Scope and arrangement
The Martha Graham Dance Company Tour records (1941-1957) document specific venues and American tours from 1942 to 1950, as well as a 1950 European Tour and the 1955-1956 goodwill tour of Asia.
In November of 1955, as fears intensified that Asian nations might turn Communist, the United States State Department sent Graham and her dance company on a performance and lecture tour of Asian cities. Although modern dance was unfamiliar to most of the audiences, the State Department judged the tour an overwhelming success.
The materials consist of correspondence, schedules, telegrams, stage diagrams, and shipping documents. In the case of files concerning the Asian tour, there are detailed reports from the company's advance man Craig Barton, outlining the conditions of the venues, accommodations, and the city in general. Based on his reports, money would be arranged to fix the stage, install dressing areas, and rebook hotels. Barton also arranged for publicity in each city. His advance letters served to warn the company as to what their next venue would bring - problems that could range from no separate dressing room for Graham to lack of toilets. All folders from the goodwill tour contain copies of follow up letters sent to each city a year after the performance, as well as congratulatory correspondence from local fans and American Embassy workers.
Users should note that all folders may contain material created before and after the date of booking related to each tour stop. These include letters of introduction, financial summaries, and other pre and post performance arrangements.
Arrangement
Chronological by date of tour booking.