Suzanne Farrell collection

Description data TOP

unitid

{"value"=>"181336", "type"=>"local_mss"}

{"value"=>"*MGZMD 534", "type"=>"local_call"}

{"value"=>"b23438323", "type"=>"local_b"}

unitdate

{"value"=>"1880-2019", "type"=>"inclusive", "normal"=>"1880/2019"}

{"value"=>"1962-1999", "type"=>"bulk", "normal"=>"1962/1999"}

unittitle

{"value"=>"Suzanne Farrell collection"}

physdesc

{"format"=>"structured", "physdesc_components"=>[{"name"=>"extent", "value"=>"107 boxes, 14 oversize folders, 1 tube", "unit"=>"containers"}, {"name"=>"extent", "value"=>"47.90 linear feet", "unit"=>"linear_feet"}]}

repository

{"value"=>"<span class=\"corpname\">Jerome Robbins Dance Division</span>"}

abstract

{"value"=>"The Suzanne Farrell collection, spanning from 1880 to 2019, documents the life, career, and legacy of ballerina Suzanne Farrell. The collection is organized into seven series encompassing a wide range of materials, including press and publicity items, photographs, correspondence, writings, awards, artwork, and audiovisual recordings. The collection offers a comprehensive view of Farrell's influence on the ballet world, her personal and professional relationships, and her reflections on her career."}

langmaterial

{"value"=>"English"}

origination

{"value"=>"Farrell, Suzanne, 1945-", "type"=>"persname"}

bioghist

{"value"=>"<p>Suzanne Farrell (née Roberta Sue Ficker) was born on August 16, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her career has been defined by her role as a New York City Ballet principal dancer and her partnership with choreographer George Balanchine.</p> <p>Farrell began dancing at an early age at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and later received a Ford Foundation scholarship to study at George Balanchine's School of American Ballet in New York City. In 1961, she joined the corps de ballet at the New York City Ballet (NYCB), leading to her becoming a featured dancer in a 1962 production of <span class=\"title\">Serenade</span>. Farrell's first solo performance occurred in the 1963 premiere of John Taras' <span class=\"title\">Arcade</span>. In 1965, Balanchine created the role of Dulcinea in <span class=\"title\">Don Quixote</span> for Farrell, which premiered in May. That same year, she was promoted to principal dancer with the company. During her tenure at the New York City Ballet, Farrell's collaboration with Balanchine included numerous ballets specifically created for her, such as <span class=\"title\">Diamonds</span> in his full-length ballet <span class=\"title\">Jewels</span>, <span class=\"title\">Movements for Piano and Orchestra</span>, <span class=\"title\">Tzigane</span>, <span class=\"title\">Chaconne</span>, and Robert Schumann's <span class=\"title\">Davidsbündlertänze</span>.</p> <p>In 1969, Farrell left the New York City Ballet and married fellow New York City Ballet dancer Paul Mejia. In 1970, the couple relocated to Belgium, where she became a principal dancer with the Ballet of the Twentieth Century, a company based in Brussels, and led by choreographer Maurice Béjart. During her time there, Farrell originated numerous roles before returning to the New York City Ballet in 1975. Balanchine continued to work with her until his death in April 1983, choreographing new pieces specifically for her. Just prior to his death, Farrell accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his behalf.</p> <p>After developing arthritis in her right hip and enduring many unsuccessful treatments over several years, Farrell retired from performing in 1989. Following Farrell's retirement, she taught ballet at various companies throughout the world, including the New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Kirov Ballet, and Florida State University. Her relationship with Balanchine and her deep understanding of his style led to her being asked to stage his works after his death. Farrell was involved in the Balanchine Trust, which was established to preserve and ensure the accurate presentation of his choreography. Through this trust, she has played a crucial role in staging and teaching his ballets to new generations of dancers and companies.</p> <p>In 2000, Farrell created her own company, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, which the Kennedy Center produced until it disbanded in 2017. Over the years, she garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the American Academy of Achievement's Banquet of the Golden Plate, the New York State Governor's Arts Award, and the National Medal of Arts. In 2005, she received the distinguished Kennedy Center Honors.</p>"}

scopecontent

{"value"=>"<p>The Suzanne Farrell Collection, spanning from 1880 to 2019, is arranged into seven series that comprehensively document her ballet career. The collection includes press materials, photographs by notable artists, correspondence with prominent figures, personal writings, awards, artifacts, and audiovisual recordings. These materials collectively capture key moments, personal insights, and Farrell's contributions to the world of dance.</p>"}

{"value"=>"<p class='list-head'>The Suzanne Farrell collection is arranged in seven series:</p>\n<ul class='arrangement series-descriptions'>\n<li><div class='series-title'><a href='/dan/181336#c1761972'>Series I: Press and Publicity</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1920-2019</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>The Press and Publicity series, dating from 1920 to 2019, offers comprehensive documentation of Suzanne Farrell's career and contributions to the ballet world through print media. This series is divided into several categories, with each section arranged chronologically: clippings; materials related to the <span class=\"title\">Elusive Muse</span> documentary; posters; programs; publications; and scrapbooks.</p> <p> The clippings encompass newspaper and magazine articles covering Farrell's career and the general dance community. Files address the 1962 New York City Ballet European tour; the publication <span class=\"title\">Balanchine's Ballerinas: Conversations with the Muses</span>; George Balanchine obituaries; Chicago City Ballet productions; and Farrell's retirement from the New York City Ballet in 1989. Other files include documentation on the Cincinnati Ballet's 1992 tribute to Balanchine and \"Suzanne Farrell Stages the Masters of the 20th Century\" at the Kennedy Center from 1999 to 2000.</p> <p>The <span class=\"title\">Elusive Muse</span> files contain items related to the promotion and reception of the documentary by filmmaker Anne Belle, which highlights Farrell's long career and influence. Included are promotional postcards, programs for benefit dinners, letters from friends and fans, correspondence with the filmmaker, press clippings, and a publicity packet.</p> <p>The posters are from various ballet productions and events. Highlights include \"Hommage à George Balanchine\" at the Paris Opera, Ballet of the Twentieth Century posters, Kennedy Center ballet productions, and posters from European and Russian productions. Other notable items include a signed poster from artist Robert Rauschenberg, a poster for Farrell's autobiography <span class=\"title\">Holding Onto the Air</span>, and a signed poster from Hélène Rochas featuring an image of Farrell for a Madame Rochas advertisement.</p> <p>The programs are from various ballet performances, with some representing family performances involving Farrell's nieces. There are individual files on the 1965 New York City Ballet tour and programs from Farrell's time dancing with Maurice Béjart's company, Ballet of the Twentieth Century, primarily from 1971 to 1973. Also included are programs Farrell collected out of personal interest or as an event attendee.</p> <p>A wide range of publications featuring Farrell are present. These include calendars, magazines, books, serials, newsletters, and newspapers. Noteworthy items include National Dance Week commemorative stamps from 1978, a Madame Rochas advertisement from 1981, School of American Ballet newsletters, and a special publication commemorating the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. It also includes editions of <span class=\"title\">Ballet Review</span>, <span class=\"title\">Dance Magazine</span>, <span class=\"title\">Vanity Fair</span>, <span class=\"title\">Vogue</span>, <span class=\"title\">Ballet News</span>, and various international publications such as <span class=\"title\">Ballett Oggi</span> and <span class=\"title\">Ballet International</span>. Other significant publications are <span class=\"title\">The New Yorker</span>, <span class=\"title\">New York Magazine</span>, <span class=\"title\">The New Criterion</span>, <span class=\"title\">Time</span>, <span class=\"title\">Newsweek</span>, and <span class=\"title\">The Washington Post</span>.</p> <p>Also held here are scrapbooks spanning from the 1950s to 1985, including a woven newspaper scrapbook from the 1950s. These scrapbooks contain Farrell's own writings and thoughts, collected ephemera, photographs, letters, notes, and clippings, providing a personal and intimate glimpse into her experiences making them invaluable resources for understanding her impact on the dance world.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/dan/181336#c1762097'>Series II: Photographs</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1940-2017</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>The Photographs series, spanning from 1940 to 2017, provides an extensive record of Farrell's personal life and ballet career. This series includes 35mm slides, negatives and prints in both black and white and color, large format negatives, and albums. The photographs are organized chronologically within thematic categories, except for the substanial New York City Ballet section, which is arranged alphabetically by production title.</p> <p>Among the personal photographs are images of Farrell's early life and childhood dance and theater performances, pets, family, and friends. Also included are pictures from her move to New York City to study at the School of American Ballet. Of particular significance are photographs showing Farrell and George Balanchine outside the studio, enjoying holidays together. These photographs also capture Farrell's marriage to Paul Mejia, years abroad in Belgium, their home at Cedar Islands in upstate New York, and further travels around the world.</p> <p>The New York City Ballet photographs depict productions, tours, and portraits, as well as many images of George Balanchine and fellow dancers, including her frequent partners Peter Martins, Arthur Mitchell, Edward Villella, and Jacques d'Amboise. The photographs thoroughly depict Farrell's career with the company, spanning from her earliest performances in the 1960s to her retirement in 1989. Notably, they include extensive documentation of Farrell's role as Dulcinea in <span class=\"title\">Don Quixote</span> from 1965, a role in which Balanchine created specifically for her.</p> <p>The series also represents Farrell's work with Maurice Béjart's Ballet of the Twentieth Century and other ballet companies, such as the San Francisco Ballet, Chicago City Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet.</p> <p>The portraits date from the 1960s through the 2000s and include such noted photographers as Martha Swope, Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz, Carolyn George, Paul Kolnik, Fred Fehl, Max Waldman, Francesco Scavullo, Elliot Erwitt, Arthur Elgort, Costas, Miki Davis, Herbert Migdoll, and Jack Mitchell. Also included are advertisements for Danskin, Nina Ricci, and Rochas.</p> <p>Photographs detailing Farrell's numerous public appearances include the Kennedy Center Honors, official White House visits, various benefits, award ceremonies, and receptions.</p> <p>Finally, there are images depicting Farrell's teaching efforts including those at the Kennedy Center, the George Balanchine Foundation, and Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell, a seasonal intensive course for teens.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/dan/181336#c1762212'>Series III: Correspondence</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1950-2019</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>The Correspondence series, dating from 1950 to 2019, is arranged chronologically and features written correspondence capturing both personal and professional communications from a wide variety of correspondents.</p> <p>Individual files within the series hold birthday and holiday cards, condolence letters for George Balanchine, correspondence related to Farrell's retirement in 1989, responses to <span class=\"title\">Holding On to the Air</span>, materials on the <span class=\"title\">A Midsummer Night's Dream</span> book, documents from Robert Ficker's funeral and memorial, and condolence cards for Donna Holly, Farrell's mother. The Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell file includes a multitude of letters and notes from former students given to her at the conclusion of each summer intensive course.</p> <p>Notable correspondents in the collection include Maurice Chevalier, Alexandra Danilova, Robert Gottlieb of the New Yorker, Peter Martins, Jerome Robbins, and Susan Sontag. The series also holds files of postcards and letters Suzanne Farrell sent to her family, including her father, aunt, grandmother, and mother, while touring abroad.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/dan/181336#c1762226'>Series IV: Writing</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1950-2009</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>Series IV, spanning from 1950 to 2009, focuses on Suzanne Farrell's writings and reflections on her dance career and personal life. This series includes dance notations, scores, scripts, diaries, autobiographical material, speeches, and miscellaneous writings.</p> <p>The Dance Notations, Scores, and Scripts feature notations from New York City Ballet ballets such as <span class=\"title\">Agon</span>, <span class=\"title\">Chaconne</span>, <span class=\"title\">Slaughter on Tenth Ave</span>, <span class=\"title\">La Sonnambula</span>, <span class=\"title\">Scotch Symphony</span>, <span class=\"title\">Serenade</span>, <span class=\"title\">Sonate</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Variations</span>, as well as the Suzanne Farrell Ballet production of <span class=\"title\">Don Quixote</span>. The scores include <span class=\"title\">Divertimento</span>, <span class=\"title\">Movements for Piano and Orchestra</span>, <span class=\"title\">Pithoprakta</span>, <span class=\"title\">Apollo</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Danses Concertantes</span>. The scripts cover productions such as <span class=\"title\">Six Who Pass While the Lentils Boil</span>, <span class=\"title\">Sir David Wears a Crown</span>, and <span class=\"title\">I Married an Angel</span>.</p> <p>The Diaries contains Farrell's personal reflections and anecdotes from her time at the School of American Ballet and her early years in New York. She refers to her diary affectionately as \"Diana,\" named after ballerina Diana Adams.</p> <p>The <span class=\"title\">Holding On to the Air: An Autobiography</span> files include a party invitation for a dinner honoring Farrell, correspondence related to the book, jacket mockups, and photo permissions. These permissions were secured through correspondence between the Maxine Groffsky Literary Agency and various photographers.</p> <p>The Speeches comprise writings for events, at which Farrell spoke, such as a benefit for the School of American Ballet honoring Gene Kelly, the Arthritis Foundation, a farewell for Lawrence Wilker of the Kennedy Center, the New York State Council on the Arts, Jacques D'Amboise's Kennedy Center Award, the American-Irish Historical Society, an event honoring W. McNeil Lowry at the Ford Foundation, and an acceptance speech for the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to George Balanchine.</p> <p>Miscellaneous writings feature a manuscript for <span class=\"title\">The Balanchine Couple</span> by Suzanne Farrell, an interview with Peter Martins and Leslie Stahl, and writings on Johann Strauss.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/dan/181336#c1762232'>Series V: Awards and Honorary Degrees</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1959-2015</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>The Awards and Honorary Degrees series, spanning from 1959 to 2015, highlights Farrell's achievements and impact on the dance world. The series is arranged chronologically and holds certificates, medals, and diplomas, showcasing the recognition she has received throughout her career. Honorary degrees from Georgetown University, Fordham University, Yale University, Harvard University, Adelphi University, the University of Michigan, and the Juilliard School are also present.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/dan/181336#c1762279'>Series VI: Art and Artifacts</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1880-2014</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>The Art and Artifacts series, spanning from 1880 to 1994, features a diverse range of objects that address Suzanne Farrell's influence, relationships, and personal interests.</p> <p>This series includes artwork by individuals such as Rouben Ter-Arutunian and Ben Benson, featuring costume designs for <span class=\"title\">Who Cares?</span>, sculptures of Farrell, and a handmade figurine depicting her in <span class=\"title\">Mozartiana</span>.</p> <p>The artifacts encompass antique Eastern European dolls, commemorative souvenir medals, a small tea saucer gifted by a student, and other items of personal significance.</p> <p>The textiles showcase costumes, including the gown Farrell wore to receive the Kennedy Center Honors, a costume from <span class=\"title\">Sophisticated Lady</span>, scarves which Farrell frequently wore to do warm-ups in, and various traditional headwear. Noteworthy items include a pair of pink satin ballet slippers signed by Farrell, a white ballet slipper with a sash inscribed \"To my George, love Suzanne,\" a cast metal baby shoe, and a white leather baby bootie.</p> <p>Additionally, religious items such as a childhood prayer book and a framed Russian Orthodox icon reflect the importance of religion and spirituality in Farrell's life. Many of the Russian Orthodox ornaments and objects were given to her from George Balanchine.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/dan/181336#c1762311'>Series VII: Audio and Moving Image Recordings</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1942-2006</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>The Audio and Moving Image Recordings series, spanning from 1942 to 2006, offers a diverse array of audiovisual content that provides a thorough perspective of Suzanne Farrell's personal life and professional dance career. The recordings are organized chronologically in thematic categories, except for the Performances, which is arranged alphabetically by title.</p> <p>The Home Movies capture Farrell's early years, featuring films of her sisters and family engaged in recreational activities and dance recitals. Also included are recordings of personal milestones, such as her 1969 wedding to Paul Mejia and her sister Beverly's wedding a few months later.</p> <p>The Interviews and Documentaries offers insights into Farrell's career and connection to George Balanchine and the New York City Ballet. Highlights include audio interviews conducted by Toni Bentley, co-author of Farrell's memoir <span class=\"title\">Holding On to the Air</span>, which served as source material for the book and offer invaluable insights into Farrell's life and thoughts. Many of the film and video recordings are episodes from televised docuseries like <span class=\"title\">PBS Dance in America</span>, <span class=\"title\">Literatti in the Arts</span>, and <span class=\"title\">20th Century Masters</span>. Some recordings also feature live interviews with Farrell, including <span class=\"title\">Conversations About Balanchine with Suzanne Farrell and David Daniel</span> at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and <span class=\"title\">Pillow Talk: Suzanne Farrell's Balanchine Lineage</span> at the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.</p> <p>The Performances primarily documents Farrell's roles with the New York City Ballet, as well as productions from Ballet of the Twentieth Century, and her 2005 staging of Balanchine's <span class=\"title\">Don Quixote</span>.</p> <p>The Special Events recordings feature award ceremonies and public appearances, including Farrell's speech at the 1988 Yale Commencement and her participation in various Kennedy Center Honors programs.</p> <p>The Teaching recordings showcase Farrell as an educator, working with a range of dancers, from teen students in her Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell program to principal dancers of the New York City Ballet.</p> <p>The Television Appearances recordings illustrate her influence in popular culture, featuring guest spots on <span class=\"title\">To Tell The Truth</span>, <span class=\"title\">Sesame Street</span>, and the sitcom <span class=\"title\">Love, Sidney</span>.</p> <p>Finally, music includes a signed and dedicated record of <span class=\"title\">Igor Stravinsky Conducts 1961</span>, a personal memento from the composer to Farrell.</p></div></li></ul>\n", "type"=>"arrangement"}

acqinfo

{"value"=>"<p>Gift of Suzanne Farrell, 2020.</p>"}

processinfo

{"value"=>"<p>Processed by <span class=\"name\">Tara D. Strongosky</span> in 2024.</p>"}

accessrestrict

{"value"=>"<p>Inquiries regarding audio and moving image materials in the collection may be directed to the Jerome Robbins Dance Division (dance@nypl.org). Audio and moving image materials will be subject to preservation assessment and migration prior to access.</p>"}

date_start

1880

keydate

1880

date_end

2019

date_inclusive_start

1880

date_inclusive_end

2019

date_bulk_start

1962

date_bulk_end

1999

extent_statement

47.90 linear feet (107 boxes, 14 oversize folders, 1 tube)

prefercite

{"value"=>"Suzanne Farrell collection, *MGZMD 534. Jerome Robbins Dance Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts"}

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1. Series I: Press and Publicity [6/1]
2. Series II: Photographs [10/1]
3. Series III: Correspondence [13/1]
4. Series IV: Writing [5/1]
5. Series V: Awards and Honorary Degrees [2/1]
6. Series VI: Art and Artifacts [4/1]
7. Series VII: Audio and Moving Image Recordings