Jerome Robbins Dance Division at the New York Public Library, Preserving the History and Documentation of Dance
The grand Pas des élémens, at Her Majesty's Theatre, 1847, wood engraver Frederick J. Smythe
The Jerome Robbins Dance Division of The New York Public Library is the largest and most comprehensive archive in the world devoted to the documentation of dance. Chronicling the art of dance in all its forms, the Division acts as much more than a library. We preserve the history of dance by gathering diverse written, visual, and aural resources, and work to ensure the art form's continuity through active documentation and educational programs.
Founded in 1944, the Dance Division is used regularly by choreographers, dancers, critics, historians, journalists, publicists, filmmakers, graphic artists, students, and the general public. While the Division contains more than 44,000 books about dance, these account for only a small percent of its vast holdings. Other resources available for study free of charge include papers and manuscript collections, moving image and audio recordings, clippings and program files, and original prints and designs.
Circulating Collection
Consists of an extensive array of books, encyclopedias, periodicals and commercial DVDs which illuminate all aspects of theatrical and non-theatrical forms of dance. The collection is especially strong in dance history, dance instruction, and biographies of leading dance figures. Circulating and reference materials can be found on the Library’s 1st and 2nd floor.
Popular Research Collections
Archival Manuscripts and Rare Books
Twentieth century developments in the field of dance are chronicled through more than 1 million manuscript items. Ranging from choreographic notes, letters, and diaries, to contracts and financial records of major companies, such materials provide vivid primary source documents left by historical dance figures. Among the Division’s extensive collection of research books are rare books from the last five centuries.
Clippings, Program Files and Journals
The Castle gavotte : scrapbook
Articles culled from hundreds of American and foreign newspapers have been arranged under names of choreographers, dancers and companies to create thousands of clipping files. These, along with program files and an unsurpassed journal collection, aid in the process of primary-source research.
Iconography, Prints, and Designs
Prints, original designs, posters, and photographs provide rich insights into details of costume and set design, overall production development, as well as performance style. The Division’s collection of images portray a range of performances, set designs, companies and dancers, both notable and lesser-known, from the 17th century through current day.
Materials from the Research Collections can be accessed on the Library’s 3rd floor. Most materials, including moving image and audio recordings, are available to researchers on a daily, first-come, first-served basis, without appointment. For further information, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions.
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