Scope and arrangement
The collection, dated 1946 to 2017, documents Gregory's dancing career and retirement activity, with emphasis on her American Ballet Theatre tenure. It is divided into six groups: Early Years, American Ballet Theatre, Guesting and Other Activities, Years after Performing, Dancewear, and Video Recordings and Film.
The Early Years group is arranged in two sections: Los Angeles and San Francisco Ballet. The Los Angeles section contains materials from 1946 to 1961, mostly concerning Gregory's ballet activity. The San Francisco Ballet materials document Gregory's time with the company from 1961 to 1965. Both sections contain articles, programs, correspondence, and photographs. Most of these materials relate to Gregory performing.
The American Ballet Theatre group is the most substantial part of the collection. It reflects Gregory's tenure with the company from 1965 to 1991, focusing on performances in New York City and around the United States, as well as international tours. Also included are materials relating to Gregory's 1977 White House performance and 20th Anniversary Gala in 1985. This group contains articles, programs, correspondence, photographs, and some press releases and resumes. Articles consist of interviews, profiles, and reviews of performances. Programs are mostly for Gregory's performances, but also include some before and after her tenure. Correspondence is largely personal and incoming, from fans, teachers, and colleagues; there is also a portion of mostly outgoing mail to Gregory's parents. Photographs primarily show Gregory performing solo or with partners.
The Guesting and Other Activities group highlights Gregory's performances as a guest dancer outside of the American Ballet Theatre, both in the United States and internationally; of special note are materials for her Celebration Tour and activity with the Cleveland Ballet. This group also contains materials for Gregory's advertising work and awards received during her career. Included here are articles and clippings, programs, personal and professional correspondence, photographs, and certificates.
The Years after Performing group covers activity from 1993 to 2017, including Gregory's staging work, master class instruction, artwork, awards received during retirement, and Career Transition for Dancers chairmanship. There are also some personal letters and photographs, and Gregory's memoir manuscript.
Dancewear consists of Gregory's theatre robe, four pairs of dance shoes, and six tutus. Gregory's first ballet shoes and tutu are included, as well as four tutus worn for performances of various ballets.
Film and video recordings include American Ballet Theatre and guest performances from 1975 to 1990. There is also an interview with Gregory, video of her childhood appearance on The Jack Benny Program, short film with Ivan Nagy, a master class taping, and Linda Ronstadt's "When You Wish Upon a Star" music video featuring Gregory.
Arrangement
The collection is divided into six groups: Early Years; American Ballet Theatre; Guesting and Other Activities; Years after Performing; Dancewear; and Audio and Video Recordings.