{"value"=>"<p>May O'Donnell's papers hold choreographic notes, correspondence, dance company records, family papers, interviews, programs, and papers relating to the May O'Donnell Modern Dance Center.</p> <p>The choreographic notes consist of sketches, written direction and occasionally photographs that correspond to specific works. The notes are often just ideas and brainstorming and do not include labanotation. Much of O'Donnell's choreography is set to the work of Ray Green.</p> <p>O'Donnell's correspondence is primarily personal. The bulk of the letters are from her husband, Ray Green, documenting their close working and emotional relationship. Other correspondents include Nancy Lang and Gertrude Shurr, O'Donnell's studio partner and close friend.</p> <p>O'Donnell worked with many dance companies throughout her career, including her own, the May O'Donnell Concert Dance Company. The files for her personal company include photographs, administrative correspondence, mailing lists, programs, reviews, and workshop materials. There are 48 slide filmstrips and 13 reel tapes of the May O'Donnell Dance Company. Inquiries regarding audio/visual materials in the collection may be directed to the Dance Division (dance@nypl.org). Audio/visual materials may be subject to preservation evaluation and migration prior to access.</p> <p>Other companies represented include the Martha Graham Dance Company, the Houston Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.</p> <p>The May O'Donnell Modern Dance Center was founded in 1974 to teach the O'Donnell technique. The center became the support and base for her already existent dance company. O'Donnell taught there until the studio was sold in the mid-1980s. These files hold correspondence, flyers, press releases, and other materials relating to the day to day business of running a dance studio.</p> <p>This series has an extensive collection of programs, often listing both O'Donnell and Green as their work was extremely collaborative. Programs are arranged by date and cover the years 1930 to 1985. The programs trace O'Donnell's career as a dancer, then as a choreographer and soloist, and finally to owning her own company and concentrating solely on choreography.</p> <p>Alphabetical by subject or name.</p>"}