USC Libraries

University of Southern California

skip navigation

Archival Collections

« back to Archival Collections Search

Finding Aid of the Saida Gerrard papers

Finding aid prepared by Robert G. Vaughn, 2008

Summary Information

Repository
USC Libraries Special Collections
Creator
Gerrard, Saida, 1913-2005
Title
Saida Gerrard papers
Collection no.
0341
Date [inclusive]
1930-1980
Extent
12.0 Linear feet, 10 boxes
Language
English
Abstract
The collection consists of costumes, manuscripts, programs, photographs, and clippings pertaining to choreographer/dancer Saida Gerrard from the 1930s through the 1970s.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Saida Gerrard papers, Collection no. 0341, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Return to Table of Contents »

Biographical Note

Saida Gerrard was a performer, choreographer, student, and teacher of modern dance. Born in 1913, she grew up in Toronto, Canada in a family of Russian Jewish immigrants. Her parents were amateur musicians who exposed her to music and dance at an early age. As a child, she studied music and dance at the Hambourg Conservatory of Music in Toronto and at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, including Dalcroze Eurythmics with Madeleine Boss Lasserre. She would go on to study dance and perform with some of the greatest individuals in modern dance, including Vilzak-Scholler, Margaret Craske, Hanya Holm, Louis Horst, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Martha Graham, Fe Alf, Amy Sternberg, and Benjamin Zemach.

In the late 1930s Gerrard moved to New York where she studied on scholarship with Hanya Holm at the Mary Wigman School. From 1943-1948, she studied modern dance techniques with Martha Graham. In 1945, she joined the Charles Weidman Company. During this time she studied composition with Weidman, Louis Horst, and Doris Humphrey. She was a principal dancer with the Charles Weidman Company on three national and five East Coast tours. Gerrard performed with Hanya Holm and Weidman for a festival at the New York City Center. She was also a principal dancer and soloist at festivals in Vermont, Massachusetts and New York. In addition to her dance performances she served as the Assistant Choreographer and soloist with the New York City Opera in performances of Aida, Traviata, and Love of Three Oranges. From 1945-1953, she frequently returned to Canada to serve as a guest artist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Gerrard taught the Graham Technique in New York from 1945 until 1950. From 1950-1953, she taught at the Humphrey-Weidman School.

In 1953, Gerrard moved to Los Angeles with her American pianist husband Aube Tzerko. While in Los Angeles, Gerrard taught master classes and gave lectures, demonstrations, and workshops at USC, UCLA, the Idyllwild Arts Festival, Los Angeles City College, the University of Judaism, and Pasadena City College, as well as a variety of other colleges and high schools throughout Southern California. She also gave performances and lectures on Hebraic dance and modern dance with Jewish themes at many of the Los Angeles area Jewish temples. From 1953-1960, Gerrard performed with the Saida Gerrard Theater Dance Company for the Long Beach Symphony, the Idyllwild Arts Festival, Bovard Auditorium at USC Schoenberg Hall at UCLA and at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. She choreographed and performed the operas The Consul at USC, Secret of Suzanne at the University of Judaism, and Hansel and Gretel for three consecutive years at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA.

In 1960, Gerrard began teaching at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. She was the Director of the Saida Gerrard School of Contemporary Dance, where she taught technique and choreography for adults, children, actors, and singers, from 1957-1970. From 1960-1964, Gerrard toured the West Coast with her Saida Gerrard Theatre Dance Company and performed twenty-seven concerts under the management of Columbia Artists. She choreographed and performed with a group of thirty dancers. Her company performed New Exodus with symphony and choir at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, and at the Shrine Auditorium and Wilshire-Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. She choreographed Don Giovanni in 1964, for the first season of the Los Angeles Opera, which was then called the Los Angeles Civic Grand Opera, at the new Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. From 1965-1969, Gerrard continued to perform and choreograph her works such as Marais and Miranda at the Morgan Theater in Santa Monica; Pimpinone at Royce Hall, UCLA; and The Bartered Bride at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles. In 1973, she staged two Los Angeles performances, The Measure Taken by Bertolt Brecht at the Mark Taper Forum and The Golem at the Gindi Auditorium. The following year she staged sixteen performances as the Director of Dance for Theater Arts Program of Los Angeles. In 1975, Gerrard received a grant from the California Arts Commission, which she used to stage a performance of Ancestral Memories, music by Aaron Copland, with the Theater Dance Company at the Gindi Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Gerrard began working in Aspen, Colorado in 1971. She taught, studied, danced, and staged performances there until 1977. She choreographed contemporary opera and works by Mozart, Stravinsky, and resident composers; attended seminars at the Institute for the Humanities; and conducted summer workshops for Colorado Mountain College. In 1971, Gerrard became the Director and teacher of dance and choreography for the Aspen Music School and Opera. She would continue in this position until 1977.

In 1977, Gerrard again focused her work in the Los Angeles area. She taught dance and choreography at the University of Judaism, where she also served as the Chairwoman of the Modern Dance Department, and at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles from 1977-1980. In 1980, she began teaching dance and choreography at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. She was also the Founder, Director and Choreographer for the Saida Gerrard Heritage Dance Company, which performed at the Immaculate Heart College, Temple Judea, University Synagogue, Temple Emmanuel, Stephen Wise Temple, and the Leo Baeck Temple, all of which are located in Los Angeles. The Heritage Dance Company focused on works related to her Jewish heritage.

Saida Gerrard's commissions included choreographed oratorios for the New York Philharmonic Chorus and the Toronto Peoples Chorus; Song of Miriam for the Detroit Folk Choir; New Exodus (Di Naye Hagode) for the Chicago Philharmonic Chorus and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Choir; and a grant from the California Arts Commission to choreograph Ancestral Memories. She performed as a soloist and principal dancer with the Toronto City Orchestra; Chicago Chamber Orchestra; Detroit Little Symphony Orchestra; Detroit Folk Choirs; Carnegie Hall and Town Hall Concerts, New York; and the Charles Weidman Theatre Dance Company. Gerrard served as the Director for the Carousel Dance Theatre for Children and the Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, III, Dance School; the Saida Gerrard Heritage Dance Company; the Aspen Music School and Opera; and the Modern Dance Department at the University of Judaism. She was the founder of the Sutro-Syler Dance Studio; the Carousel Theater; and the Heritage Dance Company. Her performances included Death and Transfiguration (1935); Dance Suite-Songs of Unrest (1935); Sea Shanties (1937), set to music composed by her husband, Aube Tzerko; and Die Naye Hagodah (1949), choreographed to Max Helfman's choral tone poem.

Saida Gerrard retired from dancing in 1989. Her husband Aube Tzerko passed away in September 1995. While in retirement Gerrard continued to promote dance and the arts in education. She remained in Los Angeles until her death in 2005.

Return to Table of Contents »

Scope and Content

The collection consists of materials created, collected and used by Saida Gerrard during the course of her career as a dancer and choreographer in Canada and in the United States. They consist of photographs, programs, audio and videotapes, scripts, notebooks, slides, correspondence, scores, and ephemera-- chiefly organized by name of dance or performance when feasible.

Return to Table of Contents »

Arrangement

The first twenty-nine series are arranged alphabetically by dance title; the remaining nine series are arranged by format and contain materials associated with more than one dance or those not identified with a specific dance.

Return to Table of Contents »

Administrative Information

Publication Information

USC Libraries Special Collections
2008
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California, 90089-0189
213-740-5900
specol@usc.edu

Conditions Governing Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Acquisition

The collection was donated by Saida Gerrard's niece, Lisa Gerrard, in 2007.

Return to Table of Contents »

Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

  • Carousel Dance Theatre for Children. -- Archives
  • Heritage Dance Company. -- Archives
  • Idyllwild Arts Foundation. -- Archives
  • University of Judaism. -- Archives

Genre(s)

  • Audiotapes
  • Clippings
  • Correspondence
  • Costumes (character dress)
  • Dance cards
  • DVDs
  • Ephemera
  • Noteboooks
  • Photographs
  • Programs (documents)
  • Publications
  • Scores
  • Videotapes

Personal Name(s)

  • Gerrard, Saida, 1913-2005 -- Archives
  • Helfman, Max -- Archives
  • Holm, Hanya, 1893-1992 -- Archives
  • Tzerko, Aube, 1907-1995 -- Archives
  • Weidman, Charles -- Archives
  • Wigman, Mary, 1886-1973 -- Archives
  • Zemach, Benjamin -- Archives

Subject(s)

  • Choreographers--United States--20th century--Archival resources
  • Choreography--United States--20th century--Archival resources
  • Dancers--United States--20th century--Archival resources
  • Modern dance--California--Los Angeles--Archival resources
  • Modern dance--United States--20th century--Archival resources

Return to Table of Contents »

Collection Inventory

Series 1:  Adam and Eve 

Historical note

Dance was written by Saida Gerrard.
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

8X10 photo of Saida Gerrard as Eve. Photo by Alfredo Valente. 1 photo.

 1 1

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 2:  Ancestral Memories 
Box Folder

 Programs 

Scope and Contents

Choreographed by Saida Gerrard. Performed at the Gindi Theatre at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. Date unknown. 6 programs.

 1 2
Box

 Audio 

Scope and Contents

1 audio tape of "Ancestral Memories".

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 3:  Aria de Capo 
Box Folder

 Scripts 

Scope and Contents

Script for Aria de Capo by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Choreographed by Saida Gerrard. 3 scripts.

 1 3

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 4:  Art of Benjamin Zemach, The 
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

Photographs of performances and rehearsals from the film "The Art of Benjamin Zemach". 18 B/W 4X6, 3 B/W 5X7, 1 color 4X6, 3 4.5X5.5 (1967), 25 total photos.

 1 4-7

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 5:  Bartered Bride, The 
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

3.5 X 3.5 color photographs of dancers. 3 photos.

 1 8

 Programs 1961 

Scope and Contents

Programs from the Guild Opera Co, Inc. production of "The Bartered Bride" at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA. Dates of performances are from April 18-May 2, 1961. Choreographed by Said Gerrard. "The Bartered Bride" is an opera in three acts written by Henry Reese. 5 programs.

 1 9
Box

 Audio 

Scope and Contents

1 reel of 1/4 inch magnetic audio tape.

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 6:  Begin the Beginning 
Box Folder

 Programs 1940 

Scope and Contents

Program for "Begin the Beginning" performed in The Unity Playhouse, Forest Park, Pennsylvania on June 8, 1940. Saida Gerrard performed in two of the 16 dances. 1 program.

 1 10

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 7:  Bewitched Child, The 
Box Folder

 Programs 1985 

Scope and Contents

Program from the Aspen Music Festival, August 22-23, 1985. "The Bewitched Child" (L'enfant et les sortileges) performed in the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, CO. Choreographed by Saida Gerrard.

 1 11

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 8:  Country Dance 
Box Folder

 Programs 1934-1935 

Scope and Contents

Program for the Promenade concert series for 1934-35, Toronto, Canada. "Country Dance" by Bela Bartok. Solo dance by Saida Gerrard. Program also contains an advertisement for Saida Gerrard's Modern Dance Studio, Toronto, Canada.

 1 12

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 9:  Cradle Song, The 
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

Photographs of Saida Gerrard in costume dancing solo. 4 8X10 B/W, 4 4.75X6.75 B/W, 5 3.75X4.75 B/W, 4 3.75X5.5 color, 1 3.75X4.75 negative. 18 total photographs.

 1 13-15

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 10:  Death and Transfiguration 
Box Folder

 Programs 

Scope and Contents

Program for "Death and Transfiguration", which was based on a Richard Strauss tone poem. Danced by Said Gerrard while she was a pupil of Mary Wigman. This event took place on February 14-15 (year unknown) at the Central High School of Commerce auditorium. 3 programs, 1 original and 2 photocopies.

 1 16

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 11:  Fancy Fanny's Judgment Day 1939 
Box Folder

 Programs 1939 

Scope and Contents

Programs for the Carousel Theatre Group performance of "Fancy Fanny's Judgment Day". Direction and choreography by Saida Gerrard. Presented by the Young Men's Hebrew Association and performed in the Kaufmann Auditorium, New York City, on February 26, 1939. 4 programs, 2 originals and 2 photocopies.

 1 17

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 12:  Fantasy 1939 1939 
Box Folder

 Programs 1939 

Scope and Contents

Program for "Fantasy 1939" performed in the Adelphi Theatre, New York City. Presented by The Federal Theatre Project as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) Program. 1 original program.

 1 18

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 13:  House Divided, A 
Box Folder

 Programs 1947 

Scope and Contents

Programs for the Charles Weidman and Company productions of "A House Divided" by Lionel Nowak. Saida Gerrard dances in the role of the "slave" in both performances. The first program (photocopy) is for the performance which took place in The Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on April 27, 1947 for the benefit of "Spanish Refugees In Exile". The date and location of the performance listed in the second program (original)are not provided. 2 programs, 1 photocopy and 1 original.

 1 19

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 14:  Hansel and Gretel 1955 
Box Folder

 Programs 1955 

Scope and Contents

Programs for the Guild Opera Company production of "Hansel and Gretel", an opera in three acts by Engelbert Humperdinck. Performances held in the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles from February 5 through April 17, 1955. Dream pantomime staged by Saida Gerrard. 8 original programs.

 1 20

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 15:  Legend of Queen Sabbath, A 
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

Photographs from the performance of "A Legend of Queen Sabbath". 16 8X10 B/W, 1 5X6.5 B/W, 1 5X6.5 B/W photo card with the inscription "Happy Holidays", 1 5X6.5 B/W print, 1 3.25X5 photographs taken by Lyn Smith, the University of Judaism company photographer. All 4 of the smaller images are of the dancer Adria Chalfin. 19 B/W photographs and 1 print by Lyn Smith.

Photographs from the performance of "A Legend of Queen Sabbath". 10 3.75X4.5, 5 5X6.5 B/W, 2 5.75X6.75, 1 8X10, 3 3.75X5 and 2 4.5X6 negatives. All photographs are uncredited and feature a solo Saida Gerrard. 18 B/W photographs and 5 negatives.

 1 1-28

 Programs 1980 

Scope and Contents

Programs for performances of "A Legend of Queen Sabbath" choreographed by Saida Gerrard.

Programs for the dance "A Legend of Queen Sabbath" which was performed April 25, 1980 at Temple Emanuel, Los Angeles. Part of the Weiss-Evans Memorial Concert. The concert included a performance of "A Legend of Queen Sabbath" performed by the Saida Gerrard Heritage Dance Company of Los Angeles and choreographed by Saida Gerrard. 4 originals and 1 photocopy. 5 total programs.

Original program for the May 2, 1980 Shabbat evening worship service at the University Synagogue, University of Judaism, Los Angeles, CA. Service included a performance of "A Legend of Queen Sabbath" performed by the Saida Gerrard Heritage Dance Company of Los Angeles and choreographed by Saida Gerrard.

Programs for the dance "A Legend of Queen Sabbath" which was performed at Temple Judea, Los Angeles. Date unknown. 1 original and 7 photocopies. 8 total programs.

14 total programs.

 1 29

 Ephemera 

Scope and Contents

Information about the dance "A Legend of Queen Sabbath". 5 2-page documents and 5 1-page documents. 15 total pages.

 1 30
Box

 Video 

Scope and Contents

1 VHS cassette of "Queen Sabbath."

 9

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 16:  Machine, The 1938 
Box Folder

 Programs 1938 

Scope and Contents

Programs for "The Machine." Choreographed by Saida Gerrard and performed by the Toronto Skating Club. 1 original program taken from the 1938 issue of the periodical Carnival. 1 photocopy. 2 total programs.

 1 31

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 17:  Melange 
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

17 color slides of children and Vic Benn.

 1 32

 Programs 1966 

Scope and Contents

Programs for "Melange". Written by Josef Marais and choreographed by Saida Gerrard. Performed by Saida Gerrard's School of Dance, Los Angeles, CA. Performances were held December 13-31, 1966 in the Morgan Theatre, Los Angeles, CA. 2 originals and 2 photocopies.

 1 33

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 18:  Di Naye Hagode 

Historical note

The title of the dance in Hebrew is "Di Naye Hagode". The English translation is "The New Haggodah" or "The New Exodus". Haggodah (or Hagode) is the Hebrew term for the Passover narrative.
Box

 Video 

Scope and Contents

1 mini digital video cassette of "New Exodus" (Di Naye Hagode). Contains the entire dance, images from the Shrine performances, cast cut-ups, and rehearsals.

1 DVD of "New Exodus" (Di Naye Hagode). Contains the entire dance, images from the Shrine performances, cast cut-ups, and rehearsals. Running time = 27:13.

2 reels of 1cm film of "New Exodus" (Di Naye Hagode). Contains the entire dance, images from the Shrine performances, cast cut-ups, and rehearsals.

4 items total.

 9

 Photographs 


    Box Folder
Photographs   1 34-46
    Map-case Drawer
Photographs   8 2

Scope and Contents

Photographs of performances and rehearsals for "Di Naye Hagodah".

1 11X14 B/W, 6 8X10 B/W and 3 5X7 B/W photographs taken by Bill Isaacks.

6 5X7 color photographs taken by Lyn Smith of the University of Judaism, Los Angeles, CA.

12 5X7 B/W photographs taken by Irene Rosenfield, Venice, CA.

Uncredited photographers. 5 2.75X4.25 color, 18 3X5 color, 23 3.25X4.75 (10 B/W & 13 color), 1 5X7 B/W, 1 8X10 B/W, 33 color slides. 81 total uncredited photographs.

106 total photographs.
Box Folder

 Notebooks 

Scope and Contents

Choreography notes for the "Exodus" choral ballet for "Di Naye Hagode". Handwritten notes by Saida Gerrard. On ruled paper in a bound notebook. In pencil.

 1 47

 Programs 1963-1964 

Scope and Contents

2 copies of The Spectator, a program for events held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. June 11, 1963. "The New Exodus" ("Di Naye Hagode") choreographed by Saida Gerrard.

5 programs for "The Spring Song of Our People" concert festival held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on June 11, 1963. "The New Exodus" ("Di Naye Hagode") choreographed by Saida Gerrard.

Program for "The World of Max Helfman" memorial concert held at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles on March 22, 1964. "The New Exodus" ("Di Naye Hagode") choral ballet choreographed by Saida Gerrard. She also danced in the role of the "last survivor".

8 total programs.

 1 48

 Correspondence 

Scope and Contents

Correspondence from Cantor Samuel Fordis of the School of Fine Arts of the University of Judaism. A letter of thanks. Mention of payment for personal expenses. Letter is in regard to "The World of Max Helfman" memorial concert in which Saida Gerrard choreographed and performed in "Di Naye Hagode". 1 typed letter.

 1 49

 Scores 

Scope and Contents

Scores for "Di Naye Hagode." Music by Max Helfman. Text by I. Feffer. Notes by Pianist Aube Tzerko (Saida Gerrard's husband).

1 spiral bound score with hand written notes by pianist Aube Tzerko.

1 German text for narrator and chorus.

1 handwritten score with parts.

1 copied choral score with handwritten notes.

1 handwritten score with notes for "The Wedding Dance".

1 commercially bound score containing "Di Naye Hagode". From "The World of Max Helfman" in memorium of Max Helfman presented at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles on March 22, 1964.

1 narration with cues and notes for the Cantor. "Spring Song of Our People" from "The New Haggadah". Adaptation by William Kozlenko.

1 opening narration.

8 total scores with parts and narration texts.

 2 1-2
Box

 Audio 

Scope and Contents

3 reels of 1/4 inch magnetic audio tape.

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 19:  Peacelike Mongoose, The 

Historical note

Based on a fable by James Thurber. Occasionally billed as "A Peacelike Mongoose".
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

1 8X10 B/W, 4 3.5X3.25 B/W, 5 3.5X4.5 color photographs from Berko Studio, Aspen, CO. 10 total photographs.

5 8X10 uncredited photographs, 3 uncredited color slides. 8 total.

15 total photographs, 3 total slides.

 2 3-6

 Notebooks 

Scope and Contents

1 spiral bound notebook containing notes for "The Peacelike Mongoose". Possibly compiled while S.G. was at Loyola Marymount University.

1 bound notebook containing notes for "The Peacelike Mongoose".

2 total notebooks.

 2 7-8

 Programs 1982 

Scope and Contents

2 programs for "The Peacelike Mongoose". Performed in Aspen, CO.

2 original programs for "A Peacelike Mongoose". Performed April 23-24 and 29-30, 1982 at Loyola Marymount University.

4 programs total.

 2 9

 Ephemera 

Scope and Contents

2 typed pages of cast and production credits.

 2 10
Box

 Audio 

Scope and Contents

4 audio cassettes.

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 20:  Pimpinone 

General note

"Pimpinone" has an alternate spelling of "Pimpinoni" on some of the materials.
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

1 5X9 B/W, 7 8X10 B/W photographs. Uncredited.

8 photographs in all.

 2 11-12

 Programs 

Scope and Contents

1 original program for "Pimpinone". Date and location unknown.

 2 13
Box

 Audio 1965 

Scope and Contents

2 reels of 1/4 inch magnetic audio tape. 1 reel is marked 07/13/65.

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 21:  Rhumba Ballet 

Historical note

"Rhumba Ballet" was written by Ernesto Lecuona and choreographed by Eugene Van Grona.
Box Folder

 Programs 

Scope and Contents

1 original program for "Rhumba Ballet" danced by Saida Gerrard as part of Van Grona's Dancers ensemble. Performance at The Boston Opera House. Date unknown.

1 original program for "Rhumba Ballet" danced by Saida Gerrard as part of Van Grona's Dancers ensemble. Performance at the Lyric Theatre January 27-29. Year unknown.

2 programs total.

 2 14

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 22:  Sea Shanties 

 Photographs 


    Box Folder
Photographs   2 15
    Map-case Drawer
Photographs   8 1

Scope and Contents

1 8X10 B/W photograph taken by Alfredo Valente.

2 6.5X4.75 B/W photographs. Uncredited.

1 10.5X14 B/W photograph mounted on matted board. Mat is broken in several places, but the photograph is unharmed.

1 3.5X4.5 negative.

5 items total.

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 23:  Sleepy Hollow 1948 

Historical note

The Carousel production of the 1948 Broadway show featuring the dancing of Saida Gerrard. Choreography by Anna Sokolow.
Box Folder

 Photographs 1948 

Scope and Contents

1 4.25X6.5 B/W photograph taken by Richard Tucker of Boston, MA.

1 4.25X6.5 B/W photograph taken by Will Rapport.

Both images are from the Carousel production of the Broadway show featuring the dancing of Saida Gerrard. 2 total photographs.

 2 16

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 24:  Songs of Unrest 1935 

Historical note

"Songs of Unrest" is a solo modern dance suite in three parts, "Hunger", with percussion accompaniment, "Satire" by Prokofieff, and "Lament" by Villa-Lobos. Performed by Saida Gerrard.
Box Folder

 Programs 1935 

Scope and Contents

Programs for the modern dance suite "Songs of Unrest".

2 original and 2 photocopies of a program for "Songs of Unrest". Performed on March 16, 1935 in the Eaton auditorium. Featured Saida Gerrard in a solo dance.

1 original and 1 photocopy of a program for "Songs of Unrest. Performed on March 25, 1935 in the Sculpture Court of Grange Park at the Art Gallery of Toronto, Canada. Her dance was preceded by a short talk.

6 total programs.

 2 17

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 25:  Tapestry 

Historical note

"Tapestry" includes the dances "Pavanne", "The Night Her Blackest Sables Wore", and "Death and the Lady".
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

1 4X5 B/W, 24 8X10 B/W photographs. All 25 are uncredited.

4 3X4.5 B/W photographs. Note: one of the photos is identified as USC while another is identified as New York; however, the locations appear visually to be the same place. All four are uncredited.

1 8X10 negative. Uncredited.

10 8X10 B/W photographs credited to Bill Isaacks.

6 7X9.5 B/W photographs credited to Kenneth Johnson, New York. 23 8X10 B/W photographs from a solo photoshoot with Saida Gerrard. 2 8X10 B/W proof sheets. 6 strips of negatives, each containing negatives of four photographs.

12 7.5X10 B/W photographs credited to Ruth Lert. Several are from "Death and the Lady", featuring Saida Gerrard with Ben Johnson.

1 5X7 B/W photograph credited to Irene Rosenfeld, Venice, CA.

1 5X7 and 3 8X10 B/W photographs credited to Constantine. From "Death and the Lady". Featuring Saida Gerrard with Ben Johnson.

19 8X10 B/W photographs credited to Harry Drinkwater, Los Angeles, CA. From "Death and the Lady". Featuring Saida Gerrard with Ben Johnson.

3 uncredited color slides.

117 total items.

 2 18-37

 Dance notes 

Scope and Contents

26 pages of dance notes. Handwritten and typed.

7 sets of typed program notes. 2 pages per set.

33 total items.

 2 38

 Scores 

Scope and Contents

1 page photocopy score for "Pavane", part one of "Tapestry".

 2 39
Box

 Audio 1965 

Scope and Contents

4 reels of 1/4 inch magnetic audio tape. 1 tape is marked February 16, 1965.

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 26:  They All Want To Get Married 
Box Folder

 Programs 1944-1945 

Scope and Contents

2 original programs for "They All Want To Get Married" by Julie Berns. Saida Gerrard billed as "specialty dancer." Public Theatre, New York, NY. English and Hebrew. 1944-45.

 2 40

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 27:  Unanswered Question, The 
Box Folder

 Dance notes 

Scope and Contents

8 pages of handwritten dance notes on ruled paper.

 2 41
Box

 Audio 

Scope and Contents

4 reels of 1/4 inch magnetic audio tape. 2 of the reels also contain "Visions and Prophecies".

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 28:  Visions and Prophecies 

Historical note

Five scenes: 1. Premonition and Warning 2. Predatory Antagonism (also listed as Predatory Climate of Dessension) 3. Strife and Destruction (also listed as Dynamic Antagonism) 4. Visions (also listed as Awareness of Need for Harmony) 5. Prophecy (also listed as Resolution Toward the Future)
Box

 Video 

Scope and Contents

1 reel of 1/4 inch video tape.

 9
Map-case Drawer

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

1 10X6.25 B/W, 1 9.25X6.25 B/W, and 1 10X7.5 B/W photographs. Photographs are mounted on matted boards. Photography by Lyn Smith. 3 total photographs.

 8 1-2
Box Folder

 Dance notes 

Scope and Contents

10 pages of dance notes for "Visions and Prophesies". Notes on front and back of most pages.

 3 14

 Programs 

Scope and Contents

Programs for "Visions and Prophesies". Performed November 15 in the Philharmonic Auditorium. Year unknown. Choreographed by Saida Gerrard and performed by the Saida Gerrard Theatre Dance Co. 7 original and 3 photocopies. 10 items total.

 3 15
Map-case Drawer

 Ephemera 

Scope and Contents

4 6X24 paper advertisements for "Visions and Prophesies" performed in Idyllwild, in the Summer of 1955. Featured Saida Gerrard, Roma Bisgiri, Nancy Johnson, Edith Sewell, and Meryl Stritman.

4 items total.

 8 1
Box

 Audio 

Scope and Contents

3 reels of 1/4 inch magnetic audio tape. 2 reels also contain "The Unanswered Question."

 8

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 29:  Vitebsk Trio 
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

64 7.5X9.5, 1 4X6, and 2 5X7 B/W photographs taken by Lyn Smith.

2 4X6 color photographs.

3 8X10 B/W proof sheets.

1 slide.

73 total items.

 3 1-13

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 30:  Photographs 

Scope and Contents

This series contains photographs which cannot be linked to a particular dance. Photographs are of dances, rehearsals, and class sessions. Photographer listed when possible. 97 items total.
Box Folder

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

Photography by Arthur Dubinsky. 2 8X10 B/W photographs, 8 8X10 proof sheets. 10 items total.

 3 16, 26

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

Photography by Bill Isaacks. 5 8X10 B/W photographs.

 3 24

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

Photography by Ruth Lert. 7 8X10 B/W photographs.

 3 17

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

Photography by Jill Richards. 1 5X7 B/W and 4 3.25X4.75 B/W photographs. 1 8X10 proof sheet. 6 items total.

 3 18

 Heritage Dance Company 

Scope and Contents

2 4.25X3, 6 4.75X3.25, and 6 5X7 B/W photographs of Saida Gerrard teaching the Heritage Dance Co. at the University of Southern California. Photographer is not credited. 14 items total.

 3 19-21

 Photographs 

Scope and Contents

22 B/W and color photographs, 9 slides, and 1 proof sheet. Size ranges from 2.5X4.25 to 8X10. Uncredited professional and amateur photography of dances, rehearsals, classes, and candid photos. 32 items total.

 3 22, 23, 25, 27

 Fe Alf 

Scope and Contents

1 7X9 B/W photo of Fe Alf. Photo taken by Soichi Sunami, New York. 1934.

 3 30

 Charles Weidman Company 

Scope and Contents

2 8X10s, 7 3.5X2.25, and 1 5X7 B/W photographs of the Charles Weidman Company on tour. 2 slides of Charles Weidman. 10 photographs total.

 3 25, 28

 Mary Wigman 

Scope and Contents

1 3X5 B/W photograph of Mary Wigman. Uncredited.

 3 30

 Elizabeth Leese 

Scope and Contents

1 8X10 B/W photograph of Elizabeth Leese. Signed by Leese. 1945.

 3 30

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 31:  Notes 

Scope and Contents

Saida Gerrard's notebooks containing handwritten dance notes, contact info, appointments, and schedules. 9 notebooks total.

Loose leaf notes related to specific dances and to dance in general. Handwritten and typed. 21 pages total.
Box Folder

 Notes 

Scope and Contents

Notes related to specific dances and to dance in general. Handwritten and typed. 21 pages total.

This sub-series also contains auto-biographical notes.

6 pages of handwritten auto-biographical notes on ruled paper.

2 pages of handwritten auto-biographical notes on legal sized ruled paper.

6 pages (2 handwritten and 4 typed) of auto-biographical notes.

2 copies (1 original, 1 photocopy) of typed auto-biographical notes. 4 pages each.

1 transcript of an interview with Saida Gerrard. The interview was conducted by Karen Wickre for the Research Center for the Federal Theatre Project at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, on February 21, 1978 in Hollywood, CA. 28 total pages. Transcribed from an auido tape by Rhoda Durkan in October, 1978.

6 total documents. 50 total pages.

71 total pages.

 3 31-32

 Notebooks 

Scope and Contents

Saida Gerrard's notebooks containing handwritten dance notes, contact info, appointments, and schedules. 9 notebooks total.

 3 33-38

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 32:  Programs 1934-1973 

Scope and Contents

The programs in this sub-series are for events and workshops in which multiple dances were performed, or for which a particular dance cannot be identified.

Dated materials are from 09/27/34-03/21/62. Some materials are probably from before and after this range, but exact dates are not provided.

Most are in English, but a few are in Hebrew.

75 total items.

 Box
4		 Folder
1-20

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 33:  Correspondence 1933-1998 

Scope and Contents

Correspondence to and from Saida Gerrard. Contains letters, envelopes, telegrams, contracts. Handwritten and typed. Personal and business related. Dates range from 12/28/33-11/23/98. 113 items total.
Box Folder

 Correspondence 

Scope and Contents

Correspondence to and from Saida Gerrard. Contains letters, envelopes, and telegrams. Handwritten and typed. Personal and business related. Dates range from 12/28/33-11/23/98. 62 items total.

 4 21-26

 Contracts 

Scope and Contents

Contracts for performances and classes from 1945 - 1980. 18 contracts. 51 total items.

 4 27-28

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 34:  Publications 1935-1994 
Box Folder Box

 Publications 

Scope and Contents

The Curtain Call, volume 6, number 6, March 1935. The official publication of the Dominion Drama Festival, Toronto, Canada. 1 original, 2 photocopies. 3 total pages.

"The Language of Dance" by Saida Gerrard. The Jewish Standard, April 19, 1935. 5 photocopies.

Dance Observer, volume 6, number 4, April 1939. Contains an review of a Y.M.H.A. sponsored event of the Carousel Theatre Company's performance of "Mother Goose on Parade" and "Fancy Fanny's Judgment Day" on February 26, 1939. Original. 1 copy.

"Saida Gerrard Discusses 'The L.A. Problem'", by John Dougherty. Dance Magazine, March 1963. 5 original copies, 2 pages each. 10 total pages.

The Torch, congressional bulletin of University Synagogue. Volume 36, number 11, May 1980. 1 original, 2 photocopies. 3 total pages.

 4 29-30 7

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 35:  Scores 1961-1975 

Scope and Contents

These files contain original and commercial scores:

Commercially produced scores and photocopies. 35 total scores.

"Variations on an Elisabethan Folk Tune". Composed by Richard Grayson, 1961. 2 scores.

Toka #94. Pavana - molto largo. Composed by Kenneth Klaus, March 15, 1975. Presented to Saida Gerrard on March 20, 1975. 2 scores.

4 original scores total.

39 total scores.

 Box
5		 Folder
1-6

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 36:  Miscellaneous Ephemera 

 Teaching materials 

Scope and Contents

This sub-series contains items related to classes, workshops, and seminars taught by Saida Gerrard. Schedule of classes, programs, flyers, mailers, course packets, library holdings, and lecture notes. 1940-

New York Joint Council United Office and Professional Workers of America, C.I.O., Idyllwild Arts Foundation, University of Judaism, Aspen Music School, Sutro-Seyler School, UCLA, and USC.

78 items total.

 Box
5		 Folder
7-9

 Ephemera 1934-1980 

Scope and Contents

This sub-series contains miscellaneous ephemera.

Written ephemera contains information about Jewish life and rituals, articles written about Saida Gerrard, timetables, dance analysis, and library holdings. Originals and photocopies. Mostly in English with some materials in Hebrew. 18 items total, 57 pages total.

Visual ephemera contains items such as a 12"X12" needlepoint for the Heritage Dance Co. (1980), a 17X34 drawing on paper (torn) of Saida Gerrard, signs and desk plates for Saida Gerrard (4), works of art on construction paper (8), 6X24 paper advertisements for Saida Gerrard & Co. (4), and images of Saida Gerrard cut from photographs for graphic design (3). 20 items total.

This sub-series also contains items related to Saida Gerrard's dance studios. Advertisements, business cards, programs, Credo and background info. New York Wigman School of the Dance, New York; Studio of the Modern Dance, Toronto, Canada; Gerrard Theatre Dance Co., Hollywood, CA; Saida Gerrard Heritage Dance Co.; School of American Dance; Sutro-Seyler Studio, Los Angeles, CA; Studio of Contemporary Dance; Los Angeles, CA; Studio of Creative Dance, Los Angeles, Ca;

90 items total.

 Box
5		 Folder
10-15		 Box
6

 Clippings 

Scope and Contents

These files contain clippings from newspapers and magazines. Scrapbooks and loose clippings. The scrapbook and many of the photocopies contain multiple clippings. Originals and photocopies. Mostly in English, but a few of the clippings are in Hebrew. 106 total items.

 Box
5		 Folder
16-21

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 37:  Audio tapes 

Scope and Contents

6 reels of 1/4 inch magnetic audio tape:

3 reels contain "He's got the whole world in his hands"; "Pretty little horses"; "God's gonna cut you down"; "Maybe she go"; "Another man done gone"; "Ox driven song".

1 reel contains Francais Quintet Concert.

1 reel contains excerpts from works by the composers Stockhausen, Penderecki, Pousseur, Harry Partch, and Boulez.

1 reel contains "Allison" (1974) by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. Juilliard Ensemble conducted by Joseph Zwilich. In memorium of Allison Krause, who was killed at Kent State University, May 4, 1970.

1 audio cassette tape containing an interview with Saida Gerrard for the Federal Theatre Project, February 21, 1978.

2 unmarked audio cassettes.

 Box
7

Return to Table of Contents »

Series 38:  Costumes 

Scope and Contents

Costumes from Saida Gerrard's performances. 17 total pieces.

 Box
10

Return to Table of Contents »