Scope and arrangement
This collection documents Fortune Gallo's tenure as manager and tour director of the Original Ballet Russe. The papers document a critical period in the Original Ballet Russe's history, and reveal how performance tours were organized and paid for at the time. The collection is comprised of approximately 1000 items, including 553 letters and 129 telegrams, and various legal contracts, publicity materials, and newspaper clippings related to the company.
Among the papers are Gallo's business dealings with the Original Ballet Russe's owner Colonel Wassily de Basil, as well as communications with Ballet Russe's lawyer, and negotiations and scheduling discussions with venue managers. Other topics addressed include performance publicity, the company's travel and hotel accommodations, and contract issues with performers and their representatives. Of note are the arrangements Gallo made to transport the ballet company from Cuba, where their previous manager Sol Hurok had left them in early 1941, to New York City, and items documenting Gallo decision to cancelation the company's Christmas tour of the West Coast in 1941. A small amount of materials concern Gallo's management of the San Carlo Opera Company.
Undated items include lists of Original Ballet Russe performers with details on each members stage name, passport name, and nationality; essays on Hurok's departure from the Original Ballet Russe and articles on Galo's role in the company; repertoire announcements; and dance performance programs.
Arrangement
This collection is organized chronologically.