A Preliminary Inventory of his Papers at the Harry Ransom
Center
Creator:
Pitt, Malcolm, 1896-1986
Title:
Malcolm Pitt Papers
Dates:
1924-1947
Extent:
1 document box, 1 oversize folder (osf) (.42 linear feet)
Abstract:
Correspondence, photographs, and
ephemera related to modern American dance and its practitioners, notably Ted Shawn,
Ruth St. Denis, La Meri, and Barton Mumaw.
The Malcolm Pitt Papers consist of materials relating to American dance, much of it
collected by Pitt through his friendship with dance pioneer Ted Shawn. The
collection includes a cordial correspondence between the two men spanning twenty
years. Shawn sent Pitt ephemera from the Denishawn School of Dancing and Its Related
Arts, such as the first issue of the school’s magazine and a tour bulletin. Also
included are materials from “Shawn and His Men Dancers,” the troop Shawn operated
after the closure of the Denishawn School, and Jacob’s Pillow, Shawn’s dance
festival and workshop in Massachusetts. The collection also includes material
concerning the career of La Meri, an American dancer known for her interpretation
of
Hindu dance, and other performers.
