Archives West Finding Aid
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Karen Irvin and Mea Hartman dance films, circa 1956-1972
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- Karen Irvin and Mea Hartman dance films
- Dates
- circa 1956-1972 (inclusive)19561972
- Quantity
- 36 film reels (8 hrs., 16,875 ft.) : sound, silent ; color, black and white ; 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm
- Collection Number
- PH1342
- Summary
- The collected films of Karen Irvin and Mea Hartman, many of which pertain to Irvin and Hartman's work with the Cornish College of the Arts ballet program
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
Access to the original films is restricted due to preservation concerns. Arrangements can be made to view the films by contacting the Visual Materials Curator.
- Languages
- English
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Born in Hastings, Pennsylvania, ca. 1910, Karen Irvin moved with her family to Seattle, Washington at age 8. It was there that she began to study ballet with Caird Leslie, Lee Foley, and ultimately with Nellie Cornish of the Cornish School (now Cornish College of the Arts). She studied briefly in New York, then returned to the northwest where she opened a ballet studio in West Seattle. Irvin joined the Cornish faculty in 1945, and in 1952 she became head of the institution's dance department. Four years later, she co-founded Cornish Ballet -- an early contributor to the regional ballet movement -- with her longtime companion, Mea Hartman. Irvin headed the dance department at Cornish for 27 years, and was responsible for designing the college's dance degree program. She trained dancers for companies such as the Joffrey Ballet, Twyla Tharp Dance, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and National Ballet of Canada, and worked to raise Seattle's stature in the dance world. Miss Irvin died of heart failure on March 2, 1999, at the age of 89.
Pamela W. Hartman, known as Mea, worked with Karen Irvin in presenting dance productions for Cornish School. She was also a board member of Pacific Northwest Ballet Association, serving on its Council of Dance Educators ca. 1972, and participated in Pacific Regional Ballet Association's regional convention in Seattle in 1972. Hartman served as secretary of New Dimensions in Music, a Seattle contemporary music group in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In addition, she was treasurer of Evergreen Opera Theatre, a 1982 attempt to present chamber operas in English in Seattle. Hartman also served as a board member of the Early Music Guild, a Seattle organization, from 1982-1983, and as communications director of the Northwest Folklife Festival in 1983.
Historical BackgroundReturn to Top
Cornish College of the Arts is a fully accredited institution in the Denny Triangle and Capitol Hill neighborhoods of Seattle, Washington that offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance, Theater, Performance Production, Design, and Fine Art, as well as the Bachelor of Music degree. Today it is nationally recognized as a premier college for the visual and performing arts, and one of only three fully accredited private colleges in the entire nation dedicated to educating both performing and visual artists. Founded in 1914 as the Cornish School of Music, the name was changed a few years later, in 1920, to The Cornish School. In the 1950s, the name was lengthened to the Cornish School of Allied Arts; in 1977 it became the Cornish Institute of Allied Arts, and in 1986, the Cornish College of the Arts.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The Karen Irvin and Mea Hartman film collection consists primarily of moving images created during Irvin and Hartman's tenure with the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. These films appear to be both working sketches and full dress rehearsals of pieces ultimately meant for the Cornish stage.
Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top
The films in this collection contain neither title cards nor credits. Individual film titles have been derived from canister and box labels present at the time of donation.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact the Special Collections division of the University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Cornish Ballet FilmsReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| viewcopy | item | ||
| VC428 | 1 |
Bach Female and male dancers performing in dark-colored, minimal
dress. No set dressing or props. Basic stage lighting, with backlit screen at
the rear of the stage.
Original1 film reel (15 minutes, 550 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1957 |
| Reel | |||
| 2 | 2 | Brahms 1 film
reel (15 minutes, 550 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers performing in classical ballet dress.
Curtained, backlit backdrop with no props.
|
circa 1957 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC429 | 3 |
Charades Female and male dancers performing in light-colored dress meant
to reflect popular clothing of the 1950s. Four draperies with cross pattern as
set dressing. No props. Basic stage lighting, with backlit screen at the rear
of the stage.
Original1 film reel (17 minutes, 600 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1957 |
| VC430 | 4 |
Red Death Female and male dancers in dark, hooded, caped costumes. One
female dancer in light-colored costume without a hood, possibly meant to be the
embodiment of the plague. All dancers fall at the conclusion of the piece,
excepting the dancer in the light colored costume. No props. Dark, translucent
draperies as set dressing. Basic stage lighting, with backlit screen at the
rear of the stage.
Original1 film reel (18 minutes, 650 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1957 |
| VC431 | 5 |
Spectrum Part one: Three female dancers and one male dancer in costumes
from an undetermined period; minimal set and lighting, with slight stairs at
the rear; ornamental staff as a prop. Part two: Two female dancers and one male
dancer, in costumes from an undetermined period with feathered headwear; set
dressing from part one, with brighter lighting. Part three: Six female dancers
in classical ballet dress; set dressing from previous parts, with bright
lighting. Part four: Rehearsal segments with various female/male dancers;
performers out of costume; set dressing from previous parts, with lowered
lighting.
Original1 film reel (27 minutes, 975 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1957 |
| VC432 | 6 |
Wasps, Theft of
Brooch Part one: Female and male dancers dressed possibly as 19th
century youths; books as props. Part two: Silhouetted figures, backlit by rear
of stage, dancing; the scene repeats with lighting; a tall, hatted man
interacting with dancers dressed as youths. Part three: Two benches and three
stools to simulate a courtroom, with three figure dressed as powdered wig
judges at the rear of the stage. Part four: Short rehearsal segments of varying
length, in and out of costume, separated by blank frames.
Original1 film reel (42 minutes, 1450 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1957 |
| VC433 | 7 |
Circa 1870, Ah-Fickle
Fate First part: Female dancers in classical ballet dress. Sheer
overhead and rear drapery as set dressing, with basic stage lighting. Second
part: Male dancer in a tuxedo, with flowers as a prop. Dancing in front of a
theater advertisement, which is removed to reveal a waiting room consisting of
a circular couch and a plant. Female dancer in American 1920s attire enters
from curtained doorway with the same flowers, and the couple dances around the
couch.
Original1 film reel (27 minutes, 975 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1959 |
| VC434 | 8 |
Encounter One female dancer in light-colored dress and tights, and three
male dancers in light-colored billowy shirts and tights. Three lengths of
spiraled material at rear as backdrop, with basic stage lighting.
Original1 film reel (12 minutes, 400 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
The original canister and reel are unlabeled. The dance on this
reel is a different performance of the dance labeled "Encounter" on reel 9.
|
circa 1959 |
| Reel | |||
| 9 | 9 | Encounter, Patrie 1 film
reel (22 minutes, 800 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Part one: One female dancer in light-colored dress and tights,
and three male dancers in light-colored billowy shirts and tights. Three
lengths of spiraled material at rear as backdrop, with basic stage lighting.
Part two: Female and male dancers in uniforms of undetermined origin. Row of
flags as backdrop, with tricolor flags as dancing props.
|
circa 1960 |
| 10 | 10 | Sugar & Spice 1 film
reel (14 minutes, 500 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers in youthful costumes, possibly meant to
invoke the 19th century. Ornamental doorway and two stools at rear of stage.
Basic lighting throughout.
|
circa 1960 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC435 | 11 |
Patterns I Female and male dancers in dark-colored dress, waving fabrics of
different tones. Basic stage lighting. No stage dressing.
Original1 film reel (13 minutes, 450 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1961 |
| VC436 | 12 |
Class, Patterns I Part one: Dance rehearsal segments. Part two: Female and male
dancers in dark-colored dress, waving fabrics of different tones. Basic stage
lighting. No stage dressing.
Original1 film reel (9 minutes, 300 feet) : silent, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1961 |
| VC437 | 13 |
Patterns II Female and male dancers in dark-colored dress, waving fabrics of
different tones. Basic stage lighting. No stage dressing.
Original1 film reel (12 minutes, 400 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1961 |
| VC438 | 14 |
L'Etoile Female and male dancers in costumes of an undetermined period,
possibly fantastical. Trees and stars represent a wooded area at night. The
stage lighting is expressive. The theme of the dance is astronomical in nature,
and telescopes are used as props.
Original1 film reel (18 minutes, 600 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1962 |
| VC439 | 15 |
La Chasse Female and male dancers in fancy dress costumes of an
undetermined date. A tree at rear center stage serves as the backdrop.
Original1 film reel (23 minutes, 800 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1963 |
| VC440 | 16 |
Opus 29 Female dancers in dark, thin-strapped dresses, and male dancers
in dark shirts and slacks. One to three folding ladders are used as props. A
dark stage, with expressive overhead spotlights.
Original1 film reel (19 minutes, 675 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1963 |
| VC441 | 17 |
Salutation Female dancers in white strapless dresses, and male dancers in
billowing shirts, vests and tights. An undressed set, with spotlights on
dancers.
Original1 film reel (19 minutes, 675 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1963 |
| VC442 | 18 |
Time of Parting Three female performers, dressed in costumes from an
undetermined period in European history, dance and play stringed instruments.
Dressed set, with flowers on a pedestal, layered curtains, and a backless
chair. Dramatic lighting.
Original1 film reel (9 minutes, 300 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1963 |
| VC443 | 19 |
Chrysalis Female and male dancers in ballet tights with capes and
billowing sleeves and waists. Set consists of sheer, layered curtains that rise
to further open the stage as the piece progresses. No props, with basic stage
lighting.
Original1 film reel (14 minutes, 500 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1964 |
| Reel | |||
| 20 | 20 | Les Grenadiers 1 film
reel (19 minutes, 675 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers in costumes of an undetermined period.
Minimal set dressing, with ornamental railing at rear of stage. Basic
lighting.
|
circa 1964 |
| 21 | 21 | Grenadiers 1 film
reel (27 minutes, 975 feet) : silent, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers in ballet rehearsals. The reel is a
series of short rehearsal fragments.
|
circa 1964 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC444 | 22 |
Moire I Two female dancers in dark-colored, minimal dress, using light
and shadow on a backlit screen at the rear of the stage. The stage is dark,
with spotlights used to enhance use of shadows.
Original1 film reel (5 minutes, 200 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1968 |
| Reel | |||
| 23 | 23 | Moire II 1 film
reel (19 minutes, 675 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers in dark-colored, minimal dress. The
backdrop consists of geometric shapes, with rectangular risers for dancers.
|
circa 1964, 1968 |
| 24 | 24 | Force I 1 film
reel (12 minutes, 400 feet) : silent, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers in dark-colored, minimal dress. The
stage is well lit and undressed.
|
circa 1969 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC445 | 25 |
Xilonen One female and nine male dancers in fantastical yellow costumes
with red and blue capes. Expressive lighting, with a pyramid-shaped prop as a
backdrop.
Original1 film reel (7 minutes, 300 feet) : sound, color ; 16mm
|
circa 1970 |
Fragments and AnniversaryReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reel | item | ||
| 25a | 25a | Spectrum and Theft of Brooch Cast
Cue and Light Test 1
reel (2 minutes, 50 feet) : silent, black and
white ; 16mm
Various dancers moving across a lit stage. Costumes from the
dances "Spectrum" and "Theft of Brooch" are worn and tested by the dancers.
Technical tests for reels five and six in this collection.
|
circa 1956 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC453 | 26 | Ballet Fragments Fragments from various Cornish ballet performances, each with
distinctive lighting and dress. Footage is handheld and underexposed.
Original1 film reel (19 minutes, 300 feet) : silent, color ; 8mm
The original canister is labeled "Miscellaneous."
|
circa 1962 |
| VC454 | 27 | Salutation 10th
Anniversary Female dancers in white strapless dresses, and male dancers in
billowing shirts, vests and tights. An undressed set, with spotlights on
dancers.
Original1 film reel (2 minutes, 50 feet) : sound, black and white ;
16mm
|
circa 1963 |
| Reel | |||
| 27a | 27a | La Chasse Fragment 1
reel (2 minutes, 50 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers in fancy dress costumes of an
undetermined date.
Rehearsal fragment of reel fifteen in this collection.
|
circa 1963 |
| 27b | 27b | Ladders 1 reel (4 minutes, 100 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
A female dancer in a dark, thin-strapped dress moves among three
tall folding ladders.
Possibly a variation or a fragment of Opus 29, reel sixteen in
this collection.
|
circa 1964 |
| 27c | 27c | Grenadiers Test 1
reel (2 minutes, 50 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Female and male dancers in costumes of an undetermined period.
Minimal set dressing, with ornamental railing at rear of stage. Basic
lighting.
Rehearsal fragment of reel twenty in this collection.
|
circa 1964 |
| 27d | 27d | Encounter Fragment 1
reel (4 minutes, 100 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
One female dancer in light-colored dress and tights, and three
male dancers in light-colored billowy shirts and tights. Three lengths of
spiraled material at rear as backdrop, with basic stage lighting.
Rehearsal fragment of reels eight and nine in this
collection.
|
circa 1964 |
| 27e | 27e | The Fall 1
reel (2 minutes, 50 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Two female dancers in long, dark skirts and white tights dance
on an undressed stage with basic lighting.
|
1969 |
| 27f | 27f | Students
Divertissement 1
reel (5 minutes, 200 feet) : sound, black and
white ; 16mm
Five female dancers and one male dancer in contemporary
costumes, performing a modern dance.
|
1969 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC455 | 28 | Maybe West of Moon Fragments of a performance in rehearsal. Female and male dancers
in white shirts and black tights, and more female dancers in white tights and
leotards of varying bright colors. The backdrop consists of a horizontal bar
that holds vertically placed rectangles, and this bar is flanked by curtains.
Dancers periodically interact with this bar, spinning the rectangles.
Original1 film reel (19 minutes, 300 feet) : silent, color ; super
8mm
|
circa 1972 |
| VC456 | 29 | Part of West of Moon Female dancer in fairy-type dress and star-topped wand dances in
front of a curtain decorated with large stars. The curtain opens to reveal two
female dancers in 19th century fancy dress, holding a striped hatbox in each
hand. Futher dance fragments feature still more fanciful dress meant to
resemble members of the animal family.
Original1 film reel (2 minutes, 50 feet) : silent, black and white ;
16mm
|
undated |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Ballet dancers--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Ballet programs--Washington (State)--Seattle
Personal Names
- Hartman, Mea, 1930-1983--Archives
- Irvin, Karen (Ballet dancer)--Archives
Corporate Names
- Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle, Wash.)--Faculty
- Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle, Wash.)--Students
Form or Genre Terms
- Motion pictures
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Hartman, Mea, 1930-1983, (creator)
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Moving Image Collections (University of Washington)
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
