Ohio University Libraries showcases the Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance

Ohio University Libraries is pleased to highlight The Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance Oral History Project.

The 18 oral history interviews in the project were conducted by Natasha Simon over a span of seven years (2015-2022) and include encounters with Alwin Nikolais, a visionary American choreographer, dancer and teacher.

Known as an innovator for multi-media theater, integrating costume, lighting and production design along with music composition and choreography, Simon details conversations with those who closely worked with, learned from and were inspired by Nikolais and his philosophy. The Foundation for Dance has long been a valuable partner to Ohio University Libraries and has played a crucial role in helping to preserve the legacy of the modern dance world.

University Libraries’ Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections is proud to be the home to the Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis Dance Collection, which documents the careers of two prolific leaders in American modern dance and their impact on the art of contemporary dance. The collection includes photographs, films, costume design, posters, choreographic notes and many other materials. The Center also houses the Gladys Bailin Papers, which highlight the life and achievements of Dr. Gladys Bailin Stern, a choreographer, performer and instructor, the first female Distinguished Professor at Ohio University, and one of the original dancers with the Nikolais Dance Company.

Tito del Saz, artistic director for the Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance, writes about the impact and importance of the collaboration between the Foundation and University Libraries.

“This partnership between these two institutions is a crucial and vital collaboration to preserve the legacy, work, and contributions to the world of dance of these two American artists and choreographers,” del Saz writes.

He also notes the broader significance of the Foundation’s Oral History Project.

“These oral histories are a collection of personal gems by five generations of dancers and contributors to Alwin Nikolais' world of wonder and knowledge,” del Saz writes. “They are a true lesson in life and living, not just dance.”

Miriam Nelson, director of Archives and Special Collections, Preservations and Digital Initiatives, writes of the importance of keeping these collections and projects readily maintained and available

“The dancers are such an important part of the legacy, and these oral histories [from the Nikolais/Louis Foundation] shine a light on their experiences and perspectives,” Nelson writes. “We [the staff at University Libraries] are excited to share them with students, faculty and researchers as they add so much dimension and depth to an already rich collection.”

Nelson also touches upon how the collaborative partnership is imperative to how both students and researchers engage with the collection.

“[Tito del Saz], as well as members of the Foundation's legacy group have been an invaluable source of information and support that deeply informs the Libraries' work with the collection,” Nelson writes. “This collaborative relationship is essential to preserving the legacy of Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis and their importance to the history of modern dance.”

For more information about the oral histories by the Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance, contact Tito del Saz at tito@nikolaislouis.org.

To access University Libraries’ Nikolais/Louis and Gladys Bailin collections, please contact Manuscript Archivist Greta Suiter by completing this research request form.