Cincinnati Ballet records

Collection

Identifier: US-12-07

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Records and photographs of the Cincinnati Ballet. Most of this collection contains photographs from performances of The Nutcracker and includes performance and rehearsal photos along with photos for marketing materials. The collection also include news clippings, drawings of costumes and scenes, and stage models for The Nutcracker and of Friar Lawrence's cell from Romeo and Juliet.

Dates

1985-2008

Creator

Cincinnati Ballet (Organization)

Language of Materials

The records are in English

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research.

History of Cincinnati Ballet

The Cincinnati Ballet has changed its name three times in its nearly 50 year history. The Cincinnati Ballet was chartered as the "Cincinnati Civic Ballet" in 1958. The name was changed to the "Cincinnati Ballet Company" in 1968, and then was shortened to the "Cincinnati Ballet" in 1983. The company held their first auditions in 1963 and the original troupe consisted of 41 dancers. Oleg Sabline served as the first artistic director and John A. Spain was the first president of the Board of Trustees. The first performance took place at the University of Cincinnati's Wilson Auditorium in March of 1964.

In 1966, the ballet became further affiliated with UC when David McLain, Head of the Dance Division at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), became director of the Cincinnati Ballet Company. This connection with CCM allowed the ballet the use of CCM's facilities for classes and rehearsals and UC's Wilson Auditorium for performances. In 1969, Carmon De Leone became music director in 1969, and not long after, the company hired ten salaried dancers. During this time, the company also gained national recognition for training dancers in the Lester Horton technique. Ivan Nagy became artistic director in 1986 and brought with him a number of experienced foreign dancers. During Nagy's tenure, the standard of performance for the ballet was elevated. Nagy left the Cincinnati Ballet in 1989. Richard Collins took his position until 1992 and was followed by Nigel Burgoine (1992-1994) and Peter Anastos (1994-1996). In 1994, a facility was built for the company on Central Parkway at Liberty Street allowing offices, dance studios, a training school, and rehearsal space in the same location. In 1997, Victoria Morgan became the artistic director of the Cincinnati Ballet and in 2008, she was appointed CEO and Devon Carney became associate artistic director. More information on the history of the Cincinnati Ballet is available on their website at www.cballet.org/

Biographical / Historical

In 1966, the ballet became further affiliated with UC when David McLain, Head of the Dance Division at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), became director of the Cincinnati Ballet Company. This connection with CCM allowed the ballet the use of CCM's facilities for classes and rehearsals and UC's Wilson Auditorium for performances. In 1969, Carmon De Leone became music director in 1969, and not long after, the company hired ten salaried dancers. During this time, the company also gained national recognition for training dancers in the Lester Horton technique. Ivan Nagy became artistic director in 1986 and brought with him a number of experienced foreign dancers. During Nagy's tenure, the standard of performance for the ballet was elevated. Nagy left the Cincinnati Ballet in 1989. Richard Collins took his position until 1992 and was followed by Nigel Burgoine (1992-1994) and Peter Anastos (1994-1996). In 1994, a facility was built for the company on Central Parkway at Liberty Street allowing offices, dance studios, a training school, and rehearsal space in the same location. In 1997, Victoria Morgan became the artistic director of the Cincinnati Ballet and in 2008, she was appointed CEO and Devon Carney became associate artistic director. More information on the history of the Cincinnati Ballet is available on their website at www.cballet.org/

Extent

4.6 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Overview

Records and photographs of the Cincinnati Ballet. Most of this collection contains photographs from performances of The Nutcracker.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is arranged into folders by material type. The photographs are organized by size.

Physical Location

Archives and Rare Books Library

Subjects

Ballet - Ohio - Cincinnati Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ballet - Production and direction Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ballet dancers Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Nutcracker (Choreographic work) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings