Frederick Crane collection of Theatre Dance Company materials

1889-1937

Presenting itself as "a new era in theatre" and in "modern concerts," the Theatre Dance Company sought to combine dance and drama in new ways. Founded in New York City in the late 1930s, the company "avoided the evils of 'type' casting and the sterility of one style of movement" by bringing together ten solo artists who both performed and choreographed new ballets. These company members were Fé Alf, Louise Allen, Elizabeth Colman, Alice Dudley, Eleanor King, Sybil Shearer, William Bales, George Bockman, Kenneth Bostock, and William Miller. Together with musical director John Colman and costumes by George Bockman and Norma Fuller, the company offered a varied repertoire of comedy, satire, and drama. The Theatre Dance Company's circa 1937 announcement lists the following pieces: Parodisms, Devotional, A Fable, Icaro, Night Court, Melodrama, Folk-Suite, These Valiant, Witches Sabbath, and Parade.