Peter Sparling papers, 1961-2013, bulk 1970-2000

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Summary

Creator:
Sparling, Peter.
Abstract:
Peter Sparling is Professor of Dance at the University of Michigan School of Music. Well known as both performer and choreographer, he has danced with Martha Graham and Jose Limon. Papers consist of materials relating to Sparling's dance training, performance, and teaching including background materials; choreography notes and sketches; correspondence; clippings and publicity from dance companies with whom he was associated; programs and reviews; photographs, video and film of performances; and posters.
Extent:
6 linear feet and 89.5 GB
Language:
English and The material is in English
Preferred citation:

[item], folder, box, Peter Sparling papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Background

Scope and content:

The Peter Sparling Papers include materials relating to Sparling's dance training, performance, and teaching. The papers are divided into eight series: Background Materials, Choreography, Correspondence, Dance Companies, Programs, Reviews, Photographs, Performance, Audition, and Rehearsal Videos, and Posters.

Biographical / historical:

Peter Sparling is Professor of Dance at the University of Michigan School of Music. Well known as both performer and choreographer, he has danced with Martha Graham and Jose Limon.

Sparling got his first dance training while on a scholarship for violin performance at Interlochen Arts Academy. He added dance to his major and graduated in 1969, and then attended The Juilliard School, receiving his B.F.A. in 1973. While still at Juilliard, Sparling began touring with the Jose Limon Dance Company, traveling to Europe, Russia and Asia. He co-founded Dance Mobile with Janet Eilber, Ange Wolf and Diana Hart, all of whom he met at Interlochen. In 1974, he married another dancer he had met while at Interlochen, Shelley Washington. They divorced after three years.

In 1973, after the death of Jose Limon, Sparling was invited to join the Martha Graham Dance Company. Graham dramatically influenced Sparling's performance and his choreography, and he created and performed his own works during the six years he was with the Graham Company. When he left the company in 1979, he formed Peter Sparling Presents Solo Flight, and then the Peter Sparling Dance Company, as vehicles for his choreography. He continued to dance occasionally with the Graham Company until 1987.

In 1984, after several teaching residencies in such institutions as Barnard College in New York, Florida State University, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre in Taiwan and the Laban Centre for Movement Studies in London, Sparling was hired as Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Dance Department. He was chair of the Department from 1988 through 1995. In 1984, he co-founded Ann Arbor Dance Works, the University of Michigan's resident dance company. In 1993, Peter founded the Peter Sparling Dance Co. a non-profit organization that continues today. Further information about Sparling's dance company or current work see http://www.dancegalleryfoundation.org.

Acquisition information:
Materials were donated by Peter Sparling (donor no. 8992) beginning in 2001.
Processing information:

Accruals:

Periodic additions to the records expected.

Physical facet:
online
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Access to some of the online digital files in the Performance, Audition, and Rehearsal Videos series is restricted to viewing the Bentley Library Reading Room and at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Equipment needed to view the DVC-Pro digital cassettes in this series is not currently available at the Bentley Library. Contact the reference archivist to arrange for duplication of tapes.

Terms of access:

Copyright is retained by Peter Sparling. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

Preferred citation:

[item], folder, box, Peter Sparling papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Location of this collection:
1150 Beal Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA