John Gruen papers

1970-1984

The John Gruen papers document Gruen's writing career from 1970 to 1984. The collection contains correspondence, articles written by Gruen, and research material and notes relating to two of his books, Erik Bruhn: Danseur Noble (1979), and The World’s Great Ballets (1981).

The collection contains carbon copies of articles and reviews written by Gruen for various periodicals, mostly for Dance Magazine and the New York Times. The articles are arranged by people and subjects. People files are arranged alphabetically by last name of dancer or choreographer. The subject files examine topics, such as conducting and music, as well as specific performances and companies, such as the Nutcracker and the American Ballet Theater. Gruen annotated the articles with the title and dates of the publication, and the subject or person that the article covers. Articles written for After Dark magazine are separated from the people and subject files, and cover various dance figures including Merce Cunningham, Twyla Tharp, and Rudolph Nureyev.

Correspondence is professional in nature, and relates to Gruen's articles and to two of his books, Erik Bruhn: Danseur Noble (1979), and The World’s Great Ballets (1981). Letters and contracts pertaining to The Great Artists of the Dance series, a 1977 event that took place at City Hall and consisted of interviews with dancers, are also present. Topics of correspondence include arranging interviews with dancers, the use of quotations and photographs for his books, Gruen’s promotional tours, and fan letters. Among the several correspondents are editorial managers of periodicals, public relations managers, and theater directors.

Research notes consist of typewritten notes and drafts of articles that Gruen wrote for Dance Magazine and for various interviews. Handwritten and typewritten drafts and notes for two of his books, Erik Bruhn: Danseur Noble (1979), and The World’s Great Ballets, are present.