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Creator
Berlin, David S.
Call number
*MGZEB 22-0014
Physical description
0.42 linear feet (1 box)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
David S. Berlin photographs of the Nikolais Dance Theatre, *MGZEB 22-0014. Jerome Robbins Dance Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Repository
Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Access to materials
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David S. Berlin was the staff photographer for the Nikolais Dance Theatre, the dance company founded by modern dance choreographer, Alwin Nikolais. Berlin's collection contains color transparencies and slides depicting performances choreographed by Nikolais between 1959 and 1962.

Biographical/historical information

Alwin Nikolais (1910-1993) was a modern dance choreographer, composer, and designer. He began his performing arts career as a silent film piano accompanist and puppeteer, and then trained in dance at Bennington College in the 1930s. Nikolais moved to New York City in the 1940s, and was appointed director of the Henry Street Playhouse in 1948. He formed the Playhouse Dance Company (later renamed the Nikolais Dance Theatre) in 1951, and pursued choreography that utilized sound collage, innovative lighting techniques, stage props, and unconventional costume designs. Nikolais' works include Masks, Props, and Mobiles (1953), Kaleidoscope (1956), Allegory (1959), Totem (1960), Tent (1968), Scenario (1971), Guignol (1977), Count Down (1979), and Talisman (1981).

David S. Berlin was the staff photographer for the Nikolas Dance Theatre. He photographed the company's performances during the 1950s and 1960s.

Scope and arrangement

The collection dates from 1959 to 1962, and contains color slides and color transparencies depicting Nikolais Dance Theatre performances photographed by David S. Berlin. Many of the slides and transparencies were labeled by Berlin, and have been arranged alphabetically by the name, title, or topic that Berlin assigned. Performances depicted include Allegory, Kaleidoscope, Tent, and Totem. There is also a selection of transparencies featuring Phyllis Lamhut, who was a principal performer with the company.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by David S. Berlin in 1994.

Processing information

Processed by Heather Lember in 2022.

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