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Creator
Kirkland, Gelsey
Call number
(S) *MGZMD 369
Physical description
.42 linear feet (1 box)
Preferred Citation

Gelsey Kirkland papers, (S) *MGZMD 369, Jerome Robbins Dance Division, The New York Public Library.

Repository
Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Access to materials
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Gelsey Kirkland is an American dancer, teacher, and author. The Gelsey Kirkland papers hold photocopied correspondence and writings, some of which detail her trip to Moscow in 1972 with the New York City Ballet.

Biographical/historical information

Gelsey Kirkland is an American dancer, teacher and author. Kirkland joined the New York City Ballet in 1968 at age fifteen. She was promoted to soloist in 1969 and principal in 1972. In 1974, she joined the American Ballet Theater. She went on to create leading roles for many great 20th century choreographers, including Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Antony Tudor. She also danced the role of "Clara" in Baryshnikov's 1977 televised production of The Nutcracker. Kirkland ended her career with American Ballet Theatre in 1984.

Kirkland is the author of two memoirs, Dancing on My Grave (1986) and The Shape of Love (1990), as well as the children’s book The Little Ballerina and Her Dancing Horse (1993).

In 2010, Ms. Kirkland established the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet where she serves as a co-artistic director alongside her husband Michael Chernov.

Scope and arrangement

The Gelsey Kirkland papers (1968-1989) hold photocopied correspondence and writings. The correspondence is from colleagues, friends, family and fans. The bulk of the correspondence is congratulatory responses to her performances. There is limited correspondence regarding the publication of Dancing on My Grave. Writings are notes on her trip to Russia with the New York City Ballet in 1972, as well as thoughts on Balanchine’s Don Quixote and Symphony in C.

Arrangement

Alphabetical by file type

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by Jill Kroesen, 2011

Processing information

Compiled by Lea Jordan, 2014

Using the collection

Location

Jerome Robbins Dance Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

The author/creator retains copyright of materials. For information on obtaining permission to publish, contact the Dance Division at dance@nypl.org.