Michigan Dance Archives: Genevieve Siegel Schoenberger Papers
Collection
Identifier: UP002081
Scope and Content
This collection includes Schoenberger's notations and dance notes, particularly from her study and teaching of Spanish and Flamenco dance, as well as other teaching materials. There is one box of vinyl recordings of the music used for her teaching and dancing. Also included are sheet music, brochures and programs from various dance performances and events, along with many issues of Dance Magazine from 1959 to 1989.
Dates
- 1950 - 1989
Creator
- Schoenberger, Genevieve Siegel (Person)
Language of Materials
Material entirely in English.
Access
Collection is open for research.
Use
Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library
Rules for Use of Archival Materials.
History
Genevieve Schoenberger (1910-1995), born Genevieve Siegel in Grand Rapids, MI, was a dancer and teacher credited with creating dance opportunities in the Ludington, MI, area beginning in the 1940s. The daughter of Russian immigrants, she graduated from Grand Rapids Union High School in 1928, paid her own way through Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University, and worked as a teacher until her marriage in 1937.
Dance was an important value in Schoenberger’s life from an early age, and she provided for lessons for her sisters and later her own children before embarking on her own dance career. Driving her daughters and son to classes at the Phil Osterhouse studio in Grand Rapids each week for two years ended when Schoenberger opened the carriage house in her backyard as a studio and persuaded a dance teacher to offer classes. Almost three generations of Ludington students were trained there by a succession of teachers, including Schoenberger’s daughter, Marlene.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that Schoenberger began her own dance training, first in ballet and later in Spanish and Flamenco dance, which became her specialty. She commuted to Detroit to study with noted dancer Ted Smith and learned to notate the dances. Her notations and dance notes, as well as other teaching materials, are included in this collection, as are vinyl recordings of the music used for her teaching and dancing. Also included are sheet music, brochures and programs from various dance performances and events along with many issues of Dance Magazine, from 1959 to 1989.
Extent
2.5 Linear Feet (2 SB, 1 OS)
Abstract
Genevieve Schoenberger (1910-1995), born Genevieve Siegel in Grand Rapids, MI, was a dancer and teacher credited with creating dance opportunities in the Ludington, MI, area beginning in the 1940s. This collection includes her notations and dance notes, particularly from her study and teaching of Spanish and Flamenco dance, as well as other teaching materials. There is one box of vinyl recordings of the music used for her teaching and dancing, many accompanied by dance notation documents. Also included are sheet music, brochures and programs from various dance performances and events, along with many issues of Dance Magazine from 1959 to 1989.
Arrangement
Folders are listed by their location within each box. They are not necessarily arranged, so any given subject may be dispersed throughout the entire collection.
Acquisition
Materials donated by Schoenberger's daughter, Lana Pollack, in 2006 and 2009.
Transfers
One box of vinyl recordings, many with dance notation documents, transferred to the Reuther Audiovisual Department.
Processing History
Processed and finding aid written by Aimee Ergas on May 24, 2018.
Creator
- Schoenberger, Genevieve Siegel (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Michigan Dance Archives: Genevieve Siegel Schoenberger Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by Aimee Ergas.
- Date
- 2018-05-24
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Walter P. Reuther Library Repository
Contact:
5401 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48202 USA
5401 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48202 USA