Irina Baronova - William McDermott letters, 1977 - 2007
Scope and Contents
Correspondence from Russian ballerina Irina Baronova to ballet conductor William McDermott, both of whom were a part of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Irina Baronova discusses her travels, former colleagues such as George Zoritch and Bronislava Nijinska, her family and writing her memoirs. The bulk of the letters were written when both Baronova and McDermott were in their 60s and 70s.
Dates
- Creation: 1977 - 2007
Creator
- Baronova, Irina (19190313-20080628) (Person)
- McDermott, William, 1916- (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. When requesting access to a small collection, please include the File Identifier (eg. MSS-SM ###) in your request.
Biographical Notes
Irina Baronova (1919-2008) was a Russian-born ballerina whose family fled Russia in 1920. She rose to fame as a part of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and enjoyed a successful career as a dancer, actress, and teacher. She is also the mother of British actress Victoria Tennant. She passed away in Australia in 2008.
William McDermott (1916-2017) served as a conductor with the Ballet Russe. He passed away in Naples, Florida in 2017.
The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo was a travelling ballet company that began in Paris in 1909 and was renowned for its use of avant-garde art and innovative choreography. At least two members of Butler University’s dance faculty were affiliated with the Ballet Russe, including George Verdak, and at one time Butler held several Ballet Russe scenery backdrops.
Extent
0.01 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
William McDermott donated this collection to Butler University Libraries in 2010.
Bibliography
“William McDermott, 1916-2017", WoollyWesternEye, published October 3, 2019, accessed May 23, 2024, https://woollywesterneye.wordpress.com/2017/10/03/william-mcdermott-1916-2017/
“Ballets Russes,” Wikipedia, last edited May 9, 2024, accessed May 23, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballets_Russes
Subject
- Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Butler University Special Collections and University Archives Repository
4600 Sunset Avenue
Irwin Library 345
Indianapolis Indiana 46208 United States
specialcollections@butler.edu