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The Background Materials series, (.10 linear feet, 1967-1999), includes a curriculum vitae with a chronological list of Sparling's choreographic works through the year 1999, a journal written while he was on tour in the Soviet Union in 1973, news clippings, and other biographical materials.

The Correspondence series, (.10 linear feet, 1979-1998), primarily contains letters written by Sparling to his mother, and postcards sent to his family while he was on tour. The letters cover the years from his first at Interlochen in 1966 through 1999, and include personal insights and descriptions of people, performances, and life on tour.

The Dance Companies series, (.10 linear feet, 1974-1999), includes clippings and publicity from three dance companies Sparling was intimately involved with--Ann Arbor Dance Works, Dance Gallery/Peter Sparling & Co., and the Martha Graham Dance Company.

The PHOTOGRAPHS series (one linear foot and one oversize box) includes prints, negatives, and slides. Photographs are divided into five categories: Sparling Choreography, Other Choreographers, Studio Shots, Non-Dance Photographs, and Oversize Photographs. The photographs are described by choreographer, title, type of photograph (performance, rehearsal, studio shot, head shot, or non-dance photograph), names of the performers (if applicable), location, date and photographer (if known). The numbers of prints, negatives and slides are also listed.

The final series is POSTERS, (20 linear feet, 1974-1994). Included are a number of posters from various performances by Sparling or of one of his works. They are dated from 1974 to 1994. Also included in this series are thirteen oversized drawings. The drawings are mainly artist's sketches in pastel, ink, and watercolors that were later used for program covers.

The series, Programs (.25 linear feet, 1961-2001), contains an incomplete set of performance programs for events at which Sparling performed, or performances of his works by other dancers. The programs are dated 1961 through 2001, and include programs from Sparling's early performances with the violin. Most contain program notes, and biographical information about the performers.

The Reviews series, (.25 linear feet, 1966-1999), contains clippings of articles about works or performances by Sparling. These articles include critical reviews, biographical pieces, and general announcements.