Loading...
Creator
Brenner, Janis
Call number
(S) *MGZMD 424
Physical description
1.22 linear feet (3 boxes)
Preferred Citation

Janis Brenner papers, (S) *MGZMD 424. Jerome Robbins Dance Division, The New York Public Library.

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

The Janis Brenner papers date from 1960 to 2012 and document her career as a dancer, singer, choreographer, and dance company leader. The collection includes promotional material; photographs; clippings; correspondence; and files pertaining to her teaching.

Biographical/historical information

Janis Brenner (b. 1954) is an American dancer, singer, and choreographer. Brenner was born in Queens, New York and grew up in Long Island after moving there with her family as a small child. She has been based in New York City throughout her career. Before forming her own company called Janis Brenner & Dancers in the mid-1980s, Brenner danced with the Murray Louis Dance Company from 1977 to 1984. She has performed internationally and danced with or collaborated with Rudolf Nureyev, Plácido Domingo, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Theo Bleckmann, Meredith Monk and the Vocal Ensemble, JoAnna Mendl Shaw, Richard Siegel, Annabelle Gamson, Michael Moschen, and others. Themes in her work include the trauma and loss during the AIDS crisis, interpersonal relations, and humor. She is currently (2016) a faculty member at Juilliard School, teaching dance technique, composition, improvisation, repertory and vocal work worldwide. She has previously taught at University of California, Los Angles; Temple University; Long Island University and the Joffrey School.

Scope and arrangement

The Janis Brenner papers are comprised primarily of promotional material, photographs, clippings, and correspondence. Promotional material includes posters, fliers, brochures and press releases relating to specific performances. The photograph files include over two hundred images, comprised mainly of black and white prints and 35mm color slides, which trace Brenner’s whole life and career starting at childhood, including professional portraits and live performances. Clippings include numerous reviews of performances as well as magazine and journal articles by and about Brenner and her dance company. Correspondence is primarily incoming, though some photocopied outgoing letters and emails are included. The collection also includes files of awards; notes on performances; Brenner’s curriculum vitae; notes on a dance research project called The Gender Project; grants; interviews with Brenner; transcripts of speeches delivered by Brenner; and syllabi and other documents pertaining to her teaching.

Arrangement

Files are arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by Janis Brenner, 2012.

Processing information

Compiled by Heather Halliday, 2016.

Key terms

Occupations

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

The author/creator retains copyright of materials. For information on obtaining permission to publish, contact the Dance Division at dance@nypl.org.