Scope and arrangement
The Igor Schwezoff papers document his career as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer from 1931 to 1982. The bulk of the material dates from the 1930s to the 1960s. The collection contains correspondence, writings by Schwezoff, articles, ballet scenarios, contracts, press notices, and Schwezoff's resume. The collection also contains personal memorabilia and official documents such as Schwezoff's citizenship papers and passports.
The correspondence mostly concerns Schwezoff's work in the field of dance, though personal subjects are also discussed. His writings include drafts of articles and essays about dance, as well as scenarios for ballets, untitled draft scripts, and handwritten notes. Ballet scenarios written by others are also present. The collection contains one small floor plan for a staging of The Red Poppy at the Nissei Theater.
Material documenting Schwezoff's work in Brazil includes travel documents, letters from colleagues, articles about his work with the Theatro Municipal, and documents concerning the establishment of the Ballet da Juventude. Some of the material is in Portuguese.
Papers related to Schwezoff's military service include official correspondence and discharge papers, as well as letters sent to the army by Schwezoff's colleagues and friends, suggesting that Schwezoff would be best-suited to morale work. The materials also include a letter Schwezoff sent to the president, in which he proposes that camp entertainments could be used to educate servicemen about art.
Personal memorabilia in the collection include Schwezoff's artwork, photographs of unidentified people from Japan, and prize ribbons from dog shows.