Letters from Martha Graham to David Zellmer, 1942-1945.

Links

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Creator

Graham, Martha.

Location

Jerome Robbins Dance Division

Extent

• Originals: .2 linear ft. (30 letters)
• Photocopies: .2 linear ft. (30 letters)

Access Restrictions

Public access is restricted to photocopies of original letters.

Scope/Contents Notes

Typescript and holograph letters written by Martha Graham to a member of her dance company during his military service in World War II.

The letters, written mainly from New York City and Bennington College, candidly discuss Martha Graham's creative activities, interests, and associates during the three year period. Subjects of the letters include dance works, "Deaths and entrances," "Salem Shore," "Herodiade,"and "Appalachian Spring."

Individuals mentioned in the letters include Charlotte Trowbridge, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Paul Hindemith, Katharine Cornell, Carlus Dyer, Lincoln Kirstein, Merce Cunningham, Ethel Butler, Robert Horan, and Pearl Lang.

The letters also give insight into Martha Graham's interest in Buddhism and 20th century poetry. Preliminary material includes an Apologia (5 leaves), list of dates and origins of letters (2 leaves), and index to the letters by subject and name (5 leaves), all by David Zellmer.

Biographical/Historical Note

American modern dancer and choreographer.

Controlled Access Terms

• Barber, Samuel, 1910-1981.
• Butler, Ethel.
• Copland, Aaron, 1900-1990.
• Cornell, Katharine, 1893-1974.
• Cunningham, Merce.
• Dyer, Carlus, 1917-
• Hindemith, Paul, 1895-1963.
• Horan, Robert, 1922-
• Kirstein, Lincoln, 1907-
• Lang, Pearl, 1922-
• Trowbridge, Charlotte.
• Zellmer, David.
• Martha Graham Dance Company.
• Appalachian spring (Choreographic work : Graham)
• Deaths and entrances (Choreographic work : Graham)
• Hérodiade (Choreographic work : Graham)
• Salem shore (Choreographic work : Graham)
• Letters (correspondence)
• Women choreographers.
• Women dancers.
• Manuscripts -- Collections.