John Willis's Dance World papers, 1950-1984

Links

• View catalog record
• View PDF finding aid (634.11 KB)

Creator

Willis, John (John A.)

Location

Jerome Robbins Dance Division

Extent

• 34 linear feet (82 boxes)

Scope/Contents Note

The John Willis's Dance World papers contain reference materials that Willis used to create and run that publication, which was issued annually from 1966 to 1979. Included are such items as press materials sent out by dance companies and dancers. Also included are newspaper clippings, photographs, programs (some of them are annotated), and ticket stubs from attended performances. All correspondence is related to information about individual dancers or companies. There is no personal material in the collection.

Biographical/Historical Note

Editor and compiler, John Willis, was responsible for creating Dance World (1966-1979), an annual reference guide that served as the official chronicle of each year'sdance season. Willis was born in Morristown, Tennessee. After graduating from Morristown High School in 1934, he attended Milligan College and later took extension classes at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (1938-41). Willis served in the United States Navy during WorldWar II. In 1944, Willis, along with Daniel Blum and Norman McDonald, created Theatre World, a yearbook about the theater. Based on this successful model, launched Dance World in 1966. The publication covred the dance scene on Broadway, Off-Broadway, as well as national touring companies and professional companies from cities,states, universities and other countries. He served as itseditor until 1979. Willis also taught non-consecutively in the New York City public school system for twenty five-years.

Controlled Access Terms

• Willis, John (John A.)
• Dance -- United States -- Periodicals.
• Editors -- United States.
• Clippings.
• Correspondence.
• Photographs.
• Programs.
• Press releases.
• Ticket stubs.
• Editors.

Additional Creator Name

• Blum, Daniel C.