Elizabeth R. Hayes papers, 1881-2007

Elizabeth R. (Betty) Hayes (1911-2007) was born in Ithaca, New York to Emilie C. Roths and Leslie D. Hayes. She was a dancer, choreographer for more than 40 dances, and director of more than 35 dance concerts, lectures, demonstrations, and other dance productions during her career.

She received her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in 1932, a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin (Madison) in 1935, and then a Doctorate from Stanford University in 1949.

Hayes was a dance instructor for many years teaching at Fairmont State Teachers College, Rockford College, University of Wisconsin, and finally at the University of Utah, where she taught for 48 years. While at the University of Utah, she was the founder and former director of the dance major department and professor emerita of modern dance. She retired from the University in June 1988.

She has authored many articles and books on teaching dance and dance composition/production. These include two teaching manuals titled Dance Composition and Production and An Introduction to the Teaching of Dance. The last manuscript she wrote is titled The Evolution of Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts. She also co-authored a book titled A Guide to Dance Production.

She was involved with several professional organizations and has served as president of the National Dance Association, and was a charter member and president of the National Council of Dance Administrator. She has earned 23 honors and awards throughout her career given to her nationally, by the University of Utah, and by the State of Utah.