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Creator
Sears, David, 1948-1992
Call number
(S) *MGZMD 184
Physical description
23 linear feet (52 boxes)
Preferred Citation

The David Sears Papers, (S)*MGZMD 184. Jerome Robbins Dance Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Repository
Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

Research files used by David Sears for writing reviews and articles on dance and theater.

Biographical/historical information

David Sears was a writer on modern dance. He graduated from New York University where he received a teaching degree. He wrote for Dance News and Ballet Review as well as other lesser-known publications. At the time of his death he was working on a book on Martha Graham and her use of Greek themes in her choreography. He died on June 24, 1992.

Scope and arrangement

The David Sears papers document his research process for articles and reviews about dance. The collection consists mainly of New York area newspaper clippings in a wide range of topics related to both dance and theater. In addition there are press releases and stock photographs from several organizations. There is also some material related to college and English as a Second Language courses taught by Sears among the limited professional papers.

The David Sears papers are arranged in three series:

  • Series I: Professional Papers

    This series contains professional material including correspondence and receipts. There is also material used in teaching courses at both Hunter College and Queens College. Because Sears was involved with the puppet community, there is material from puppetry guilds in the New York City area. Also included are his reviews that appeared in the magazine Michael's Thing, as well as other regional magazines.

  • Series II: Research Material

    This series contains dance and theater-related clippings from newspapers and magazines in the New York City area mainly from the New York Times and The Village Voice. Also included are press releases and stock photographs, including hand-written notes.

    Sub - series 1: Dance Sub-series 2 - Theater
  • Series III: Oversized Materials
    1935 - 1991

    This series contains mostly souvenir programs from ballet performances that David Sears attended. There is also some artwork, magazines and calendars.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

The David Sears Papers were donated to the Jerome Robbins Dance Division in 1992 by David Sears.

Processing information

Processed by Leslie Reyman; Machine-readable finding aid created by Leslie Reyman.

Separated material

Autographed Ballet Slipper

Audio tapes

  • Cycles' Native American Flute Music
  • Graham
  • Jeanette Schlotthmauer
  • (L. Horst) David Sears, Jersey City 1992, Mar. 25

Books

  • Maria Tallchief: American Ballerina by Adele deLeeuw
  • On the Four Quartets of T.S. Eliot by Constance de Masirevich
  • John Martin's Book of the Dance

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

For permission to publish, contact the Curator, Jerome Robbins Dance Division.