box 11, Folder 22
Oriental Dance, 1946
Scope and Content
Note on back: "Aug. 1946, Jacob's Pillow, Lee, Mass."
Box 11, Folder 23
Christmas cards and poems, 1949-1987
Box 11, Folder 24
Jacob's Pillow Dance Theatre, 1946-1950
Scope and Content
Programs from Jacob's Pillow from 1946-1950, most 1946. There are duplicates of several of them.
Box 11, Folder 25
Ethnic Dance Festival, 1968-1969
Scope and Content
Two programs from the Ethnic Dance Festival: 1968 and 1969.
Box 11, Folder 26
Ethnic Dance Arts Newsletters and Ephemera, 1972-1982
Scope and Content
Ethnic Dance Arts newsletters: Autumn 1972, January 1973, Spring 1973, September 1973, December 1973, February 1974, January
1975, Fall 1975, September 1977, June 1980, August 1982, Undated.
Ethnic Dance Arts ephemera, 1970s-1980s: Class description and fees (2 copies), Summer Festival of Ethnic Dance (7 flyers),
St. Denis Award for Creative Choreography (10 announcements)
Box 11, Folder 27
Miscellaneous
Scope and Content
Postcard depicting a photograph of the Ted Shawn Theatre, home of Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Lee, Massachusetts. Message
from La Meri to Charles Miller saying that she will write a letter when they are both back home from their travels. Dated
15 Aug 1963. Course materials: La Meri's suggestions and lists of references for dance class syllabi (presumably for Charles
Miller) Typed copies of programs of La Meri and her company and three printed programs of a production of
Swan Lake. Several copies of a program of "Dances and Melodies of the Pacific" presented at the American Museum of Natural History
in 1946. La Meri and her Dance Group. University of Connecticut Convocation. Program for La Meri and her Dance Group held
at the Hawley Armory, October 16, 1946. Several copies.
Box 11, Folder 28
Portrait Drawings
Scope and Content
Box 11 contains a pen and ink drawing of La Meri by Charles Miller, 1942; Watercolor portrait of La Meri by Charles Miller,
1943.
Box 12, folder 2 (oversized) contains two sketches of La Meri by Charles Miller and a partial sketch of a room.
Box 11, Folder 29
Visiting Cards (With Drawings)
Scope and Content
Several of La Meri's visiting cards from the 1940s through the 1980s. Two of the early (1940s) cards have drawings on the
back--one of "Milt" and one of "Chuck." Two others have notes to Chuck, including one that says "May this first Christmas
not be the last one!"
Box 11, Folder 30
Biographical and Professional Information
Scope and Content
Box 11 contains articles pertaining to La Meri, including newspaper obituaries. Included are some flyers of La Meri's dance
workshops, providing information on her professional background. The program for the 21st Annual Capezio Award is included,
which in 1972 was awarded to La Meri as well as titled La Meri which describe La Meri's career in text and photographs. Box
12 has an oversized folder (folder 1) containing photocopied pages from the book
The Dance Has Many Faces, including a chapter on La Meri.
Postcard of La Meri
1 December 1944
Scope and Content
Black and white photo postcard of La Meri in Spanish dance costume. Signed on front, "Sincerely, La Meri." Handwritten on
back, "December 1, 1944."
Box 12
Oversized
Scope and Content
Box 12 contains two folders: one holds sketches by Charles Miller (mentioned in the note for Box 11, folder 28). The other
folder contains photocopied pages from the book The Dance Has Many Faces (mentioned in the note for Box 11, folder 30).