Abstract The Detroit Recreation Department has had a long and storied history of mergers, re-naming, re-organizing, and re-structuring. Growing out of once separate Parks and Recreation Commissions, its history has long included a Recreation Division which administered a dance program as part of its Special Activities Unit. Shirley Harbin was hired in 1963 as a Senior Recreation Instructor in Drama, and by 1971, she was the Senior Recreation Instructor in Dramatics and Music. At the time Harbin was with...

Abstract Harriet Berg has been a choreographer, teacher, performer, and arts advocate in the Detroit area for many decades. Part 1 of her papers reflect her interest in all aspects of dance and other performing and fine arts, as well as her personal family life. Part 2 includes Berg’s work as director of the Renaissance Dance Company and Madame Cadillac Dance Theater, as well as her work with the Jewish Community Center and Camp Maas. Also included are materials relating to dance history, Isadora...

Abstract Leslie O'Day Benyo was the owner and artistic director of the O’Day School of Dance in Detroit from 1982-2010. A ballet student and performer from 1958-1998, O'Day Benyo has taught at various schools and special events in the Detroit area since 1973. She was also a member of the Cecchetti Council of America, an organization dedicated to teaching standards for ballet. Benyo's papers include items such as dance programs, photos of dancers, newsletters, emails, souvenir booklets,...